Page 435 - Injection Molding Advanced Troubleshooting Guide
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43.3 Sprue Sticking Troubleshooting 435
using sprue break stay very aware of any nozzle drool as it will lead to damage of
the tip or sprue bushing over time (and may well cause sticking).
43.3.2 Sprue Sticking Troubleshooting Mold Issues
Below are some of the potential mold concerns for sticking sprues:
Undercuts in sprue bushing
Incorrect finish in sprue bushing
Sprue puller
Cooling of sprue bushing
Sharp corners
Oversized sprue or runner
43.3.2.1 Mold: Undercuts in Sprue Bushing
Any undercuts in the sprue bushing may cause a sprue to stick. If the sprue
bushing has been damaged from steel tools the undercuts will lead to problems.
Sprue bushings are used reamed with a tapered reamer that will leave circular
rings with the sprue bushing that can cause sticking. There will be cases where a
sprue needs to be draw polished to allow proper release of the sprue. See Figure
43.2 for a magnified view of circular polish lines on a sprue that could lead to stick-
ing; draw polishing the sprue bushing would remove these undercuts.
Figure 43.2 Magnified view of sprue: notice the circular cutter lines

