Hand loads are used for prototype and low-volume tooling as a cheaper alternative to automated slides and lifters. Hand loads can be adaptable to different part configurations in one tool.

Trident Components has extensive experience in high density polyethylene, or HDPE injection molding. Commonly favored for its strength, low cost, and impact resistance, HDPE can be molded into a variety of shapes and products. At Trident, we pride ourselves on our custom production capabilities, cutting-edge facilities, and warehousing services to accurately and cost-effectively meet the demands of any sized project.

Lifters create and release internal undercut features. Similar to slides, lifters move into place via a cam as the tool closes and move away as the tool opens.

When side actions are unavoidable, it is important to understand which type of side action your manufacturer recommends for your part, as each has different cost impacts on your tooling costs. The following table describes the different types and their use cases.

It should also be noted that because side actions do not follow the general tool direction, undercut features require draft angles specific to the action’s movement. For more design strategies, download our Injection Molding Design Guide.

Slides create and release external undercut features by collapsing into place via a cam as the tool closes. It then pulls away as the tool opens.

Contact one of our sales representatives todayto inquire about a quote from Trident Components or call us today at 888-312-0745. Typical volumes start at 2500 pieces, average orders are usually 10,000 - 20,000 pieces.

You can also read our Ultimate Guide to Injection Molding to read about injection molding technology or view our plastic injection molding services page.

Injection molding side actions are inserts (sometimes referred to as “features”) added to the mold in order to create undercut geometry. Undercut features are perpendicular to the main parting line and cannot be produced with a straight-pull mold, or in other words, by pulling apart the two halves of the mold and ejecting the part. When side actions are added to the mold, they allow material to flow around them to form the undercut feature. The side actions must then be removed manually or automatically to allow part ejection.Â

The two side actions, shown in dark grey, intersect the mold perpendicular to the parting line. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Solcan Design

Collapsible cores are mechanisms that release a circular undercut feature in a method similar to a lifter. These allow the actions to collapse inward, providing clearance for part ejection.

An unscrewing action is an automated motor or manual hand screwing that creates screw or threaded features. These actions prevent damage to the threads with careful unwinding between cycles.

Side actions are beneficial because they increase the options for what part geometries your part can have. Learn which type is best for your project.

Side actions are beneficial because they increase the options for what part geometries your part can have. However, side actions can dramatically increase molding production costs, so it is helpful to consider whether you need them or whether you can avoid them by designing slot features.

Hand-loaded cores are substitutes for slides or lifters, and are manually placed features which are molded around and then manually removed from the part. These are replaced each cycle.