The article titled “Home injection molding part 3: Making stuff! (kind of..)” is a video by Teaching Tech that showcases the process of home injection molding. The video highlights the repairs and alterations that were made to the machine, as well as the frustrations and challenges faced throughout the project. The machine used for injection molding was originally intended for a different type of plastic, leading to difficulties with the results when using shredded PLA and virgin ABS. The author also discusses the possibility of further modifications or exploring alternative methods for their future projects, concluding with a reminder to buy quality filament and resins.

In this installment, the author provides a recap of the previous parts and their aims for the project. They explain the modifications made to the machine, such as adding a PID temperature controller and converting it to run on 220 volts AC. The author recounts the challenges faced during the mold-making process and the frustrations with temperature control and plastic quality. They share their attempts to mold PLA and ABS plastics, which yielded unsatisfactory results. The video concludes with the author considering the need for further modifications or the exploration of alternative methods, as they do not have a current project that requires injection molding.

Repairs and Alterations to the Injection Molding Machine

The video starts with the narrator discussing the repairs and alterations made to the injection molding machine. They explain that the machine had been sitting idle due to an error on their part. They had attempted to mold silicone washers and create a two-part aluminum mold for recycled plastic in previous attempts. However, they encountered difficulties and challenges throughout the process. In this video, they document the repairs and modifications made to the machine to improve its performance.

Identifying and fixing the error that caused the machine to be idle

The narrator recalls that the machine had been sitting in their garage for quite a few years, which resulted in certain parts of the machine being completely seized. They had to deal with a jammed rod and a valve that needed to be redrilled to a larger size. Additionally, they faced challenges with finding off-the-shelf O-rings that fit the gap and experienced temperature fluctuations. These issues made it difficult to use the machine for injection molding.

Modifications made to improve the machine’s performance

To address the issues they faced with the machine, the narrator made modifications and repairs. They added a PID temperature controller to improve temperature control and stability. They also converted the machine to run on 220 volts AC since it was originally sold to suit 110V mains voltage. This involved removing one heater and converting the other. These modifications were necessary to ensure proper functioning of the machine and to enhance its performance.

Adding a PID temperature controller for better temperature control

The addition of a PID temperature controller was a crucial modification made to the machine. The narrator explains that the previous temperature control was erratic, resulting in safety hazards and poor quality plastic output. The new temperature controller allowed for precise temperature adjustments and autotuning capabilities. After installing the PID controller, the narrator was able to achieve a steady temperature of 200 degrees, which was crucial for successful injection molding.

Challenges and Frustrations in the Molding Process

The video then moves on to discuss the challenges and frustrations the narrator faced during the molding process. They specifically mention difficulties with mold release, temperature control, and plastic quality.

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Difficulties with mold release

The narrator encountered difficulties with mold release when attempting to recast silicone sealing washers. They used a 3D-printed mold and tried different mold release agents, but none of them worked as effectively as Vaseline. It took multiple attempts and size variations to finally achieve the desired thickness for the washers.

Issues with temperature control

Temperature control was a major challenge throughout the molding process. Earlier attempts resulted in the plastic being charred and even catching fire due to temperature overshooting. The narrator had to replace the temperature controller and add a second heater to improve temperature stability and control.

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Problems with plastic quality

The type of plastic used for molding, recycled and ground-up PLA prints, posed its own set of challenges. The narrator explains that the machine was not originally designed to work with this type of plastic and that it is more viscous compared to the original Plastisol material. This difference in viscosity made it difficult to achieve successful results and led to frustrations in the molding process.

Testing with Shredded PLA

In their quest to mold plastic, the narrator decided to test using shredded PLA. They were hopeful that this material would yield better results compared to their previous attempts. However, the testing with shredded PLA proved to be frustrating and challenging.

Using shredded PLA for initial testing

The narrator explains that using shredded PLA for initial testing seemed like a logical step, considering their goal of using recycled and ground-up PLA prints for molding. They loaded the shredded PLA into the machine and initiated the molding process.

Frustrating results and challenges faced

Unfortunately, the results obtained from the testing with shredded PLA were frustrating. The narrator mentions that the temperature control issues mentioned earlier persisted and resulted in poor quality plastic output. The plastic that came out of the machine was charred and unusable for their intended purposes. This setback added to the challenges faced throughout the molding process.

Testing with Virgin ABS

After the disappointing results with shredded PLA, the narrator decided to evaluate the performance of virgin ABS in the injection molding process. They wanted to compare the results obtained from testing with ABS to their previous testing with PLA.

Evaluating the performance of virgin ABS in the injection molding process

The narrator explains that they wanted to determine if using virgin ABS would yield better results compared to the previous testing with shredded PLA. They loaded virgin ABS into the machine and initiated the molding process.

Comparing the results with PLA testing

The narrator compares the results obtained from the testing with virgin ABS to the previous testing with shredded PLA. They discuss the quality of the plastic output and any improvements or setbacks observed during the testing. This comparison allows them to evaluate the suitability of different plastic materials for their injection molding project.

Possible Modifications and Future Plans

Based on their experiences and the challenges faced, the narrator considers possible modifications and future plans for their injection molding project. They discuss the following options:

Discussion on further modifications to the machine

The narrator considers the possibility of further modifications to their injection molding machine. They discuss potential areas for improvement and explore different modifications that could enhance the machine’s performance. This includes evaluating the need for additional heaters, refining temperature control mechanisms, and addressing other areas of concern.

Consideration of building a new injection molder

In addition to modifications, the narrator contemplates building a new injection molder. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this option and weigh the feasibility of constructing a new machine tailored to their specific needs. This consideration underscores their commitment to finding the best solution for their injection molding project.

Exploring alternative methods for plastic molding

Finally, the narrator mentions that they do not currently have a project that requires injection molding. This realization prompts them to explore alternative methods and techniques for plastic molding. They express a willingness to experiment with different approaches to achieve their desired results in future projects.

Evaluations and References to Related Videos

In this section, the narrator discusses other relevant videos on home injection molding and references them for further information. They provide evaluations of different techniques and approaches used in these videos, demonstrating their commitment to thorough research and exploration within the field of injection molding.

Importance of Buying Quality Filament and Resins

The narrator emphasizes the importance of using high-quality materials in the injection molding process. They highlight the impact of using reliable suppliers for filament and resins, as it directly affects the final quality of the molded products. By recommending reliable suppliers, the narrator encourages viewers to invest in quality materials to achieve better outcomes in their own injection molding projects.

Recap of the Hobby Injection Molding Project

The narrator concludes the article by summarizing their experience with the hobby injection molding project. They mention the frustrations and challenges they faced throughout the process. Despite their efforts in making repairs and modifications to the machine, they ultimately found the results to be unsatisfactory. This recap provides a comprehensive overview of their journey and highlights the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the video documents the repairs, alterations, and testing involved in a home injection molding project. It showcases the challenges faced during the molding process, the modifications made to the machine for improved performance, and the frustrations encountered with plastic quality. The narrator discusses potential modifications and future plans for the project, including the possibility of building a new injection molder and exploring alternative methods for plastic molding. The importance of buying quality filament and resins is emphasized, along with a recap of the project’s overall experience. The conclusion suggests considering other methods and techniques for future projects, as the current project does not require injection molding.

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