The clamping pressure is a measurement of the force needed to hold the mold closed during the injection. Clamping force refers to the force applied to mold by the clamping unit of an injection molding machine. In order to keep the mold closed, this force must oppose the separating force, caused by the injection of molten plastic into the mold.
Clamping unit of a plastic injection molding machine.
The tie bars not only guide the opening of the platen but also act as springs. When closed these bars must be preloaded with a tension higher than the injection pressure will exert. Toggles act as locking levers to make this happen.
Why the clamping pressure is important?
Clamping pressure is the first variable that should be calculated by the injection molding engineer since it will determine the capacity of the machine to be used to get the best results. This is important for product developers because the choice of the machine affects cycle times, parts per hour and cost.
Why the clamping pressure is important to product developers?
The clamping pressure is one of the variables that will affect the size of the parts that can be made, how quickly a machine can be cycled, even how many cavities in the mold. And these factors, in turn, will determine the related operational costs, so it’s good for a developer to know this in advance of production.
How is Clamping Pressure Calculated?
