Question 1

How big of a part can MicroMolder make?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this, as the maximum part size depends on several factors, including:
1. Part Design Geometry: Complex shapes and intricate details may require smaller overall part sizes to ensure quality and consistency during production.
2. Plastic Type: Different materials behave differently under heat and pressure, which can influence the maximum feasible part size.
3. Tool/Mold Design: The design and construction of the mold, including considerations like cavity layout and cooling efficiency, also impact the size of the part that can be reliably produced.

To help you understand the capabilities of our machines, we recommend visiting the Specs page (https://www.micro-molder.com/detailed-specs-1)on our website, where you can find detailed information about injection shot size and platen dimensions. These specifications define the maximum working envelope of each machine, which is the space within which the mold operates.
However, it’s important to note that the maximum working envelope does not directly translate to the maximum part size. The actual maximum part size will typically be much smaller, influenced by the factors mentioned above.

Question 2

What plastic types can be used in MicroMolder?

Accepted Answer

Most general and engineering plastics can be used in MicroMolder systems.

Each type of plastic melts and flows differently and those characteristics will have different results when shot into the same tool.  Refer to our materials guide for more information on temperature and injection settings.

Question 3

Can MicroMolder run 24/7?

Accepted Answer

It is NOT recommended to run MicroMolder at a production rate of 24 hours a day for 7 days a week.

MicroMolder was not designed to be a high volume manufacturing solution.  Frankly, there are better, faster and more capable machines on the market that can perform that type of operation.  MicroMolder was designed to operate for a few hours on end to produce low volume batch production runs and for part prototyping / testing / evaluation purposes.

Question 4

What is the cycle time of MicroMolder?

Accepted Answer

Cycle time of MicroMolder depends on type of plastic, volume of plastic injected, tooling design and tooling material.

For example, a small part the size of a clothing button will have a cycle time between 10-20 seconds.  In contrast, a larger part such as a key FOB housing would have a cycle time between 40 seconds to 1 minute in an aluminum tool.

You can expect upward of 2-3 minutes for parts processed using 3D printed tooling due to the high thermal insulation characteristics of SLA printer resins.

Question 5

Is MicroMolder automatic or manual?

Accepted Answer

MicroMolder is an automatic injection molding machine.  Single parts or 100's of parts can be produced.

Question 6

Can MicroMolder Evo or MicroMolder+ make my part?

Accepted Answer

Injection molding is a complex process with many variables that can influence the outcome. Because of this, we generally avoid giving definitive answers to hypothetical questions about whether a part can be produced. However, we can provide some general guidelines that might help you assess the potential for your design:

1. Machine Compatibility: If the mold geometry fits within the machine’s platen frame dimensions and the total volume of the mold cavity (including runners and sprue) is at least 15% smaller than the machine's maximum shot size, your design is within the basic parameters for our equipment.
2. Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Adhering to DFM guidelines is crucial. This includes considerations like wall thickness, draft angles, and avoiding features that could complicate the molding process. These guidelines help ensure that your design can be efficiently and reliably produced.

However, meeting these guidelines does not guarantee success. Several other factors can significantly affect the outcome, including:

• Mold Complexity: Intricate mold designs may require more advanced techniques and could lead to challenges in achieving consistent quality.
 • Material Selection: Different plastics behave differently during molding, which can impact the final product.
 • Gate Location and Venting: Proper placement of gates and vents is essential to avoid defects like air pockets or incomplete fills.
 • Part Ejection: The ease with which the part can be ejected from the mold without damage is another critical factor.

Each of these elements, among others, plays a significant role in determining whether a part can be successfully produced.

Question 7

Can MicroMolder Evo or MicroMolder+ make Silicon parts?

Accepted Answer

Liquid silicone and plastic have different properties and processing requirements, which is why liquid silicone cannot be used with MicroMolder Evo or MicroMolder+

Material Behavior: Liquid silicone is a thermosetting polymer, meaning it requires heat to cure and solidify. In contrast, plastic used in injection molding is typically a thermoplastic, which melts when heated and solidifies when cooled.

Processing Temperatures: Liquid silicone requires specific curing temperatures and times, which differ from the melting and cooling cycles used for plastics. A plastic injection molding machine is not designed to handle these requirements.

Machine Design: Machines for liquid silicone injection molding are specially designed to handle the material's unique flow characteristics and curing process. These machines also include different types of screws and temperature control systems, which are not present in standard plastic injection molding machines.

Using liquid silicone in a plastic injection molding machines like the MicroMolder line of products would result in improper processing and will damage the equipment.

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