WO2012158661A1

WO2012158661A1 - Partial contact between hot-runner nozzle assembly and nozzle-heater assembly in a mold-tool system

Info

Publication number: WO2012158661A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/037876
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul R. Blais; Angelo Mier; Brian Esser
Original assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-18
Filing date: 2012-05-15
Publication date: 2012-11-22

Abstract

The inventors have researched a problem associated with known molding systems that inadvertently manufacture bad-quality molded articles or parts. After much study, the inventors believe they have arrived at an understanding of the problem and its solution. A mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to): a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104).

Description

PARTIAL CONTACT BETWEEN HOT-RUNNER NOZZLE ASSEMBLY AND NOZZLE-

HEATER ASSEMBLY IN A MOLD-TOOL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

An aspect generally relates to (but is not limited to) a mold-tool system and/or a molding system having the mold-tool system.

SUMMARY

The inventors have researched a problem associated with known molding systems that inadvertently manufacture bad-quality molded articles or parts. After much study, the inventors believe they have arrived at an understanding of the problem and its solution, which are stated below, and the inventors believe the public does not know this understanding. The current problem is that electrical resistive heater assemblies supply a fixed wattage per linear length of the heater assembly. Known installation method depends on installing the heater assembly to have good thermal conductance to a nozzle assembly of a runner assembly. This arrangement may improve heat transfer. However, heat transfer is a two way street, not only does the above arrangement improve heat going to the nozzle assembly from the heater assembly, but the above arrangement may also improve cooling of the heater assembly at the location of heat losses. For an ideal case, the temperature of the electric heater is independent of the temperature of the nozzle assembly. However, the next best case may be to limit the effect of the nozzle assembly temperature on the temperature of the heater assembly. Instead of transferring a majority of the heat by conductance, the solution may reduce, at least in part, heat transfer by conduction and/or may improve heat transfer by radiation. Radiative heat transfer is a function of the fourth power of temperature difference between two bodies (using an absolute scale), and thus is much higher for larger differences in temperature. This then acts as a partially self regulating heat transfer mode, as the amount of heat transferred increases dramatically as the temperature differential increases, and correspondingly decreases as the temperature differential decreases. This is in contrast to conductive and convective heat transfer modes, where the heat transfer typically has a linear relationship as a function of the temperature differential. The ideal resistive heater design combines conductive, convective and radiative heat transfer modes with the contribution of each dependent upon numerous parameters, including but not limited to, materials, desired temperature profiles, environmental conditions, etc.

To resolve the above, at least in part, according to a first aspect, there is provided a mold- tool system (100), comprising: a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104).

To resolve the above, at least in part, according to a first aspect, there is provided a mold- tool system (100), comprising: a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); a nozzle-heater assembly (104); and a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104).

To resolve the above, at least in part, according to a first aspect, there is provided a mold- tool system (100), comprising: a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and a nozzle-heater assembly (104); wherein the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are at least partially decoupled from each other.

To resolve the above, at least in part, according to a first aspect, there is provided a method, comprising: a partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104) in a mold-tool system (100).

The mold-tool system (100) may improve heat transfer and may decrease power draw, and may improve thermal uniformity. Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 13 depict schematic representations of a mold-tool system (100). The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1 to 13 depict the schematic representations of the mold-tool system (100). The mold-tool system (100) may include components that are known to persons skilled in the art, and these known components will not be described here; these known components are described, at least in part, in the following reference books (for example): (i) "Injection Molding Handbook' authored by OSSWALD/TURNG/GRAMANN (ISBN: 3-446-21669-2), (ii) "Injection Molding Handbook' authored by ROSATO AND ROSATO (ISBN: 0-412- 99381 -3), (iii) "Injection Molding Systems" 3^rd Edition authored by JOHANNABER (ISBN 3- 446-17733-7) and/or (iv) "Runner and Gating Design Handbook' authored by BEAUMONT (ISBN 1 -446-22672-9). It will be appreciated that for the purposes of this document, the phrase "includes (and is not limited to)" is equivalent to the word "comprising". The word "comprising" is a transitional phrase or word that links the preamble of a patent claim to the specific elements set forth in the claim that define what the invention itself actually is. The transitional phrase acts as a limitation on the claim, indicating whether a similar device, method, or composition infringes the patent if the accused device (etc) contains more or fewer elements than the claim in the patent. The word "comprising" is to be treated as an open transition, which is the broadest form of transition, as it does not limit the preamble to whatever elements are identified in the claim. The definition of the mold-tool system (100) is as follows: a system that may be positioned and/or may be used in an envelope defined by a platen system of the molding system (known and not depicted), such as an injection-molding system for example. The platen system may include (and is not limited to) a stationary platen and a movable platen that is moveable relative to the stationary platen. A molding system may include (and is not limited to) the mold-tool system (100).

Referring now to all FIGS, generally speaking, according to a first example, the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to): a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104). Referring now to all FIGS, generally speaking, according to a second example, the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to): a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); a nozzle- heater assembly (104); and a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot- runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104).

Referring now to all FIGS, generally speaking, according to a third example, the mold-tool system (100) includes (and is not limited to): a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and a nozzle-heater assembly (104); wherein the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle- heater assembly (104) are at least partially decoupled from each other.

The mold-tool system (100) of the first example, the second example and the third example, may be varied such that effective contact between the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) is reduced by at least 25% as a result of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) being in partial contact with each other, in comparison to a case in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are in normal contact with each other.

Generally speaking, according to a fourth example, a method includes (and is not limited to): a partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104) in a mold-tool system (100). More specifically, in accordance with a variation of the fourth example, the method may be adapted to include reducing effective contact between the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) by at least 25% as a result of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) being in partial contact with each other, in comparison to a case in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are in normal contact with each other.

Referring specifically now to FIGS 1 , 2, 3, a variation of the mold-tool system (100) is depicted, in which the nozzle-heater assembly (104) includes: (i) a heater-inner surface (112), and (ii) inner-surface heater crests (113). The heater-inner surface (112) defines heater slots (110). The heater slots (110) face, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The inner-surface heater crests (113) extend from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The inner-surface heater crests (113) are positioned between the heater slots (110). The inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). It is understood that the heater slots (110) may include one or more heater slots (110), and is not limited to one slot or a plurality of slots. Referring specifically now to FIGS 1 , 2, 3, a variation of the partial-contacting means (106) of the mold-tool system (100) is depicted, in which the partial-contacting means (106) includes (and is not limited to): (i) the heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and (ii) inner- surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot- runner nozzle assembly (102). The inner-surface heater crests (113) are positioned between the heater slots (110). The inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). FIG. 1 depicts a variant of the heater slots (110) by way of an example. The heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) radial-heater slots (111 ). The heater slots (110) are aligned, at least in part, radially relative to a longitudinal axis (105) extending, at least in part, through the nozzle-heater assembly (104). FIG. 2 depicts another variant of the heater slots (110) by way of another example. The heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) axial-heater slots (114). The axial-heater slots (114) are aligned, at least in part, axially relative to a longitudinal axis (105) extending, at least in part, through the nozzle-heater assembly (104). FIG. 3 depicts another variant of the heater slots (110) by way of example. The heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) concave-heater dimples (127) located on the heater- inner surface (112) of the nozzle-heater assembly (104). The concave-heater dimples (127) face the nozzle-heater assembly (104). Many other variants (not depicted) of the heater slots (110) are contemplated by way of other examples, The non-depicted variants are easily understood by persons of skill in the art in view of FIGS 1 and 2. The non-depicted variants include (and are not limited to): (i) the heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of both the radial-heater slots (111 ) and the axial-heater slots (114), (ii) the heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) non-radial heater slots (not depicted), (iii) the heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) non-axial heater slots (not depicted), (iv) the heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of non-radial heater slots and/or non-axial heater slots, (v) the heater slots (110) include (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of any combination and permutation of the heater slots (110) previously described.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, a variation of the mold-tool system (100) is depicted, in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) includes (and is not limited to): (i) an outer-nozzle surface (120), and (ii) outer-surface nozzle crests (115). The outer-nozzle surface (120) defines nozzle slots (116). The nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104). The outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extend from the hot- runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104). The nozzle slots (116) are positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115). The nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). It is understood that the nozzle slots (116) may include (and are not limited to) one or more nozzle slots (116), and is not limited to one slot or a plurality of slots.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, a variation of the partial-contacting means (106) of the mold-tool system (100) is depicted, in which the partial-contacting means (106) includes (and is not limited to): the outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104), and (ii) the outer- surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104). The nozzle slots (116) are positioned between the outer- surface nozzle crests (115) and the nozzle slots (116). The outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

FIG. 4 depicts a variant of the nozzle slots (116) by way of example. The nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) radial-nozzle slots (117). The radial-nozzle slots (117) are aligned, at least in part, radially relative to a longitudinal axis (107) of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

FIG. 5 depicts a variant of the nozzle slots (116) by way of example. The nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) axial-nozzle slots (122) aligned, at least in part, axially relative to a longitudinal axis (107) of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

FIG 6 depicts another variant of the nozzle slots (116) by way of example. The nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) concave-nozzle dimples (129) located on the outer surface of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The concave-nozzle dimples (129) face the nozzle-heater assembly (104).

Many variants (not depicted) of the heater slots (110) are depicted by way of other examples, The non-depicted variants are easily understood by persons of skill in the art in view of FIGS 4 and 5, which are as follows: (i) the nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of both the radial-nozzle slots (117) and the axial-nozzle slots (122), (ii) the nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) non-radial nozzle slots (not depicted), (iii) the nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) non-axial nozzle slots (not depicted), (iv) the nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of non-radial nozzle slots and/or non-axial nozzle slots, (iv) the nozzle slots (116) include (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of any combination and permutation of the nozzle slots (116) previously described.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, a variation of the mold-tool system (100) is depicted, in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) includes (and is not limited to): an intermediate assembly (124). The intermediate assembly (124) is positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). It is understood that the intermediate assembly (124) may include (and are not limited to) one or more of the intermediate assembly (124), and is not limited to any number of the intermediate assembly (124). Referring specifically now to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, a variation of the partial-contacting means (106) of the mold-tool system (100) is depicted, in which the partial-contacting means (106) includes (and is not limited to): the intermediate assembly (124). The intermediate assembly (124) is positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

Many variants of the intermediate assembly (124) are contemplated.

FIG. 7 depicts a variant of the intermediate assembly (124), by way of an example. The intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a wire assembly (125), the wire assembly (125) surrounding, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). FIG. 8 depicts another variant of the intermediate assembly (124), by way of an example. The intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a wire-mesh assembly (126). The wire-mesh assembly (126) surrounding, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). FIG 9 depicts another variant of the intermediate assembly (124), by way of another example. The intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a spacer structure (132) such as a set of spacer rings that are spaced apart from each other along at least a length of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The spacer structure (132) is positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The spacer structure (132) surrounds, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The spacer structure (132) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The spacer structure (132) reduces the effective contact between the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle- heater assembly (104).

FIG. 10 depicts another variant of the intermediate assembly (124), by way of another example. The intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) convex-heater dimples (134). The convex-heater dimples (134) extend from a heater-inner surface (112) of the nozzle-heater assembly (104). The convex-heater dimples (134) face, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The convex-heater dimples (134) contact, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

FIG. 11 depicts another variant of the intermediate assembly (124), by way of another example. The intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) convex-nozzle dimples (136). The convex-nozzle dimples (136) extend from an outer-nozzle surface (120) of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104). The convex-nozzle dimples (136) are located on the outer-nozzle surface (120) of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The convex-nozzle dimples (136) face, at least in part, the nozzle- heater assembly (104). The convex-nozzle dimples (136) contact, at least in part, the nozzle- heater assembly (104).

FIG 12 depicts another variant of the intermediate assembly (124), by way of another example. The intermediate assembly (124) includes (and is not limited to) by way of example, heater bosses (131 ) that extends from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The heater bosses (131 ) contact, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). The heater bosses (131 ) are arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). FIG 13 depicts another variant of the intermediate assembly (124), by way of another example. The intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) nozzle bosses (133) that extend from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104). The nozzle bosses (133) contact the nozzle-heater assembly (104). Other variants of the intermediate assembly (124) are contemplated but are not depicted, by way of the following examples: (i) the intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of a wire assembly (125) and a wire-mesh assembly (126), (ii) the intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a non-wire assembly (not depicted), (iii) the intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a non wire-mesh assembly (not depicted), (iv) the intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of a non-wire assembly and a non wire- mesh assembly, (v) the intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) a combination (not depicted) of the heater bosses (131 ) and the nozzle bosses (133), (vi) the intermediate assembly (124) includes (and are not limited to) any combination and permutation of the intermediate assembly (124) previously described.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of the examples of the mold-tool system (100): Clause (1 ): a mold-tool system (100), comprising: a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104). Clause (2): a mold-tool system (100), comprising: a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); a nozzle-heater assembly (104); and a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104). Clause (3): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: effective contact between the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle- heater assembly (104) is reduced by at least 25% as a result of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) being in partial contact with each other, in comparison to a case in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are in normal contact with each other. Clause (4): the mold- tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the partial-contacting means (106) includes: a heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (5): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the partial- contacting means (106) includes: an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104); and outer- surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (6): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the partial-contacting means (106) includes: an intermediate assembly (124) positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), and the intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (7): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the partial-contacting means (106) includes: a heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle- heater assembly (104); outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (8): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the partial-contacting means (106) includes: a heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot- runner nozzle assembly (102); inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle- heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner- surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot- runner nozzle assembly (102); an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104); outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle- heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and an intermediate assembly (124) positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), and the intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (9): a mold-tool system (100), comprising: a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and a nozzle-heater assembly (104); wherein the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are at least partially decoupled from each other. Clause (10): the mold-tool system (100) of of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: effective contact between the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) is reduced by at least 25% as a result of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) being in partial contact with each other, in comparison to a case in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are in normal contact with each other. Clause (11 ): the mold- tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the nozzle-heater assembly (104) includes: a heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and inner- surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (12): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) includes: an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104); and outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (13): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: an intermediate assembly (124) is positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), and the intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (14): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the nozzle-heater assembly (104) includes: a heater- inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner- surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) includes: an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104); and outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). Clause (15): the mold-tool system (100) of any clause mentioned in this paragraph, wherein: the nozzle-heater assembly (104) includes: a heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) includes: an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104); and outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and an intermediate assembly (124) is positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), and the intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102). FIGS. 1 -13 depict examples of the mold-tool system (100). It will be appreciated that the examples depicted in FIGS. 1 -13 may be combined in any suitable permutation and combination. It will be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as may be required to perform desired functions and tasks that are within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one of them in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly, components, or software code that is superior to any of the equivalents available to the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the inventions and/or examples of the invention that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the invention have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for the purposes of this document, the phrase "includes (and is not limited to)" is equivalent to the word "comprising". It is noted that the foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non- limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A mold-tool system (100), comprising:

a partial-contacting means (106) for partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104).

2. A mold-tool system (100), comprising:

a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102);

a nozzle-heater assembly (104); and

3. The mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein:

effective contact between the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) is reduced by at least 25% as a result of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) being in partial contact with each other, in comparison to a case in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are in normal contact with each other.

4. The mold-tool system (100) of claims 1 , 2 and 3, wherein:

the partial-contacting means (106) includes:

a heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and

inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

5. The mold-tool system (100) of claims 1 , 2 and 3, wherein:

the partial-contacting means (106) includes:

an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104); and

outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

6. The mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 1 , 2 and 3, wherein:

the partial-contacting means (106) includes:

an intermediate assembly (124) positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), and the intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

7. The mold-tool system (100) of claims 1 , 2 and 3, wherein:

the partial-contacting means (106) includes:

a heater-inner surface (112) defining heater slots (110), the heater slots (110) facing, at least in part, the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102);

inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102);

an outer-nozzle surface (120) defining nozzle slots (116), the nozzle slots (116) face, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104);

8. The mold-tool system (100) of claims 1 , 2 and 3, wherein:

the partial-contacting means (106) includes:

outer-surface nozzle crests (115) extending from the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) toward the nozzle-heater assembly (104), the nozzle slots (116) being positioned between the outer-surface nozzle crests (115), and the nozzle slots (116) and the outer-surface nozzle crests (115) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and

9. A mold-tool system (100), comprising:

a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); and

a nozzle-heater assembly (104);

wherein the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are at least partially decoupled from each other.

10. The mold-tool system (100) of claim 9, wherein: effective contact between the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) is reduced by at least 25% as a result of the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) being in partial contact with each other, in comparison to a case in which the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) and the nozzle-heater assembly (104) are in normal contact with each other.

11. The mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein:

the nozzle-heater assembly (104) includes:

12. The mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein:

the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) includes:

13. The mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein:

an intermediate assembly (124) is positioned, at least in part, between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the intermediate assembly (124) contacts, at least in part, the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), and the intermediate assembly (124) is arranged so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle-heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102).

14. The mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein:

the nozzle-heater assembly (104) includes:

inner-surface heater crests (113) extending from the nozzle-heater assembly (104) toward the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102), the inner-surface heater crests (113) being positioned between the heater slots (110), wherein the inner-surface heater crests (113) and the heater slots (110) are arranged relative to each other so as to reduce the effective contact between the nozzle- heater assembly (104) and the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102); the hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) includes:

15. The mold-tool system (100) of any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein:

the nozzle-heater assembly (104) includes:

16. A method, comprising:

a partially contacting a hot-runner nozzle assembly (102) with a nozzle-heater assembly (104) in a mold-tool system (100).

17. A molding system having the mold-tool system (100) of any preceding claim.