Flash Free Molding, Part 3

Flash Free Molding, Part 3



Flash Free MoldThis is the final installment in a series on flash free molding. [Read Part 1 and Part 2.] In this article, we will get into issues with tool design with shut-offs, parting line maintenance, and where the machine can contribute to flash. First, I would like to briefly go over how to define flash. Flash at times can be difficult to eliminate, and many will give up and accept this defect.  Flash also can be miss-diagnosed at times with miss-matched parting lines or feather flash.  I have seen miss-match called flash many times, but if it is flash you can see or feel it from both sides, miss-match will only be seen or felt from one side. (more…)

Flash Free Molding, Part 2

Flash Free Molding, Part 2

Injection moulding machineI hope you found the first article on flash free molding interesting. [Read Flash Free Molding Part 1.] I covered cavity pressure versus clamp pressure and will talk tool deflection in this article. Tool design and construction can be a contributor to flash issues. But, if you read the first article and the three conditions are met, flash is not possible. An inadequate tool design can contribute to flash by allowing deflection in line with clamp force and perpendicular to clamp force.  Also, on the construction side, improper spotting, timing of components, and fitting of components can be contributors to flash. (more…)