Inconsistent shot weights are one of the most common, and costly, issues in injection molding. But the good news is that they’re preventable! 😅
Some tips and tricks that the experts here at NS KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK - CZ use in our operation to ensure our production is consistently stable and efficient:
1️⃣ Maintain Consistent Material Feed
Variations in material flow or moisture content can cause fluctuations in shot weight. We always use properly dried, high quality granulate and ensure steady hopper feeding.
2️⃣ Clean and Inspect Injectors Regularly
We talked about this in a recent post, but it’s worth mentioning again that residue buildup in injectors affects flow rate and pressure. Our regular cleaning and inspection for wear or clogging go a long way in preventing issues.
3️⃣ Monitor Screw and Barrel Wear
Worn components reduce plasticizing efficiency. We’ve talked in great detail about the necessity of scheduling preventive maintenance and replacing parts before they impact performance. This component is certainly one to check.
4️⃣ Stabilize Temperature and Pressure Settings
Even small deviations in melt temperature or injection pressure can cause weight variation. We use the most modern equipment that utilizes sensors and alarms to monitor critical parameters.
5️⃣ Use Process Monitoring Tools
And finally, we have lasers, sensors and other real-time monitoring systems to help detect anomalies before they even get a chance to affect product quality.
At NS KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK - CZ we’re specialists in optimizing injection molding processes to reduce waste and improve consistency. If you're seeing fluctuations in shot weight on one of your projects, let’s talk about how we can help.