Patent attributes
An injection molding machine is provided including a first mold portion and a second mold portion, the second mold portion being movable relative to the first mold portion and together defining a mold cavity. The injection molding machine includes a fluid path extending through the first mold portion. The fluid path has an inlet fan gate portion in fluid communication with the mold cavity. The injection molding machine further includes a valve device disposed in the fan gate portion directly adjacent the mold cavity. The valve device is positionable in an opened position to permit flow of the molding material from the fan gate portion to the mold cavity and a closed position to obstruct flow of the molding material from the fan gate portion to the mold cavity. In the closed position, the valve device defines a wall surface portion for forming the molded part and thereby eliminating the need for a post-machining operation to remove the gate portion.
