What else can be tried before modifying the mold to fix a short shot?

What else can be tried before modifying the mold to fix a short shot?

We normally start with the shot size and V/P transfer position, then try adjusting the injection speed, pressure limit, melt temperature, or mold temperature. We’ll also check the material, barrel, and nozzle for feeding or plasticizing issues.

If none of that works, we may have to modify the venting, gate, or runner. But mold changes can be a hassle. Anything else worth trying first?

u/Firstmold — 9 days ago

Has anyone here used automated DFM tools in real projects?

As a manufacturer, we still rely mainly on engineering reviews, especially for tooling, workholding, material behavior, and process-specific risks. We’re curious how automated DFM tools perform in actual projects.

What do they identify well, and where do you still find manual review necessary?

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u/Firstmold — 20 days ago

What information should come with a transferred mold?

We recently received a project with an injection mold originally made by another manufacturer. Besides the mold itself, what information would you normally ask the customer to provide?

Mold drawings, trial reports, previous process settings, maintenance records, spare-part details—or anything else? Curious to hear what others usually request before running the first trial.

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u/Firstmold — 21 days ago

Two-color injection molding: which plastics actually bond well?

Two-color injection molding is not just about appearance.
One of the first things to check is whether the two plastics can actually bond well.

If the material pairing is wrong, the part may look acceptable at first, but later fail during use, assembly, bending, or temperature changes.

I’m sharing a simplified compatibility reference here as an early screening tool. It is not a final material approval guide, but it can help narrow down options before tooling.

For people working with 2K / two-shot molded parts, which material combination has given you the most trouble?

u/Firstmold — 3 months ago

Sharing a short DFM sanity check we use before cutting steel. Not exhaustive, just the items that catch the most issues early.

Area Quick check
Requirements Loads, environment, cosmetic requirements clearly defined
Material Shrink and flow considered for geometry and tolerances
Wall thickness Keep thickness consistent and transitions gradual
Draft Enough draft for finish and ejection (more if textured)
Radii Avoid sharp internal corners; add fillets to reduce stress
Ribs Keep ribs thinner than nominal wall; watch rib intersections
Bosses/Inserts Avoid thick bases; support high-load bosses; plan anti-rotation for inserts
Parting line Keep off cosmetic surfaces where possible; plan shutoffs early
Gating/Venting Gate for packing; vent likely air-trap areas
Validation Define sampling plan + inspection criteria before production

What are your “never skip” DFM checks? Anything here you disagree with?

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u/Firstmold — 4 months ago