Benchtop Injection Molder

HOW IT WORKS

**SAFETY FIRST** Below are only the basic steps of operation. You must always observe safe practices when using this machine (e.g. wear safety glasses and heat resistant gloves, keep a fire extinguisher nearby and away from all flammable materials, use only in a well ventilated area, etc.)

1. Mount the machine to your workbench with bolts. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

2. Turn on the power switch.

3. Adjust the thermostat to a desired temperature setting. The "HEATER STATUS" light will come on.

4. Wait until heater block reaches the set temperature (6-10 minutes). The "HEATER STATUS" light turns OFF when the set temperature is first reached, then it cycles ON and OFF intermittently in sync with the heaters to keep the temperature there.

5. Pour some plastic pellets into the injection tube, filling it up. Wait until the pellets melt (@1-3 min).

6. While waiting for the plastic pellets to melt, position the mold under the injection nozzle and clamp it into position by turning the vise handle. Notice how the backing plate has been shimmed forward so the center line of the mold lines up with the injection nozzle. This mold also happens to be slightly wider than the machine, which normally isn't a problem.

7. Pull down the handle until you feel a solid resistance. Hold it there for a few seconds, then lift the handle back up until it locks into its upright position.

IMPORTANT NOTE

It takes some practice to make nice parts. In general, you have to pull down the handle with a fairly quick and steady downward force. But not too quick, because the air trapped in the mold cavity can only be forced out of those tiny air vents so fast. Every part is different. A very small part (<1 gram) may be fully injected within a second or two and the handle will only need to be lowered a short distance before you feel the solid resistance. A larger part (5+ grams) may take 5-10 seconds or more to completely fill the mold cavity with plastic. Some parts will inject rather easily, and others will require some strength to pull down the handle, and may require using the handle extension to get better leverage. There are many variables that affect how easily a part will inject, such as the size and geometry of the part; the type of plastic used; the temperature of the plastic; the temperature of the mold; the size and configuration of the gates and runners; proper venting of the mold, etc. Just please keep in mind, this machine is not a miracle worker, if you cannot inject a part with only a moderate amount of downward force on the handle, even after optimizing the above variables, it's probably beyond the capability of this machine. Attempting to push it beyond its limits may result in serious injury to yourself and/ or damage to the machine.

8. Loosen the vise handle to unclamp the mold. Remove the mold and separate the halves.

9. Remove the part from the mold, cut off the sprue, and you're done!

NOTE: To continue making more parts, repeat steps 5 through 9. If you're finished, purge the remaining plastic from the injection tube, turn down the thermostat, shut off the power switch, and unplug the machine.