Menu Close

Trouble Shooting

Molding Defects

Flash

The terms "flash", "fins", and "spew" are used to refer to excess molding material that penetrates into mold gaps (i.e., between parting faces, slide push-out faces, and inserts, etc.) in a molten state.

Appearance Photo: Gate type burr Photo: Bali
Characteristics Normal Flash

Cause / Countermeasures

Characteristics Excess molding material that penetrates into mold gaps (i.e., between parting faces, slide push-out faces, and inserts, etc.) in a molten state.
Cause
Molding Machine Conditions
Die Conditions
Material Conditions
  • Insufficient mold clamping pressure in the molding machine
  • Aging of the die
  • Insufficient mold clamping pressure
  • Insufficient precision at the die's mating faces
  • The molded product is arranged in a cantilever-type setup as a result of die design
  • Low nozzle and cylinder temperatures
  • Excessive metal cooling - Entry of air into the cylinder
  • Plastic has low viscosity
Countermeasures

If the mold clamping force is insufficient, use the following formula to roughly estimate the mold clamping pressure and select a molding machine.
Mold clamping pressure = projected area x effective injection pressure in the mold/1000kg

In the case of ABS resin, the effective injection pressure in the mold is approximately 400 kg/cm2.

Examine the die

  • Switch to a suitable molding machine.
  • If the problem is related to mating faces, a joint examination must be carried out with the die machining company.
If the problem is related to the plastic's viscosity, either lower the temperature of the plastic or switch to a grade with higher flowability.
Appearance Photo: Gate type burr
Characteristics Normal
Appearance Photo: Bali
Characteristics Flash

Cause / Countermeasures

Characteristics Excess molding material that penetrates into mold gaps (i.e., between parting faces, slide push-out faces, and inserts, etc.) in a molten state.
Cause
Molding Machine Conditions
Die Conditions
Material Conditions
  • Insufficient mold clamping pressure in the molding machine
  • Aging of the die
  • Insufficient mold clamping pressure
  • Insufficient precision at the die's mating faces
  • The molded product is arranged in a cantilever-type setup as a result of die design
  • Low nozzle and cylinder temperatures
  • Excessive metal cooling - Entry of air into the cylinder
  • Plastic has low viscosity
Countermeasures

If the mold clamping force is insufficient, use the following formula to roughly estimate the mold clamping pressure and select a molding machine.
Mold clamping pressure = projected area x effective injection pressure in the mold/1000kg

In the case of ABS resin, the effective injection pressure in the mold is approximately 400 kg/cm2.

Examine the die

  • Switch to a suitable molding machine.
  • If the problem is related to mating faces, a joint examination must be carried out with the die machining company.
If the problem is related to the plastic's viscosity, either lower the temperature of the plastic or switch to a grade with higher flowability.

Click here for other trouble guides regarding "Molding Defects"