Technical Glossary

Japanese methodology for organizing and maintaining a clean, orderly, and efficient work environment: Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardize), Shitsuke (Sustain).

A plastic material very common in the molding industry due to its strength, durability, and versatility in both industrial and consumer applications. It is used in automobiles, appliances, toys, and packaging. It is characterized by its ability to resist impacts, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.

Substance added to plastic during its manufacture to improve its properties or characteristics, such as increasing impact resistance, enhancing heat resistance, or retarding combustion.

Material with a disordered molecular structure and no defined shape, which gives it transparency and impact resistance, but lower chemical resistance than semicrystalline materials.

Process controlled by an automated system, from dosing and heating of the plastic to opening, closing, and ejection of the mold, with auxiliaries such as robot arms and conveyor belts.

Total quantity of products required to meet customer needs and desires throughout a year. An important indicator for efficiently planning operations and resources.

Plastics with a disordered molecular structure that lack an ordered crystalline structure. Characterized by being flexible, transparent, and impact-resistant.

Devices used to heat the injection barrel. They are placed around the barrel to provide uniform and controlled heat, also functioning as thermal insulation.

Essential component of the injection unit. Its main function is to contain, melt, and homogenize the material, as well as dose the amount of plastic to be injected into the mold.

Important parameter in the shot recovery process that helps prevent material decompression and prevents the screw from retracting prematurely during the recovery phase.

Internal diameter of the barrel where the plastic will be melted and mixed before being injected. An optimal diameter allows for precise control of injection speed and pressure.

Distance from the inlet to the outlet of the barrel where the mixing of the plastic material takes place. Important for knowing the maximum capacity of material to be processed.

Percentage of the barrel that will be occupied to fill the mold cavities. Mostly recommended between 20 and 80% to achieve plastic stability.

Temperature parameters determined by the type of material to be produced. They are controlled by the control panel and divided into four main zones.

Stage consisting of opening the clamp to allow the ejection of parts from the mold. It comprises the stages of Open Decompression, Slow Open, Fast Open, and Full Clamp Open.

Software used to create, modify, analyze, or optimize 2D or 3D designs. It is used to model molds, cavities, and tools according to design and material specifications.

Computer programs that use CAD models to generate machine instructions. They are fed into manufacturing machines such as CNC, EDM, and WEDM to convert digital designs into physical parts.

Part of the mold where the plastic piece is formed. It is a hollow structure that has the exact and detailed shape of the part to be manufactured.

Stage that consists of closing the clamp quickly and safely until the mold faces touch and the tonnage/clamping force is applied.

Technology that allows controlling a machine's tools through a computer program, achieving high precision in manufacturing.

Result of the maximum position the screw reaches during the packing stage without reaching zero. It is a remaining volume of material that ensures the correct filling of the cavity.

Volume reduction that a plastic material experiences as it cools and solidifies inside a mold, which must be compensated for in the mold design.

Polymer formed by the union of two or more different types of monomers. These combinations allow for the creation of versatile plastics with unique characteristics, such as ABS, PC-ABS, and HIPS.

In this type of runner, plastic is injected through a cold channel exposed on the face of the mold. It allows for faster cooling, although it increases the projected area.

Pressure applied to keep the mold closed during the injection of plastic material. It must be adequate to avoid defects such as flash or deformations.

Total measure of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, usually expressed in CO2 units.

Manual or automatic activity where a component, sub-assembly, or cable is placed inside the mold cavity so that it can be overmolded.

Total weight of the cavity of a mold used in the part manufacturing process. Important for determining production efficiency and capacity.

Position displayed by the injection machine on the screen. It serves to monitor and verify its consistency, indicator of failure in the molding process.

Used to hold and maintain the mold's shape during the injection process. It consists of platens, jaws, and a hydraulic system.

Consists of reintroducing recycled material into the production system to maximize resources and minimize waste.

Plastic material that has a molecular structure with combinations of highly ordered (crystalline) regions and disordered (amorphous) regions.

Time required to complete a full injection cycle, from clamp opening and mold closing to part ejection.

Crucial stage in the molding process where the molten material solidifies. Its duration may vary depending on the resin type and part size.

Device used to allow unidirectional flow of fluid and prevent backflow, placed on the screw.

Chemical or physical process that breaks the chains of a large polymer into its monomers or smaller units, enabling their recovery and reuse.

Design strategy that seeks to minimize the number of parts and the complexity of a product's assembly, simplifying the structure and reducing the components required.

Product design approach that seeks to optimize manufacturing, reducing costs and improving efficiency through operational activities and workstation design.

Ability of a plastic material to maintain its dimensions constant despite changes in environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity.

Industrial equipment capable of heating the resin to an adequate temperature uniformly to ensure that moisture is removed.

Process that involves heating plastic materials until they become liquid and then forcing them through a die. It is used to manufacture pipes, ducts, containers, and cables.

Device installed at the end of a robotic arm that can be equipped with different accessories such as grippers, suction cups, inspection cameras, and sensors.

Polymerization process where monomers are dispersed in a liquid medium forming an emulsion. It allows for the manufacture of high molecular weight polymers at fast rates.

Tonnage estimated by the projected area experiment multiplied by the resin's tonnage factor.

Parts of the mold whose function is to create holes in the cavity as required by the part design, manufactured in the same formation or added through sliders.

Stage where most of the plastic material is attempted to be introduced into the mold, trying to fill between 95 and 98% of the total cavity volume.

Molding defect that manifests as irregular or protruding edges formed on a molded part during the molding process.

Consists of completing the filling of the remaining percentage from the first fill stage, replacing speed-based filling with pressure and time.

Output value resulting from the shot distance and the speed at which the material is injected during the first fill stage.

Opening or channel that allows the flow of molten material from the runner into the mold cavity. It controls and regulates the speed and injection pressure of the material.

Hot channel system that keeps the molten material at a constant temperature inside the mold. It consists of a set of heated nozzles that allow the plastic to flow uniformly.

One of the two sub-stages of the Second Fill Stage. It is used to fill the remaining cavity volume and retain the material inside the cavities.

Also called hygroscopy, refers to the property that resins have to attract and absorb water molecules from the environment, moisture that is permanently retained.

Pressure required to execute the holding stage. It must be greater than or equal to the pressure generated by the material inside the cavity.

In hydraulic machines, it is the force generated by fluids under pressure, used to actuate the main movements and systems of the machine.

Time required to ensure that the molten material inside the cavity is not returned through the gate.

The resin hopper has the function of storing and supplying granulated material to the injection unit of the machine through the throat.

Injection stage where molten plastic is introduced into the mold cavity, comprising two fundamental stages: rapid filling and holding.

Network of interconnected devices, sensors, and software that collect and analyze data in industrial environments to optimize molding processes in real time.

Complex industrial equipment used to manufacture products by injecting molten material into molds, comprising an injection unit and a clamping system.

All values assigned for the development of the molding process, such as temperatures, pressures, speed, and times for each phase.

Force applied to push molten plastic through the screw into the mold cavity, ensuring uniform distribution of the material.

Difference between the hydraulic pressure generated by the injection piston and the pressure generated in the barrel, interpreted as Ppsi.

Period during which the molten material is injected into the mold. Considered an output value resulting from injection speed and pressure.

Unit responsible for melting plastic material and injecting it into the mold. It consists of a cylinder, injection screw, and nozzle.

Speed at which the molten material is introduced into the mold. Adequate to ensure uniform distribution and avoid defects.

Management philosophy focused on the elimination of waste in all production processes, maximizing value for the customer.

Device used to measure the moisture content in plastic resins. It obtains precise and reliable results by measuring the sample weight, applying preset heating, and calculating the weight difference.

Process used in plastic manufacturing that consists of injecting molten material into a mold, allowing it to cool and solidify to obtain molded parts with specific shapes and sizes.

Amount of water present in the resin. It is measured using a moisture analyzer and expressed as moisture percentage. A high content can cause defects such as bubbles or cracking.

Document that provides detailed information about the characteristics and properties of a specific type of resin, including chemical composition and processing temperature.

Amount of water present in the material. Many resins absorb moisture from the environment, which can affect their quality and performance during molding.

Considered the actual processing temperature, the final result between frictional heating and the heat bands of the injection unit.

Small molecule that can bond to other identical or similar molecules to form long-chain molecular structures called polymers.

Tangible plastic part formed based on the mold design, resulting from a molding process designed with specific characteristics and functionalities.

Transformation process of plastic derivatives by which plastic parts are obtained with a specific purpose.

Component that connects the mold to the Injection Machine, facilitating the injection of plastic into the mold and ensuring uniform distribution. It guarantees a precise and secure fit, preventing leaks or detachments.

Heat band located on the nozzle extension. Its main function is to maintain the temperature of the molten material inside the nozzle and prevent freezing due to contact with the mold sprue.

Adaptable device at the front end of the injection barrel that connects the injection unit to the mold and keeps the plastic material molten.

Hole in the nozzle tip through which the molten plastic is transferred to the mold. It must always be smaller than the sprue orifice to prevent leaks.

Adaptable end part of the nozzle that can have different shapes, diameters, and lengths, with different internal designs to improve processing.

In the case of a radius nozzle tip, it is necessary to verify the proper radius to seat in the mold sprue, commonly 1/2″ or 3/4″.

Temperature measured and controlled at the nozzle of the injection unit, just before the molten material enters the sprue.

Time taken to ensure that a molded part is finished and functional, including subsequent operations.

Values resulting from the molding process that cannot be directly adjusted in the control panel, such as injection time and peak pressure.

Flat frontal shadow of the mold face, where the sealing perimeter or parting line is formed. It is measured in in² or mm² and its main function is to help determine the optimal clamping force.

All equipment used to assist the molding process, such as water thermolators, hot runner temperature controllers, robot arms, sensors, and vision systems.

Part of the molding cycle where the molded part is ejected from the mold after being cooled. It can be performed by gravity, manually, or with a robotic arm.

Small pieces of solid plastic material used to feed the injection unit. They are versatile and easy to transport and store.

Line that divides a mold into two or more sections to facilitate the design and manufacturing process of molded parts.

Set of actions performed on a scheduled basis to prevent or reduce possible failures in equipment or systems, ensuring optimal operation.

Synthetic material originating from organic substances such as petroleum, with the ability to be molded and adapted to different shapes and uses.

Industrial computer that controls manufacturing processes or machines, used in the automation of defined and repetitive steps.

Versatile thermoplastic polymer used in various industries. Its chemical formula is (C2H4)n, and it is used in bags, bottles, pipes, and toys.

Material used throughout history due to its diverse properties. They can be natural or synthetic, classified into thermosets, thermoplastics, and elastomers.

Thermoplastic polymer characterized by its chemical formula C3H6. Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and impact, used in packaging, medical products, and automobiles.

Pressure obtained from the force exerted by the injection barrel, driven by the hydraulic piston and multiplied by the area difference.

Process by which the plastic is mixed with additives, melted, and processed generally through extrusion and cutting.

Connectors designed for quick and easy connection and disconnection of fluid lines (water, air) or electrical lines, without the need for tools.

Mandatory system that acts directly on production to control and guarantee excellence in an organization's products and services.

Stage of the molding process where the screw operates through rotational speed and back pressure to achieve the desired shot size and homogenization of the molten plastic.

Encompasses the time the plastic takes from being designated as part of the regrinding process, through its transport, grinding, and reentry into the molding process.

The entire path the plastic travels from the sprue entry to the injection point of the cavity or cavities. Molds can have a cold runner, hot runner, or a combination of both.

Counted each time the reground material is reintroduced into the molding process. If it is reground again, it will be considered as second generation.

Process composed of a series of stages: disposal, transfer, grinding, cleaning, distribution, and reentry to the molding process.

Set of technologies that allow creating physical models of a 3D design quickly and economically to validate designs before production.

Material resulting from a molding process, mostly cold runner. This material is ground and recirculated into the molding process.

Synthetic material widely used in industry, produced from the polymerization of organic compounds, resulting in a hard and versatile substance.

Adjustable time-type input parameter in the control panel useful for reducing the residence time of molten plastic inside the barrel.

Speed at which a screw rotates in a molding machine. It determines how quickly the material loading is performed up to the dosing point.

Set of tools and equipment through which previously molded material will be transformed to be reused in a new process.

Consideration of a time that absorbs variations of the recovery time, leaving between 1 to 2 seconds of protection.

Period of time the plastic remains inside the barrel during the molding process. An important factor that affects the final quality.

Measure of a fluid's resistance to flow compared to another fluid. It is calculated by dividing the viscosity of one fluid by that of a reference fluid.

Entry part where plastic enters the mold; it makes direct contact with the nozzle tip. It leads into the runner of the mold, which then reaches the gates and cavities.

Cycle in which some stages are performed automatically by the machine, while others are carried out manually by the operator. It combines the precision and speed of automation with the operator's skill and control.

Materials or products that have lost their original value or utility and are discarded from production. It includes plastic remnants, cold runners, and molded parts with defects.

Action of a molding machine to produce a molded part, counted as one molding cycle. A shot can be one or more parts depending on the number of cavities.

Special equipment or tools that have a direct function with the molded part after it is ejected from the mold, such as separators, post-cooling devices, and conveyor belts.

Type of plastic materials in an intermediate structural state between the irregular structure of amorphous materials and the ordered structure of crystalline materials, with greater mechanical strength.

Method based on observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis of results. Applied to molding, it increases reliability, consistency, and product quality.

Time considered unproductive due to lack of production requirements or planned for preventive maintenance. The machine is deactivated for a defined period.

Total weight generated by the shot that fills the mold cavities, including the cold runner.

Refers to the density of plastic compared to water. It allows knowing the weight of a given volume of plastic.

Estimated quantity of molded parts that will be discarded for natural process reasons such as samples and validations.

Lean Manufacturing methodology that seeks to reduce the time for changing tools or molds on equipment to less than 10 minutes.

Amount of material with which the molding machine will work and which is adequate to fill the mold cavities.

Molding defect represented as missing material in the molded part. Considered a cosmetic, functional, and dimensional defect.

Dynamic device positioned inside the barrel that functions as a worm screw with crushing, melting, homogenization, and injection functions.

Calculated and defined by the resin manufacturer, it is established in the Material Data Sheet. It is expressed in US-TON/in² and must be multiplied by the projected area of the mold.

Metal tool machined and configured for the manufacture of plastic products. Composed of cavity, core, runner, cooling lines, and other components.

Weight that includes all the dimensions to be filled during the molding process, including cavities and runner.

Exact position of the change from the first fill stage to the second fill stage. It is tied to cushion position conditions and recovery time.

Type of polymer that, once heated and molded, hardens permanently. It cannot be remelted or remolded; if reheated, it degrades or burns.

Type of plastic that softens when heated and hardens when cooled, a process that can be repeated, allowing it to be molded or recycled.

Condition of the resin before being molded, in its complete state as produced by the manufacturer in an initial pelletizing process.

Small openings strategically located in molds to allow the release of trapped air during the molding process.

Property that determines the plastic's resistance to flow and ability to deform. Vital in the manufacturing of plastic parts.