Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Altuglas Injection - Moulding Resins
Altuglas Injection - Moulding Resins
GATES
GATES
Gates size, shape and placement affect the flow pattern
of the material entering the mould and may influence the
temperature, fill time and overall part quality. In parts of
variable cross section the gate should be located in the
thickest section to minimize fill problems. Parts are
usually weakest in the region near the gate, therefore, an
unstressed area should be considered for the location of
the gate. Gate transition from full round and trapezoidal
runner is shown in the following figure.
R
d
3/4 W
f
aWs
s
2/3 W
FULL ROUND
TRAPEZOIDAL
Parting line
Parting line
10
TYPE OF GATE
SPECIFICATIONS
APPLICATIONS/REMARKS
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
TEMP
FUEL
E
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
11
TYPE OF GATE
SPRUE gate
COLD
SPRUE
SHORT SPRUE
from hot extended
nozzle
Fig. 7
SUBMARINE gate
SPECIFICATIONS
COLD SPRUE:
diameter 9 mm for a long sprue.
SPRUE-SHORT:
from 13 to 25 mm long diameter 5 mm.
SPRUE-HOT:
Diameter: 2.5 mm.
APPLICATIONS/REMARKS
Use when it is possible to run
the sprue directly into the mould
(leaves de-gating scar).
Hot sprue bushing eliminates
all but a very small de-gating scar.
Parting
line
Fig. 8
Shortened
knock out pin
Fig. 9
DIAPHRAGM gate
Diaphragm removed
when degated
Fig. 10
RING gate
Fig. 11
SPOKE gafe
Fig. 12
12
O 16
O 16
O 9.5
0.5
O4
13
Venting
Introduction
When calculating the cavity dimension it is important to
allow for polymer shrinkage during moulding.
The position and shape of the cooling channels depend
on the part being moulded and must always ensure
complete filling. Moulds are cored for the circulation of
a liquid usually oil, to provide adequate control of cavity
temperature. Good mould temperature control is
important for uniform cooling of the part and it helps
minimize stresses and shorten the moulding cycle.
Good mould temperature control is achieved if the mould
surface returns to the same temperature at the
beginning of each cycle and the temperature differentials
across the cavity surface served by cooling are at the
minimum.
As the mould fills, the hot plastic displaces the air in the
cavities. Many moulds have adequate clearance around
the knock out pins and at the parting line to serve as a
vent.
However, if voids or burned areas are encountered in the
part, adequate clearance for venting must be provided.
3 mm HALF-ROUND GROOVE
VENT TO ATMOSPHERE
VENT TO ATMOSPHERE
X
X = 19 to 32 mm
1,6 mm LAND/RELIEVE
(if necessary 0.0254 mm)
D = 13 to 17 mm
14
Polishing
0,8
Shrinkage (%)
0,7
0,6
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
800
1000
1200
1400
Applied pressure (bars)
Shrinkage (%)
0,6
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,8
0,7
0,7
0,6
0,6
Shrinkage (%)
Shrinkage (%)
0,8
0,4
0,3
80
100
Mould temperature (C)
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,2
0,1
60
Shrinkage vs thickness
0,5
40
0,1
1
4
5
6
7
Sample thickness (mm)
200
220
240
260
Melt temperature (C)
15
100 % H.R.
% humidity absorbed
1,6
90 % H.R.
1,4
1,2
1,0
65 % H.R.
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
40
80
120
160
200
240
Time (min)
16
0.001 mm per mm
65 %
0.002 mm per mm
80 %
0.003 mm per mm
radius
Wall thickness
While the wall thickness of Altuglas moulded parts is a
function of load under service conditions, the need for
evenness is an essential consideration. Major or abrupt
variations in thickness may lead to material deformation
and sink marks resulting from differential rate of mould
shrinkage. Whenever variations in wall thickness are
unavoidable, these should be gradual, and the injection
gate position so designed as to enable the melt to flow
from thinner section.
0.6 E
Corners
Corners should be rounded, sharp internal angles
should be avoided because of the potential high stress
concentration which may be generated.
The radius/wall thickness ratio should be no less than
0.6 to keep internal stress levels within acceptable limits.
In practice a 1.0 to 1.5 mm radius gives good results.
NO
YES
Void
Sink mark
Bad design
Good design
17
1
2
3
4
5
MOULD
INJECTION
UNIT
closed
locked
forward
open
retracted
held closed
SCREW
stroke
compacting
filling by
rotation
PRESSURE
increasing
maximum
residual
filling
POLYMER
cooling
part-ejection
18
ALTUGLAS
GRADES
TEMPERATURE
C
TIME
HOURS
VMVML
65 - 70
2-4
V 920T
70 - 75
2-4
V825T
80 - 85
2-4
HT 121
90 - 100
2-4
MI 2 T
80 - 85
2-4
MI 4 T
80 - 85
2-4
MI 7 T
75 - 80
2-4
DRT
75 - 80
2-4
HF I7
70 - 75
2-4
HFI 10
70 - 75
2-4
0,35
% residual moisture into granules
0,3
0,25
A
B
C
0,2
0,15
0,1
0,05
0
1
19
Moisture to high
20
TECHNOLOGY
QUALITY OF PART
0.15 / 0.20 %
Injection moulding
0.10 %
Injection moulding
0.07 %
Injection moulding
0.05%
Injection moulding
0.03 %
Altuglas
grades
Rear
C
Centre
C
Front
C
Nozzle
C
Mold
C
Melt
C
VM
170-190
175-195
185-200
180-195
50-60
200
V920T
195-215
205-225
210-230
210-220
70-80
230
V825T
205-225
215-235
225-245
220-240
75-85
240
HT 121
210-230
220-235
230-245
230-240
80-90
240
Altuglas
grades
Rear
C
Centre
C
Front
C
Nozzle
C
Mold
C
Melt
C
MI2T
205-225
215-235
225-245
220-240
75-85
240
MI4T
200-220
210-230
225-235
220-230
75-85
235
MI7T
210-225
215-225
220-230
225-235
70-80
235
DRT
215-230
225-235
235-245
230-240
70-80
245
HFI7
190-210
215-225
220-230
215-225
60-70
225
HFI10
200-215
225-235
230-240
225-235
60-70
235
21
PS
0.91
PC
0.97
SAN
PMMA
0.88
0.95
residence time =
Injection capacity x 2
Item weigh
total cycle
60
22
MOULD TEMPERATURE
The mould temperature is extremely important since it
affects overall properties of the item (both aesthetic and
physical).
We recommend for Altuglas grades the mould
temperature is perfectly controlled. The effects on the
item of incorrect mould temperatures are:
low mould temperature: cavity filling problem,
orientation and residual stress in the item and bad
surface (i.e. orange skin, flow lines). Reason for the
use of the low temperature is a reduction in total
cycle time. However the final result is a decrease of
production efficiency due to higher reject levels of
the items.
high mould temperature: good filling of the cavity,
better physical properties of the items and longer
cooling time before ejection of the item. Hence
increasing of total cycle time. Reason for the use high
temperature is to increase performance of the item
photometry capacity, thermal and chemical
resistance.
(see page 21 for mould temperature values)
Injection pressure
Injection speed
Pressure
D
Time
23
PS contamination
2%
35
25
20
20
40
60
80
Mould temperature (C)
MATERIAL HANDLING
The excellent colour, clarity of Altuglas acrylic resins can
be jeopardized with poor material handling.
We package our resins in heavy gauge, moisture
resistant polyethylene lined cartons.
The liner should be slit with a knife: tearing the liner may
cause contamination with polyethylene particles. When
loading hoppers, the container lid should be wiped clean
to avoid contamination. The container should be kept
covered during the run to keep dust and dirt from
contaminating the contents of the container. The
container should be resealed when not in use. Hopper
loaders must be assembled and cleaned before loading if
previously used for anything other than PMMA. Similarly,
the machine hoppers should be vacuumed and wiped
down before use.
A small amount of polystyrene or other transparent
plastic such as PC or SAN can contaminate an entire
hopper load.
24
REGRIND
When regrind is used, the level should be kept to 10 to
20 % of virgin material. The use of regrind does not harm
physical properties, but may affect colour and
appearance due to increased risk of contamination
during handling. Regrind should not be allowed to
accumulate since it will readily pick up moisture and be
very difficult to dry correctly.
PURGING
Changing from one grade of Altuglas resin to another is
readily done by emptying the barrel, resetting the heats
for the new grade and running the machine like an
extruder to clean the screw. A good purging procedure is
to empty the cylinder of all previous material and to
clean the hopper and feed throat. Start the cleaning with
clean acrylic regrind using cylinder temperatures
of 230 260 C
Colour changes can be handled in a similar manner but
may take slightly longer to clear the last traces of
previous material.
SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE
For a short hold period (one hour or less):
1. STOP RESIN FEED
2. RETRACT CARRIAGE
3. LOWER BARREL HEAT (150C)
4. RUN SCREW TO EMPTY CYLINDER
5. LEAVE SCREW IN FORWARD POSITION
WITH CARRIAGE BACK
For an extended shutdown, follow the above procedure,
except all heaters can be turned off when the barrel is
empty.
25
Moulding defects
MOULDING DEFECTS
INSUFFICIENT FILLING
SURFACE IRREGULARITIES
These are generally caused by inadequate packing
of the polymer or an excessive shrinkage.
In the first case, increase the mould and polymer
temperature and the injection and filling pressures to
achieve a better flow of molten polymer. If necessary
also improve the geometry of the injection runner/
sprue. In the second case, achieve finer control over
shrinkage by varying the temperatures of the mould and
polymer during injection.
If necessary stop shrinkage by quenching the part in
water at 40-50 C.
26
Moulding defects
WELD LINES
On flat surfaces
Transparent bubbles
Close to reliefs
The phenomenon is then caused by incorrect flow
caused by protrusion or patterns included in the shape
of the cavity. Two streams meet behind the protrusion
and the defect may be more or less visible.
increase the mould temperature
reduce the polymer temperature and increase
injection pressure
reduce the injection speed
BROKEN PARTS
During mould release.
The fault generally lies in the shape of the mould or
incorrect behaviour during release
modify the mould, for example by reducing
undercuts, improving the finish in the cavity and
ensuring ejectors apply a uniform force.
reduce the injection pressure and the time for which
it is applied and/or reduce the holding pressure.
reduce the mould cooling rate
After mould release
Caused by high internal stress, refer to the chapter on
stresses and orientation
27
Moulding defects
AIR BUBBLE ON THE EDGES OF PARTS
These are generally caused by introduction of air during
filling or by localized shrinkage:
reduce the injection speed
reduce the polymer temperature
facilitate the flow of air in the areas affected
WHITE/SILVER
These are caused by residual moisture in granules or
polymer degradation
check the product drying conditions
reduce filling speeds, feed speeds and the moulding
cycles to reduce fiction and residence time into
cylinder.
STREAKS
COLOURLESS
These are caused by the presence of different grades of
Altuglas with different viscosities or by inadequate
mixing of the molten polymer:
check that different grades have not accidentally
mixed
BLACK
These are caused by air inclusion during the granules
feeding on the screw, due to injection speed the air burn
with diesel effect:
reduce the screw speed
increase the back pressure on the feed
reduce the filling speed
COLOURED
Caused by contamination of the polymer:
carefully check potential sources of contamination,
such as drying equipment, the hopper and areas
which polymer is handled.
28
Moulding defects
TYPICAL EXAMPLE
OF MOULDING DEFECTS
29
Moulding defects
Orientation and stress
30
Cooling stress
These stresses are caused by nonuniform cooling of the
moulded part. The surface layers of polymer, adjacent to
the tool surface, begin to solidify while the inner layers
are still hot. Consequently a hard external skin forms
with molten polymer in its centre.
Since the specific volume of the material depends on
temperature, and therefore rate of cooling, the various
layers contract differentially causing residual stress.
These stresses are compressive at the surface and
tensile in the centre. As the hot centre cools. It generates
tensile stress which remain in the moulded part even
when it is completely cold.
The stresses are higher in thick parts and increased by
high cooling rates caused by cold moulds.
Moulding defects
Stresses due to post cooling shrinkage
The specific volume of the polymer depends directly on
the cavity rate of cooling. An extremely long cooling time
would be required to obtain volumetric stability.
POSSIBLE RESULTS
AFTER ETHANOL TEST
ASSESSMENT OF STRESS
Ethanol will reveal any residual stress.
Strong surface orientation is seen as a white film
on the surface of stress concentration area.
Presence of orientation
31
Moulding defects
Time (h)
1
0
0
11
Thickness (mm)
13
Post annealing
& ethanol testing:
residual stress: NO,
orientation stress: YES
32
Thermal
Polymer
THERMAL BONDING
Joint requirement
Ultrasonic
Vibration
Hot plate
PMMA
Good
Excellent
Excellent
ABS
Good
Excellent
Excellent
ABS/PC
Good
Very good
Very good
PC
Good
Very good
Very good
Mechanical Chemical
The following guidelines may be used as a reference
point when welding Altuglas acrylic resins.
High strengh
Leak proof
Technology
Parameters
Ultrasonic
Vibration
Hot plate
Amplitude
40 - 70m
0.8 - 1.8
mm
NA
Pressure
2 - 4 bar
14 - 35 bar
NA
Temperature
NA
NA
300 C
Melt depth
NA
NA
0.75 - 1
mm
Seal depth
NA
NA
0.25 - 0.5
mm
Repeat assembly
Recycle ability
Dissimilar
marerials
Contamination
free
Chemical
resistance
Fast cycle time
PREFERRED
RECOMMENDED
(condition permitting)
NOT RECOMMENDED
33
SNAPS - FITS
f
d
d2
d1
BOSSES
Accumulation of material, not only in the walls, but at the
joints and corners should be avoided by coring out.
Good practice in the design process will help in the
minimizing of the risk of sink marks, voids.
p
d
r
t
0.5 t
t
void
0.5t
sink
POOR
GOOD
GOOD
p
d
r
34
0.6 t
Preferred screw
= /> 2.0 d
Screw guide
= /> 2.0 mm
= /> 2.0 mm
Base radius
> 0.6 t
> 0.6 t
Epoxy
CHEMICAL METHOD
Nitrile - phenolics
= /> 2.5 d
Cyanoacrylates
Boss diameter
Polyester
Pilot hole
Adhesive compatibility
ALTUGLAS
ABS
Recommended
NOT Recommended
Polycarbonate
Polystyrene
35
36
Decorating processes
Either a first (front) or second (back) surface coating
technique may be used with Altuglas. Second surface
decoration is more commonly used because the high
transparency of Altuglas makes it possible to achieve a
wide variety of attractive effects.
The coating is protected by the Altuglas against
deterioration from weathering and abrasion.
Vacuum metallizing
37
EXAMPLE OF MACHINING
ITEM MAINTENANCE
Cleaning in normal conditions to remove: dust use cotton
wool cloth with cold water.
In order to have good results for longer time use of the
Altuglas antistatic cleaner is recommended.
In the case of more dirty or fat traces soiling: use a soap
detergent in water (10 -20 % by volume).
An alternative is Altuglas cleaner.
38
NOTICE: These suggestions and data are based on information we believe to be reliable. They are offered in good
faith, but without guarantee, as conditions and methods of use of our products are beyond our control.
Altuglas International makes no warranties, either express or implied, as to the accuracy of these data. Altuglas
International expressly disclaims any implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. We recommend that the
prospective user determine the suitability of our materials and suggestions before adopting then on a commercial
scale.
Suggestions for use of our products or the inclusion of descriptive material from patents and the citation of specific
patent in this publication should not be understood as recommending the use of our products in violation of any
patent or as permission or license to use any patents of Altuglas International.
39
Altuglas International
Vision Dfense
89 boulevard National
F-92257 La Garenne-Colombes cedex
Tel +33 (0)1 78 66 23 00 / 23 18
Fax +33 (0)1 78 66 23 96
www.altuglasint.com