[Problem] To provide an injection apparatus including a flow path switching mechanism that is simple in construction and low in cost. [Solution] An injection apparatus (1) includes a plasticization device (2) for melting resin, a first and second plunger injection devices (4, 5) for measuring an amount of resin and injecting the resin, an injecting portion (8), and a flow path switching block (7) that connects the plasticization device, the first and second plunger injection devices and the injecting portion together. A first to fourth connecting flow paths (23a, 23b) and a flow path switching valve (21) are provided in the flow path switching block (7). The plasticization device (2), the first plunger injection device (4), the injecting portion (8) and the second plunger injection device (5) are connected to the first to fourth connecting flow paths (23a, 23b), respectively. When the flow path switching valve (21) is switched to a first position, the first and second connecting flow paths (23a, 23b) communicate with each other, and the third and fourth connecting flow paths (23c, 23d) communicate with each other, whereas when the flow path switching valve (21) is switched to a second position, the first and fourth connecting flow paths (23a, 23d) communicate with each other and the first and third connecting flow paths (23b, 23c) communicate with each other.

[Problem] To provide an injection apparatus including a flow path switching mechanism that is simple in construction and low in cost.

[Solution] An injection apparatus (1) includes a plasticization device (2) for melting resin, a first and second plunger injection devices (4, 5) for measuring an amount of resin and injecting the resin, an injecting portion (8), and a flow path switching block (7) that connects the plasticization device, the first and second plunger injection devices and the injecting portion together. A first to fourth connecting flow paths (23a, 23b) and a flow path switching valve (21) are provided in the flow path switching block (7). The plasticization device (2), the first plunger injection device (4), the injecting portion (8) and the second plunger injection device (5) are connected to the first to fourth connecting flow paths (23a, 23b), respectively. When the flow path switching valve (21) is switched to a first position, the first and second connecting flow paths (23a, 23b) communicate with each other, and the third and fourth connecting flow paths (23c, 23d) communicate with each other, whereas when the flow path switching valve (21) is switched to a second position, the first and fourth connecting flow paths (23a, 23d) communicate with each other and the first and third connecting flow paths (23b, 23c) communicate with each other.

An injection molding system including a nozzle member (18) or a valve pin (80) having a tip end (21) wherein the nozzle member (18) or valve pin (80) is adapted to be controllably rotatable around a longitudinal rotation axis (A) to enable an exit aperture (20) of the nozzle or the tip end of the pin to interface with a cavity entrance aperture (30) to controllably vary or adjust size (SP1, SP2) of the cross sectional area (CA) of a gate aperture (50) according to degree of rotation (R) of the nozzle or valve pin around the rotation axis (A).

A molding process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes injecting a first molding material into a mold cavity of a mold, the mold cavity formed by at least a mold cavity portion of a first platen and a second platen when the first platen is in contact with the second platen; opening the mold by separating the first and second platens; placing a second molding material at the first molding material while the first molding material remains with the first platen or the second platen; sealing a space between the first and second platens; removing a gas from the space while the space is sealed; and closing the mold while the space is sealed.

A molding process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes injecting a first molding material into a mold cavity of a mold, the mold cavity formed by at least a mold cavity portion of a first platen and a second platen when the first platen is in contact with the second platen; opening the mold by separating the first and second platens; placing a second molding material at the first molding material while the first molding material remains with the first platen or the second platen; sealing a space between the first and second platens; removing a gas from the space while the space is sealed; and closing the mold while the space is sealed.