Among the numerous methods of manufacturing the complex shaped plastics parts, the injection molding is considered to be one of the most common methods.. Do not forget, if the part design needed more movement within the die and this is known as side action. But what is side action in injection molding? And how does the side action actually occur? Ok, hold on, let’s take it one step lower and make it even clearer.
Side action in injection molding is an action applied when a particular feature of the shaped article has an offset of a cavity in relation to width and thickness, and it is normal to mold from the side. These complex features can not be formed by the main mold halves; only Max Meyer-Wegener states these facts. To solve this, side-action components such as slides or cams open from the side of the mold to develop those finer elements of the style.
Suppose you are shaping a cup that has a handle. A simple injection mold would have formed most of the cup structure but to form the handle needed another linear movement horizontal to the mold. This is where side-action techniques become most useful. These special movements are what make this process flexible enough for intricate layouts.
Only side-action injection molding needs slides or cams. These components are inserted when the mold is closing, in order to create the side features of the part. When the plastic solidifies and the part forms, the slides of the injection mold return to a position where it becomes easy to release the part from the mold.
One of the most essential elements that can be used in managing side-action slides is angling pins. If the mold closes, then the angle pin will push the slide into position.
How the mold closes is controlled by several different circuits. When the mold is opened the pin goes back to its position and thus side features of the molded part are released smoothly.
Ejector systems are used to help remove the molded part from the mold upon completion of the molding process. Together with the side-action components, they provide for the risk-free ejection of any shape of the part with undercuts or holes, for instance.
Sideways acting locks are employed in order to lock the slide components in position when the mold is closing. This assures the information on the slides do not undergo a change of position during the molding process, hence increasing chances of an accurate part.
Using side action in injection molding offers several advantages:
Allows Complex Designs: Some of the side-action techniques used are useful in shaping the holes, the undercuts and the side openings.
Cost-Efficient: While the molds themselves may be more elaborate, side-action components can be cheaper because they do not require subsequent operations to build these elements into the part.
Time-Saving: With side action, the whole part is achieved in one cycle, cutting down on its production cycle.
Improved Part Quality: The side action makes the operations more accurate and precise in parts where there are complex shapes, thus minimizing the possibility of the formation of defects.
Trying to decide whether side action in injection molding would be to your advantage? Your design might require side features, undercuts, or other forms of geometries that are impossible to accomplish with the standard mold, which is when side action comes in handy. Consulting with a professional injection molding company is a good way to find out if the part in question will require side action. For instance, do you need intricate plastic parts with side ports and passages? Side-action molding offers such work in high productivity.
On the horizontal plane and combined with the withdrawal function of the injection molding machine, a variety of side actions are possible, allowing for virtually any kind of plastic formation. Such elements found in the plastic part design such as slides, angle pins, and the ejector systems help the manufacturers in coming up with a quality part that will meet the intended design specification. The technique is very useful for projects that require detailed side features, and companies can save time and money and guarantee part precision. If you’re still wondering whether side action is perfect for your project, reach out to a reputable injection molding firm for help.
Side action might sound as if it requires a lot of technical input, but if done rightly it overhauls your project while offering efficiency and accurate outcomes.
