Rapid Injection Molding: Advanced Class

While the new Protomold sample part demonstrates some of what can be done with a straight pull mold, it doesn’t begin to test the limits of Protomold rapid injection molding. We now offer up to four side actions, allowing you to design (and us to produce) parts with undercuts. The part shown in Figure 1 could not be molded in a straight-pull mold.

But it can be (and was) molded using the mold with side action cams shown in Figure 2. 

Figure 2 shows the B-side of a mold with cams as it would look with the mold open and the part being ejected.   The cams, having done their job, have been automatically retracted as the mold opens, freeing the part for ejection. Once the part has fallen from the mold, the two halves of the mold will close again, extending the cams into position to mold the next part. Molten resin will be injected into the closed mold and left to cool, after which the mold will reopen and the process will be repeated.

So if you don’t think Protomold can make your part, think side actions, and submit your 3D CAD model. You might be surprised.

Avoid a Bad Boss

The bad boss is just one of the features of the amazing, new, three-dimensional Protomold sample part. The sample part ships flat but, using living hinges and two kinds of clips, folds into a neat little 2½-inch cube just the right size for a week’s worth of M&Ms® or several small SpongeBob action figures. At the same time, it demonstrates many of the capabilities and constraints of rapid injection molding including: wall thickness, draft, ribs, coring, cosmetic finishes, knit lines, and the creation of cross-holes using sliding shutoffs. It even includes bosses, both bad and well-designed. Get one of your very own: the new-not-old, U-fold, Protomold sample part.

It’s free! It’s 3D! It comes with a key!
Click here to order yours today!

Signs of Spring

Spring is a time for new plants, even up here in the North Country. Protomold’s new plant adds over 30,000 square feet to the existing facility a block away. To keep up with demand, we’ve had to place the new facility in operation even while it continues to be equipped. There are already 10 presses in place and molding being done. We are adding a number of CNC mills for tooling and are laying out an additional 6000 feet of
office space.

Get the Journal? Give the Journal

Get the Journal?
You probably already receive our quarterly Protomold Journal, but if you don’t, send us your “snail” mailing address at info@protomold.com and we’ll start your free subscription immediately.

Give the Journal
With product design now impacting so much of what a company does these days, the Journal is now addressing a broader range of issues than ever before. If there are others in your organization – in purchasing, marketing, or the executive suite – who might benefit from our big-picture view of prototyping, email us their names, titles, and (snail) mail addresses at info@protomold.com. We’ll start their free subscriptions with the next issue.

ProtoQuote®

The Protoquote is new and improved! Try it out today:

Upload your 3D CAD model and we will email to you an informative ProtoQuote.

Part Tester

See if your design is ready for Rapid Injection Molding.

The Protomold Company Store
Shop online for Protomold mugs, shirts, hats, books and more!

Design Guidelines

As always, you can visit the Protomold Design Guidelines for helpful Rapid Injection Molding design information.

Trade Shows

June 4-7, 2006

PTC/USER World Event 2006
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Grapevine, Texas
Booth #128

 

June 19-23, 2006
NPE 2006: The International Plastics Showcase
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL USA
Booth #8447