Foam Injection Molding of Thermoplastic Parts Using Physical Blowing Agents

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a process and apparatus for producing at least partially foamed thermoplastic components using a physical blowing agent in a plastic injection molding machine. The system includes specialized conduits, a mixer, and a pressurized reservoir to efficiently mix and store the thermoplastic melt with the blowing agent, ensuring consistent foaming within the molded parts.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Manufacturing lightweight automotive components
• Producing insulated packaging materials
• Creating structural parts for consumer electronics
• Making construction materials with improved thermal insulation
• Generating lightweight housings for appliances and tools

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables efficient and reliable production of fully or partially foamed thermoplastic parts
• Offers precise control over the foaming process, leading to more consistent product quality
• Reduces material consumption by creating lightweight parts
• Enhances thermal and acoustic insulation properties of molded components
• Integrates easily with existing injection molding equipment

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for thermoplastic foam injection molding of at least partially foamed thermoplastic components and a device for installation in a plastic injection molding machine for thermoplastic foam injection molding of at least partially foamed thermoplastic components. The method and the device are characterized in particular by the fact that substantially completely foamed components or components with at least one substantially completely foamed constituent part can be produced simply. For this purpose, the device has a melt line, a blowing agent line, a mixer connected to the melt line and the blowing agent line for dispersing thermoplastic melt and blowing agent, at least one melt-blowing agent mixture line and a pressurized accumulator connected to the mixer and the melt line via the melt-blowing agent mixture line for receiving the melt-blowing agent mixture and diffusion of the blowing agent into the thermoplastic melt. Furthermore, the device is a component of a tool with at least one tool cavity or a tool module for connection with at least one tool with at least one tool cavity.