Configurable Manifold

Abstract

An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a melt channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from a source. A nozzle having a nozzle channel is coupled to the manifold for receiving the melt stream from the manifold melt channel. The nozzle includes a heater. A mold cavity is in communication with the nozzle channel, the mold cavity for receiving the melt stream from the nozzle channel through a mold gate. A temperature sensor is disposed at the manifold for use in adjusting the heater of the nozzle or for use in adjusting a heater of an inlet body.

1 . An injection molding apparatus comprising:
 a manifold including an inlet body, the inlet body having a heater and an inlet channel, the manifold having a melt channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material from the inlet channel, which receives the melt stream of moldable material from a source;   a nozzle coupled to the melt channel of the manifold, the nozzle having a nozzle channel for receiving the melt stream from the melt channel of the manifold;   a mold cavity in communication with the nozzle channel, the mold cavity for receiving the melt stream from the nozzle channel through a mold gate; and   a temperature sensor at the manifold for use in adjusting the heater of the inlet body.   
     
     
         2 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor monitors a temperature of the manifold. 
     
     
         3 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor feeds back to a controller that adjusts a temperature of the manifold by adjusting the heater of the inlet body. 
     
     
         4 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor is a thermocouple. 
     
     
         5 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle includes a second temperature sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle includes a heater, the temperature sensor further being for use in adjusting the heater of the nozzle. 
     
     
         7 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inlet body includes second temperature sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the manifold includes a distribution branch. 
     
     
         9 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the temperature sensor is inserted into the distribution branch. 
     
     
         10 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the distribution branch does not include a heater. 
     
     
         11 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the distribution branch comprises a tube. 
     
     
         12 . The injection molding apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein a coating, film, or sleeve is applied to the distribution branch, the coating, film, or sleeve being made of a first material that is more thermally conductive than a second material on which the coating, film, or sleeve is applied.