Injection molding process including in-mold laser gate cutting

A multi-shot injection molding tool for producing a molded part, comprising:

• a mold including a first mold half and a second mold half defining a first cavity defines a shape of a first part portion and a projecting portion and a second cavity defining a shape of a second part portion that at least partially surrounds the first part portion;
• a laser;
• a positioning device;
• a first injector;
• a second injector;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• cause the positioning device to close the first mold half and the second mold half;
• cause the first injector to inject a first shot of molten plastic using a shot gate located along the projecting portion to mold the first part portion of the molded part;
• cause the positioning device to open the second mold half;
• cause the positioning device and the laser to trim the projecting portion while the first part portion is located in one of the first mold half and the second mold half;
• cause the positioning device to rotate at least one of the first mold half and the second mold half;
• cause the positioning device to close the second mold half;
• and
• cause the second injector to inject a second shot into the mold to form the second part portion.