摘要 |
A manifold system ( 50 ) comprising a main manifold ( 56 ) with a plurality of arms ( 64 ), a plurality of sub-manifolds ( 52 ) spaced from the main manifold ( 56 ) and communicating with the main manifold ( 56 ) through a plurality of melt transfer bushings ( 68 ) disposed between the main manifold ( 56 ) and the sub-manifolds ( 52 ). The melt transfer bushings ( 68 ) may include static mixers ( 140 ) to homogenize the melt. An air plate ( 70 ) is disposed between a backing plate ( 58 ) preferably housing the main manifold ( 56 ) and a manifold plate ( 54 ) preferably housing the sub-manifolds ( 52 ). The air plate ( 70 ) has a plurality of air channels ( 74 ) that communicate with valve gate nozzle actuators ( 90 ), which are received in actuator cavities ( 72 ) in the air plate ( 70 ). The air plate ( 70 ) is bolted to the manifold plate ( 54 ), and the backing plate ( 58 ) is bolted to the air plate ( 70 ) with bolting patterns not constrained by location of the main manifold ( 56 ) or sub-manifolds ( 52 ). The manifold system ( 50 ), as shown in FIG. 5, has better thermal and geometric balance, closer nozzle spacing, and better bolting for less plate bowing.
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