Development of an external-type microinjection molding module for thermoplastic polymer

In this study, a novel concept of microinjection molding system was presented. The system was design as a separated module, which is a hot runner plunger-type injection molding module and could be applied on small tonnes (30–100 tonnes) reciprocating screw hydraulic or fully electric injection molding machines. The microinjection molding module is fixed between the stationary platen and mold of a reciprocating screw injection molding machine. The function of the reciprocating screw injection molding machine is used as an extrusion unit. With this microinjection molding module, most reciprocating screw injection molding machines could be upgraded as high precision two-stage injection molding machines and have the capability of precise metering for microinjection molding.