Method of injection molding a part using an inflatable mold core
US5858295A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C45/4478
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of injection molding includes the steps of providing a source of pressurized flowable material, a source of pressurized fluid, and a mold assembly actuatable from an open position to a closed position. The mold assembly includes first and second matable mold portions that define a substantially sealed cavity, an inflatable core member positioned within the substantially sealed cavity and secured to the first mold portion, a pressurized fluid path from the source of pressurized fluid through the first mold portion to the inflatable core member, and a flowable material path from the source of pressurized flowable material into the cavity. The pressurized fluid is introduced into the inflatable core member at a first pressure to provide an inflated core member that defines a core boundary and the pressurized flowable material is injected into a space defined by the cavity and the core boundary at a pressure less than the first pressure. After the flowable material transitions to a solid state, the pressurized fluid is removed from the inflated core member, the mold is opened, and the solid article is removed from the mold assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.