Molding system with integrated film heaters and sensors
AssigneeHusky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
InventorsHarold Godwin, George Olaru, David Whiffen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved mold manifold and hot runner nozzle using thin film elements include at least one active or passive thin film element disposed along a melt channel between the manifold inlet and the hot runner nozzle. Preferably, the thin film element may comprise a thin film heater in direct contact with the molten resin and position to aid in the heat and flow management of the resin within the melt channel. Thin film temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and leak detectors may also be provided in the vicinity of the melt channel to enhance process control in the injection molding machine.
Claims41
An injection molding nozzle heater, comprising:
- a first dielectric layer;
- a resistive heating element on the first dielectric layer;
- two electric terminals in electrical communication with the resistive heating element;
- and
- a second dielectric layer applied over the heating element.
An injection molding nozzle, comprising:
- a metal nozzle body;
- a first electrically insulative layer on the nozzle body;
- a resistive heating element on the first electrically insulative layer;
- electric terminals in electrical communication with the resistive heating element;
- and
- a second electrically insulative layer applied over the heating element.
An injection molding nozzle heater for heating a nozzle, comprising:
- a cylindrical heat-conducting substrate adapted to be placed, in use, over an outer surface of the nozzle;
- a first dielectric layer on an outer cylindrical surface of said substrate;
- a conductive-ink resistive heating element on said first dielectric layer, said heating element being formed in a pattern and arranged, in use, to cause heating of the nozzle through the substrate, said heating element having contact terminals arranged to support an electrical connection to the heating element;
- and
- a second dielectric layer extending over said heating element, but not covering the contact terminals, thereby permitting, in use, coupling of the heater element to an electrical supply.
An injection molding hot runner nozzle heater located, in use, on an outer surface of the nozzle, the nozzle heater comprising:
- a dielectric layer located on the outer surface of the nozzle;
- a resistive heater formed by a film layer on said dielectric layer, the film layer a conductive ink disposed in a pattern on the dielectric layer;
- an insulative layer covering said heater layer;
- and
- two electrical contacts in contact with said resistive heater and accessible through the insulative layer.
An injection molding hot runner nozzle heater located, in use, on an outer surface of the nozzle, the nozzle heater comprising:
- a dielectric layer located on the outer surface of the nozzle;
- a resistive heater formed by a patterned film layer disposed on said dielectric layer, the film being a conductive ink;
- an insulative layer covering said heater layer;
- and
- two electrical contacts in contact with said resistive heater and accessible through the insulative layer.
An injection molding nozzle comprising:
- a metal nozzle body having an outer cylindrical surface;
- a film dielectric layer deposited over the outer cylindrical surface;
- a resistive heater formed by a film-based layer deposited in a pattern on a portion of said dielectric layer;
- first and second electrical contacts deposited on said dielectric layer and in electrical contact with respective first and second ends of said resistive heater;
- and
- an electrical insulation layer deposited over said resistive heater, but through which electrical insulation layer the first and second electrical contacts are contactable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.