Shooting "Half-Mold"...Alignment Ball

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Jason!!!  From all the Info I've gathered, along with some that was passed-on to me (thank You, Mr. Paul!), I decided to try a Method at Laminates, without spending any extra money.  My Plan: to clamp the vented side of the Tiny Toad Sticker mold to the outside of another mold, shoot the vented half in 1 color, trim Claws and Whiskers (I'll say "tips"), set the Tips into the non-vented side of the Tiny Toad Sticker mold, then shoot the main color.  My intention is/was to have 50/50 Laminated Tips, with the Body and Legs completely the main color.

My 1st problem...the Alignment Ball is on the vented side of the mold, so it off-set the mold half, making it impossible to get the Injector on the Sprue/Gate.  If the Alignment Ball was on the non-vented side, I'd be in business, that far.  What size is the Ball?  Is it a "readily" available, common size?  And is it tapped in, where I could reasonably-easily remove it and tap it into the pocket on the non-vented side?  Or would I run the risk of severely damaging this Top Quality Mold?  If the "job" wouldn't be that bad (maybe use an Easy-Out?), would You sell me a few of the Alignment Balls?

2nd problem...I did manage to get 1 set of Claws, half-thickness, by using a piece of paperboard between the mold halves...the Whiskers wouldn't shoot completely.  I set the half-thickness Claws in the mold then shot the main color.  It worked "ok", but the main color didn't complete through the ends of the Claws and Whiskers.  I'm thinking this part may be that my mold isn't warm enough, yet?

[ctom]

Since the back half , or flat side , is flat, you don't need to worry about aligning anything on it. Use a slightly larger drill and drill a blind hole only deep enough for the ball to be hidden.

[Jason]

I know from first hand experience you will only have moderate success with this.  The problem you will encounter is when you inject the other half of the mold.  In step one you covered up the venting, it's now not available when you inject the second half.  You will have some success, but not consistent...  Varies by mold / appendages of the bait.

This is why we are making the laminate plates mold specific.  They are designed with spru, runner, venting and alignment pin all taken into consideration.

As far as removing the pin goes, it can be done, but with it being steel in an aluminum mold, care really needs to be used.  We have tools specifically for this and still occasional tweak a mold.  It can normally be repaired to functional again with minimal esthetic damage.

Jason

[Dave]

I know from first hand experience you will only have moderate success with this.  The problem you will encounter is when you inject the other half of the mold.  In step one you covered up the venting, it's now not available when you inject the second half.  You will have some success, but not consistent...  Varies by mold / appendages of the bait.

This is why we are making the laminate plates mold specific.  They are designed with spru, runner, venting and alignment pin all taken into consideration.

As far as removing the pin goes, it can be done, but with it being steel in an aluminum mold, care really needs to be used.  We have tools specifically for this and still occasional tweak a mold.  It can normally be repaired to functional again with minimal esthetic damage.

 

Jason

Are these plates readily available for purchase?

[Jason]

Kind of... 

We are getting everything back in order now.  The holidays were quite a bit busier than we had expected and we pretty much had to focus exclusively on each day.  The good news is we made it and were able to keep our turn around time where we wanted it.  We were also forced to look at how we do some things, and as a result I think we found a few ways that we can work smarter vs. harder.  Overall, it was a very good learning experience.

To better answer your question, I need to update the site...  Until I do, if there is a plate you want, just send me an e-mail and I will get it added for you.

Thanks,

Jason

[andrewlamberson]

I am really looking forward to the laminate plate option for the single cavity molds. Maybe (probably) it's just me...but that dual injector w blending block is a pain in the *&^%....except for multiple cavity molds. Mine always seems to clog up between molds..unless I use it for a long time and get it really...really hot.

[Dave]

Andrew, if you ever get in the mood to sale that injector system, you just let me know partner. 

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Thank Yawl!

Jason, with all the details You mentioned...1, I surely won't be modifying the molds, it's not worth it.
2, I know Yawl are busy, and I'm not in a major rush for anything.  Please take Your time, as best You can... ...and whenever all this happens, in YOUR time, we'll get it done.  Thank You for SO MUCH that Yawl do!!!

[basshunter5]

Best thing I've used for laminates without a blending block is called litho. Its a super thin flexible aluminum similiar 2 flashing but not as flimsy. If you have a aluminum buyback recycling center odds are they will have it. Its actually used for newspaper printing. Anyways just drill the holes out for the alighnment pins or screws whichever, I put the mold with the litho in it into the toaster oven for a few minutes to make sure it shoots completly, then when you shoot the mold you should have 2 perfect halves just put the unvented side back in and take the litho out and shoot your second color.

[Dave]

Best thing I've used for laminates without a blending block is called litho. Its a super thin flexible aluminum similiar 2 flashing but not as flimsy. If you have a aluminum buyback recycling center odds are they will have it. Its actually used for newspaper printing. Anyways just drill the holes out for the alighnment pins or screws whichever, I put the mold with the litho in it into the toaster oven for a few minutes to make sure it shoots completly, then when you shoot the mold you should have 2 perfect halves just put the unvented side back in and take the litho out and shoot your second color.

What an idea! I am going to try a piece of flashing. Hopefully it's not to thick....

[pjmcla]

Dave; Flashing will almost always be too thick.  Think thinner.
Andrew; You sound like me on Dual injecting.  That blending block gets HOT, and I always seem to get mine off perpendicular some how.  But; I get off perpendicular a fair bit anyway    .     

[Dave]

It's actually not flashing, it's some other stuff that was given to me a while back. I've had it for quite some time and had no use for it, but after today, I DO! Well temporarily until them plates get done. I've got some sample pics and beware, they are SICK!. Let me down load them. 

[Dave]

OK, here we go.....






I can not believe the out come on how they have perfect lamination without cold lines.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

That's serious, Dave, Bro.  Fine job!!!  Clean is as Clean does!!!

[pjmcla]

Really good looking injection and bait.  Clean as a whistle and clear colors.