Austin Allen GNAT Injection Moulding Machine - runs on 240V

[steve400]

Hi, just thought I'd let folks know I've got a very nice little Austin Allen pneumatic injection moulding machine listed on eBay, along with a standalone mould temperature controller (heater/chiller).

Both run on 240V AC so possible fun for the home...?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281647443397

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281647467648

Cheers,
Steve

[PaulAtAvon]

Hello Steve,

Looks in nice nick.

I have some questions:

Is the machine capable of fully automated cycling?

Is it the type of machine that injects on the split-line? This seems to make tooling easier.

Finally, the air blast / knock off feature: Is this to stop stringing of the molten material as the barrel retracts? Or am I misunderstanding what this does?

Thanks,

Paul

[steve400]

Hi, just thought I'd update this thread: The machine is now sold, thanks for the interest!

In case anyone happens to be interested in these questions:
The knock off feature is basically the ability to attach a small air cylinder above the mould, which pushes a wiper into the open mould to ensure the moulding falls away.
The air blast is also an aid to ejection, such that once the mould is open, a shot of air can be directed towards the moulding to ensure it dislodges.
These machines do also incorporate a "sprue freezing" feature, which is a directed jet of air that cools the sprue as the injection nozzle retracts from the top of the mould. This ensures the sprue breaks from the nozzle, thus preventing a situation where the ejected component is left dangling on a thread of plastic from the nozzle. Obviously that would end in tears when the mould attempted to close again...

Regards, Steve