Abstract
In mould manipulation of materials during injection moulding can be used to overcome aesthetic and mechanical weaknesses inherent in a standard injection moulding. This can include manipulating polymer orientation for morphology enhancement or improving bulk properties such as weld lines. Here the experimental results of using a rotating pin at the weld line of talc and glass filled polypropylene are presented. With talc filled material this technique improved weld line strength significantly providing pin rotation speed did not exceed 100rpm, glass filled material also improved but to a much lesser degree. Further uses of in mould manipulation are then introduced: polarity manipulation, ‘in mould' paint development and finally the potential for producing multi-functional moulding.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.