Methods of retrofitting injection molding machines

A method of retrofitting an injection molding machine, the method comprising:

• retrofitting an injection molding machine that molds production versions of plastic objects, wherein the injection molding machine includes an injection unit, a nozzle in fluid communication with the injection unit, a mold in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a native controller that is programmed with at least a portion of an original mold cycle for the mold, wherein the original mold cycle has a maximum original injection pressure for a given material, and wherein the native controller at least partially controls injection pressures of the machine according to the original mold cycle, wherein the retrofitting includes:
• providing a secondary retrofit controller that is separate from the native controller and is programmed with at least a portion of a retrofit mold cycle for the mold, wherein the retrofit mold cycle has a maximum retrofit injection pressure for the given material that is 10-60% less than the maximum original injection pressure;
• and
• establishing signal communication between an output of the retrofit controller and the injection molding machine, such that the retrofit controller at least partially controls injection pressures of the machine according to the retrofit mold cycle, wherein the establishing includes establishing communication between the retrofit controller and the native controller.