Importance

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Abstract

Various steps in the operation of an insulated runner injection molding system are automated by computer generated responses to various sensing steps or other steps to thereby reduce the performance requirements of the system operator. In automatic response to a manual operation incident to closure of a machine gate subsequent to removal of a sprue from channel-encasing mold parts, a computer causes the molding system to be adjusted to enable injection of molten plastic into an insulated runner channel to form the insulated runner and through the insulated runner into mold-cavities. In automatic response to sensing such readjustment of the molding system, the computer causes a predetermined quantity of molten plastic to be metered for injection to form the insulated runner. In automatic response to sensing such metering the computer causes the metered quantity to be injected into the channel. In automatic response to sensing completion of such injection, and after a interval during which the injected plastic cools to form the insulated runner, the computer causes further plastic material to be injected through the insulated runner into the mold cavities in accordance with parameters of a molding sequence including a plurality of injection molding cycles. The predetermined metered quantity of molten plastic material that is injected to form the insulated runner covers the mold-part-separation lines, but does not extend to any of the gates between the channel and the mold cavities.

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First Claim