A plastic injection molding machine consists of several key components that work together to melt the plastic material, inject it into a mold, and then cool and eject the molded part. Here’s a breakdown of the major components and their functions:
Key Components of Injection Molding Machines:
-
Injection Unit:
- Function: This is responsible for melting and injecting the plastic material into the mold.
- Components:
- Hopper: A container that feeds plastic pellets into the machine.
- Screw or Plunger: The screw (or sometimes a plunger in specific machines) rotates and pushes the plastic material through the barrel and into the mold. The screw also helps melt the plastic through friction and heat.
- Barrel: A heated chamber that helps melt the plastic as it is being moved by the screw.
- Nozzle: The point at which the molten plastic is injected into the mold cavity.
