For injection molders running multi-cavity molds, effective part containment can make a resounding difference.
Plastixs, the premier distributor of IPS part containment solutions in the U.S., provides a range of products designed to stop contamination, prevent lost parts, and generate a return on investment from the first day of use.
Essential Elements of Part Containment
Part containment systems are essential for injection molding processes to ensure that all produced parts are collected and managed efficiently, reducing the risk of contamination and loss for those molders dropping their parts into bins or on conveyors.
The primary products in this category include Moldshields™, mold chutes, and mold skirts — each serving a specific function in the production process:
IPS Moldshields™
IPS Moldshields are crystal clear plastic mold side curtains that prevent parts from scattering while allowing you to observe the molding area and monitor parts in production. As the mold opens and closes, the Moldshield correspondingly unwinds and recoils with each press cycle. Moldshields have a 3-million cycle life and coil without the aid of any mechanical components.
Moldshields prevent contamination and increase productivity, making them an excellent choice for facilities running molds with small parts that can be ejected from the mold in many different directions.
Mold Chutes
Mold chutes guide the parts produced from the mold to the collection area. IPS offers several configurations of mold chutes, all made of durable polyester reinforced material with an internal polyester screen mesh and a flexible polypropylene white slide bottom. A food grade option is available for all mold chutes. The configurations include:
- Standard Soft Drop Mold Chutes: These mold chutes provide a gentle path for parts to avoid damage. Installed as stationary chutes that sit below the mold and do not move, they are ideal for molding cells with regular mold changes. They are available in right angle and inline configurations.
- Right Angle Mold Chutes: These mold chutes attach to and move with the mold, and are effective for getting parts out of the molding machine using the openings in the machine frame on the operator or non-operator side of the machine, to feed a bin or conveyor.
- Right Angle Inline Chutes: These mold chutes attach beneath the mold and are stationary. They are designed to help exit parts to a conveyor that is running under the molding machine clamp and exiting at the end of the machine.
All mold chutes come with the necessary mounting hardware for easy installation and are particularly beneficial for operations that run multi-cavity molds with small parts. Mold chutes are easily attached and removed from the molding machine using magnets and fabric fastener straps with Velcro. They are available in standard and custom sizes, and all are made to order.
Mold Skirts
Mold skirts are for molding application where the molder is looking to fill a bin placed inside the machine or looking to ensure that all parts are contained as they drop onto a conveyor, eliminating the probability for part loss or contamination. They are important for maintaining a clean production environment and help reduce rejected parts.
IPS mold skirts are made of durable polyester reinforced material with an internal polyester screen mesh and are easily attached and removed from the molding machine using magnets and fabric fastener straps with Velcro. Available in standard and custom sizes, mold skirts can be made from food-grade material, upon request, and come in tapered or straight styles. All hardware is included, and all mold skirts are made to order.
Common Part Containment Concerns
While part containment systems are highly beneficial, some manufacturers express concerns about their practicality, especially in operations with frequent mold changes.
These systems can sometimes get in the way, but with a bit of creativity, these issues can be mitigated. For example, using compact right angle quick connect water jumper couplers to run water lines tightly against the machine can provide the necessary space to mount containment products without interference.
A Trusted Distributor of IPS Solutions
IPS products from Plastixs offer the reliability and performance you need to stay ahead in the manufacturing industry. These products are very cost effective and have a quick payback, especially when they can prevent a contaminated part from getting into a product shipment headed to a customer.
As the premier distributor of IPS part containment solutions, we offer a comprehensive range of products designed to enhance production efficiency, reduce contamination, and prevent lost parts. By understanding the unique needs of different manufacturing setups, the Plastixs team provides tailored solutions that ensure smooth and efficient production processes.
For more information on these products and how they can benefit your operations, contact the Plastixs team at sales@plastixs.com.