An apparatus (10) for improving the flow properties of injection moulding material has a flow chamber (18) that is formed in an injection moulding assembly. The flow chamber includes an ultrasonic vibration device (22), and an outlet (20) through which injection moulding material can pass from the flow chamber towards a mould tool (14, 16). The ultrasonic vibration device is arranged in the flow chamber such that injection moulding material flows along an outer wall (41) of the ultrasonic vibration device, in use.

A shaping machine includes a stationary first mold mounting plate, a second mold mounting plate movable with respect to the first mold mounting plate, a tubular snorkel fixedly secured to the second mold mounting plate, and an injection unit for plasticizing and injecting a molding material. An abutment is designed so that, in the opened condition of the closing unit, the injection unit can be braced against the abutment, and so that, in a closed condition of the closing unit, the injection unit is freed from the abutment by the force action of the snorkel on the injection unit.

An injection moulding apparatus and method for producing a moulded article is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the method comprises: (i) securing a layer of film to a part of a first mould half at step 504; (ii) adjusting relative position of the first mould component and a second mould component to an initial moulding position at step 506 to define a mould cavity; (iii) injecting molten moulding material into the mould cavity at step 508 to enable the molten moulding material to contact the layer of protective film; (iv) moving a movable core at step 510 to compress the molten moulding material in the mould cavity; and (v) cooling the compressed molten moulding material at step 514 to bond the layer of film to the cooled moulding material to form the moulded article.

A multi-mold block drive device includes a guide seat having a plurality of spaced-apart guide holes extending through inner and outer peripheral surfaces thereof, a plurality of speed reduction drive units each including a speed reducer driven by a servo motor and having an eccentric shaft, and a plurality of mold locking units each connected between one of the guide holes and a corresponding speed reduction drive unit. Each mold locking unit includes a pivot shaft, a linkage disposed between the pivot shaft and the corresponding guide hole, and a guide rod pivoted to the linkage. The linkage includes a crank driven by the eccentric shaft, a first link arm pivoted between the crank and the pivot shaft, and a second link arm pivoted between the crank and the guide rod. An injection molding machine having the multi-mold block drive device is also disclosed.

A cast mould for manufacturing a contact lens or an intraocular lens, wherein the cast mould is provided with a central part and a bearing ring and a flexible connection between the central part and the bearing ring. Further, an injection mould is provided for manufacturing such a cast mould and a method for manufacturing such a cast mould. The injection mould is provided with a mould cavity with a plunger biased by spring means towards the mould cavity which serves for compensating shrinkage which occurs during the curing of the plastic injected into the injection mould. Also described is a method for manufacturing a contact lens or intraocular lens with the aid of the cast mould, as well as a contact lens or intraocular lens obtained with this method.

An injection moulding apparatus and method for producing a moulded article is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the method comprises: (i) securing a layer of film to a part of a first mould half at step 504; (ii) adjusting relative position of the first mould component and a second mould component to an initial moulding position at step 506 to define a mould cavity; (iii) injecting molten moulding material into the mould cavity at step 508 to enable the molten moulding material to contact the layer of protective film; (iv) moving a movable core at step 510 to compress the molten moulding material in the mould cavity; and (v) cooling the compressed molten moulding material at step 514 to bond the layer of film to the cooled moulding material to form the moulded article.

An injection moulding apparatus and method for producing a moulded article is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the method comprises: (i) securing a layer of film to a part of a first mould half at step 504; (ii) adjusting relative position of the first mould component and a second mould component to an initial moulding position at step 506 to define a mould cavity; (iii) injecting molten moulding material into the mould cavity at step 508 to enable the molten moulding material to contact the layer of protective film; (iv) moving a movable core at step 510 to compress the molten moulding material in the mould cavity; and (v) cooling the compressed molten moulding material at step 514 to bond the layer of film to the cooled moulding material to form the moulded article.

An apparatus (10) for improving the flow properties of injection moulding material has a flow chamber (18) that is formed in an injection moulding assembly. The flow chamber includes an ultrasonic vibration device (22), and an outlet (20) through which injection moulding material can pass from the flow chamber towards a mould tool (14, 16). The ultrasonic vibration device is arranged in the flow chamber such that injection moulding material flows along an outer wall (41) of the ultrasonic vibration device, in use.

A molding apparatus and method operation for making a molded part are provided. The molding apparatus includes a mold core extending between a generally flat lower surface and an upper surface defining a runner, a fan gate, and a part cavity for forming the molded part. The mold core includes an inner surface defining a plunger cavity extending into the mold core from the upper surface and having a uniform cross-section parallel to the upper surface and open to the gate. A plunger is slidably disposed within the plunger cavity for pulling material from the gate into the plunger cavity. A first pin extends through a first bore in the mold core to move the plunger within the plunger cavity. A hydraulic cylinder interacts with an ejector plate to move the first pin. A second pin also extends through the mold core and is movable perpendicular to the upper surface.

A shaping machine includes a stationary first mold mounting plate, a second mold mounting plate movable with respect to the first mold mounting plate, a tubular snorkel fixedly secured to the second mold mounting plate, and an injection unit for plasticizing and injecting a molding material. An abutment is designed so that, in the opened condition of the closing unit, the injection unit can be braced against the abutment, and so that, in a closed condition of the closing unit, the injection unit is freed from the abutment by the force action of the snorkel on the injection unit.