Injection molding machine nonreturn valve

The plasticator on an injection-molding machine is a specialized plasticating single-screw extruder. The plasticator has two main differences there is a nonreturn valve on the tip of the screw, and the screw retracts as molten material accumulates between the nonreturn valve and the end of the barrel. Pressure is maintained on the accumulated material by a constant force applied to the shank of the screw via the drive system. This force is typically measured as a pressure applied to the shank and is referred to as the back pressure. During the injection step of the process, the screw is forced forward, the nonreturn valve closes, and the material is injected into the mold. Additional information on the injection-molding process can be obtained elsewhere [Ij. 

The screw configuration is as follows thread depth ratio, approximately 1 2, and L/D ratio, 17/1 to 23/1 (standard three-zone screws feed, transition or middle, and metering or feed zones). Screws are equipped with a nonreturn valve to prevent backflow. Decompression-controlled injection-molding machines have an open nozzle. A short nozzle with a wide bore (3-mm minimum) is recommended in order to minimize pressure loss and heat due to friction. Residence time should be as short as possible, and this is accomplished with barrel temperatures at the lower limits of recommended settings. ... 

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