Does Screw Design Effect Melt Temp?

Yes! You should always measure the melt temperature after replacing an injection molding screw, as a new screw can significantly impact the melt temperature due to its design and wear characteristics, potentially affecting the quality of your molded parts; therefore, carefully monitoring and adjusting the melt temperature after a screw change is crucial for consistent production.

Key points about measuring melt temperature after a screw replacement:

Impact on melt consistency

A new screw may have different heat transfer properties due to different compression/transition zone variations, leading to variations in melt temperature even with the same barrel temperature settings.

Quality control:

By checking the melt temperature, you can identify potential issues like excessive heat generation or insufficient melting, which can lead to defects in the molded parts.

Process optimization:

Adjusting the barrel temperature settings based on the measured melt temperature allows you to fine-tune the process for optimal partquality.

How to measure melt temperature:

Use a melt temperature sensor:

The MTMS Kit(melt temperature measurement system) is the most accurate, safest and fastest way to measure melt temperatures. 

Important considerations:

Material specific:

The optimal melt temperature varies depending on the plastic material being used due to different shear properties.

Process stability:

Once you have replaced the screw, let the machine run for a short period to stabilize the melt temperature before taking measurements.

Documentation:

Always record the measured melt temperature for future reference and process comparison.