Keywords
Citation
Olmstead, B.A. and Davis, M.E. (2001), "Practical Injection Molding", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 358-359. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.21.4.358.2
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
This book aims to provide the mechanics, operators and set‐up personnel in molding operations with a better understanding of the basics of injection molding. It is a straight‐forward and practical guide to successful injection molding.
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to injection molding and the elements of an injection molding process. The following seven chapters describe the constituent parts of the injection molding process in greater detail. Chapters 2 and 3 discuss plastics and additives, respectively. Topics covered include thermoplastics, thermosets, how plastics affect the molding process, plasticizers, colorants, and how to add the additives. Loaders and dryers are discussed in chapter 4. The following three chapters address the injection unit, the clamp unit, and the mold, respectively. Topics discussed include the end cap and nozzle, the non‐return valve, injection pressure, clamp unit specifications, the ejector system, and mold components. Chapter 8 discusses the various process control functions required for successful injection molding.
Robotics and granulators are discussed in chapter 9 as they are used to improve the overall efficiency of some more automated molding operations. The following two chapters provide a guide to getting started and an overview of the injection cycle. Chapter 12 presents the ten keys to successful molding and addresses adequate mold venting, proper mold cooling, using the right screw, selecting the right valve, controlling the heat profile, using back pressure wisely, controlling the injection rate, and performance measurement.
The remaining five chapters of the book discuss thermoset molding, safety, recognising molding problems, terminology, and other molding notes. Six appendices are also included.
This is a well written text that provides the essential practical information required for successful injection molding. I would have found this book of immense interest several years ago when I was temporarily working with injection molding machinery and still a student.