The three common nozzle tip types that can be used with MicroMolder machines are general purpose, reverse taper, and free flow. Choosing the right nozzle tip design and size is critical as they do greatly impact mold filling, process behavior, and stability. Below we will highlight the basic pros and cons to each as an introduction. In an upcoming post we will demonstrate the real world results from each nozzle to help you decide on which nozzle is right for you tool and part output.
General Purpose Nozzle
Comes standard on all MicroMolder and MicroMolder+ machines
Benefits:
Works well for most plastics
Various orifice sizes available.
Highest cavity pressure.
Drawbacks:
Switching colors or plastic types will require excessive purge of previous plastics to be processed through the nozzle due the dead spot between the tip barrel and the exit bore of the nozzle.
The long horizontal bore can create increase resistance and lower the maximum achievable injection pressures.
Freeze of the orifice tip is common.
Reverse Taper Nozzle
Available for order on our e-store page and is a direct bolt on for the MicroMolder and MicroMolder+ machines.
Benefits:
Quick color changes can be performed due to the internal bore design
Internal entry and exit tappers provide a heated area that helps reduce freeze of the plastic that would cause a flow blockage
Works well with most plastics
Drawbacks:
Freeze off of the orifice can still happen especially if the nozzle temps are not consistent and correct.
Injection pressure can be reduced due to the entry tapper of the nozzle.
Free Flow Nozzle
Available for order on our eStore page and is a direct bolt on for the MicroMolder and MicroMolder+ machines.
Benefits:
Quick color changes can be performed due to the internal bore design.
The long land associated with this tip helps reduce drool and is more ideal for low viscosity plastics such as nylon.
Higher injection pressures are achievable due to the long tapered internal bore geometry.
Drawbacks:
Nozzle freeze off can happen if temps and tool design are not correct
Not as universal with all plastics as other nozzle designs.
Watch for more posts on these types of nozzles with example projects that explain more in-depth information on when and how to use each tip in your projects.