Check this guy out.

[Anvils Hammer]

[Lane]

[mangozac]

[kenofyork]

I finally got around to making a video of the process. It is about 8 minutes and shows how to set up a machine, build a multi-use die and run throught the cycles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-g-SJ-P9Wg


This should answer a lot of questions.

[mangozac]

Ken that is fantastic! I already understood the process but having somebody walk us through it in a small scale setup relevant to modelling is priceless! Thank you so much for sharing!

I was surprised how slow the cycle time is though - I'm comparing to videos I've seen of the machines at the Lego factory which pump out a part every second. That would seem to me to be the gibbest cost of operating it: the faster the machine than the less operator hours required and even less power required for the heaters (which I'm sure can't be cheap to run). Can the machine be modified to speed it up?

Oh and I love your workshop - lots of fun toys

[blind pig]

You have made my month!

Thanks for showing that.

[paulson games]

That was cool to watch. I had a basic idea of what went on with the process but hadn't seen done on smaller machines like that, most of the ones I've seen previously were being done on huge multi ton machines. It's very cool to see it all on video. Thanks for posting it up.

[kenofyork]

This machine is quite old. All of the switches are mechanical. I think it is fast, but I never saw the Lego ones. I can use the automatic buttons in the bottom to adjust the time for each step of the cycle. I have run much slower for a thicker part. but not much faster.

I think with my cooling system and the screw speed for loading in the next shot of plastic this is about as fast as it goes.

Thanks for the kind words. I just wanted to answer all the threads I read where someone states it takes $50,000 or so to have a die and mold made. It can be done for less. They made plastic soldiers in the US without any computers back in the 1960's and they looked good. Plastic cars and loads of other items.

[mangozac]

For some great injection moulding porn check out the National Geographic Megafactories doco on the Lego factory. Their machines pump out volumes down at around one shot per second!

You have to be careful making comments about how easy it is to pick up old injection machines for cheap - next you know I'll be scouring the classifieds for one!

[factor40]

Awesome video indeed. Ken, whenever you're ready to start doing multipart 28mm figures, let me know. Maybe we can try a test run on just one if you like. Send me a PM or email me: steve@madrobotminiatures.com

[Deadmeat30]

Speaking of injection moulding, saw this on ebay!!!

[mangozac]

One of you UK guys HAVE to bid on this! To not bid would be neglecting your hobby - imagine picking up an injection moulding machine for 100 quid!

[blind pig]

Hey Zac!

If one comes up in NSW/QLD, just remenber, I have a ute and a trailer.

[Arkangel]

I got the funds but no-where to put it, no clue how to use it, and no clue what to do with it if I won it. So...? Shall I start bidding?

Seriously if I had a garage to put it in I'd be all over it......I think?

[Deadmeat30]

If I had the room ild buy it, lol. Be great project! Anyone got loads of room near Nottingham?