Description:

Jetting can be defined as a "snake-like" pattern on the surface of a molded part, usually emanating from the gate area. It is indicative of an undesirable turbulence and splitting of the flow front.

Possible Causes & Remedies:

Machine Cause

◇ EXCESSIVE INJECTION SPEED

Remedies: Reducing the injection speed will allow the plastic flow front to stay together and not form the individual streams that cause the jetting patterns on the part surface.

◇ BARREL TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW

Remedies: Decrease or increase the barrel temperature accordingly. The material supplier can recommend the best starting point for barrel temperature and it can be adjusted from that point. Make changes in 10 degree F increments and keep the profile so it is heating progressively from back to front.

◇ SMALL NOZZLE OPENING

Remedies: Increase the nozzle opening. As a general rule, the nozzle opening should never be less than 7/32'' in diameter. The stiffer the material flow, the larger that opening should be. Make sure that the sprue bushing opening diameter matches or is 1/32'' larger than the nozzle opening.

◇ LOW NOZZLE TEMPERATURE

Remedies: Increase the nozzle temperature. As a rule-of-thumb the nozzle temperature should be set at 10 degrees F higher than the setting for the front zone of the barrel. This helps compensate for heat loss due to metal-to-metal contact between the nozzle and the sprue bushing and keeps the material hot enough to flow properly, eliminating jetting.

Mould Cause

◇ LOW MOLD TEMPERATURE

Remedies: Increase the mold temperature to the point at which the material has the proper flow and packs out the mold without jetting. Start with the material suppliers recommendations and adjust accordingly. Allow 10 cycles for every 10-degree change for the process to re-stabilize.

◇ SMALL GATES AND/OR RUNNERS

Remedies: Examine the gates and runners to determine if any burrs or other obstructions exist. If possible, perform a computer analysis to determine the proper sizing and location of gates and runners. Ask the material supplier for data concerning gate and runner dimensioning for a specific material and flow rate.

◇ IMPROPER GATE LOCATION

Remedies: Relocate, or redesign, the gate so that the molten plastic is directed against an obstruction such as a core pin. This will cause the material to disperse and continue to flow instead of slowing down.

◇ EXCESSIVE GATE LAND LENGTH

Remedies: Decrease the gate land length. It is best to construct the mold so that the gates are located in replaceable inserts. That way they can be replaced easily at times when adjustments are needed. The insert should include the land area. This land length should be no less than 0.030'' and no greater than 0.125''.

Material Cause

◇ IMPROPER FLOW RATE

Remedies: Utilize a material that has the stiffest flow possible without causing jetting. Contact the material supplier for help in deciding which flow rate should be used for a specific application.

Operator Cause

◇ INCONSISTENT PROCESS CYCLE

Remedies: If possible, run the machine on the automatic cycle, using the operator only to interrupt the cycle if an emergency occurs. Use a robot if an ``operator'' is necessary. In addition, instruct all employees on the importance of maintaining consistent cycles. 

(Source: plastictroubleshooter.com)