Calculating the barrel capacity of an injection molding machine is crucial for understanding the machine’s ability to handle a specific volume of plastic material during each injection cycle. Barrel capacity is typically measured in terms of shot size, which is the maximum volume of plastic that can be injected in one cycle. This capacity is often specified in ounces (oz), grams (g), or cubic centimeters (cc). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate the barrel capacity:
Step-by-Step Calculation
1. Understand the Units
- Volume: The barrel capacity can be expressed in cubic centimeters (cc), grams (g), or ounces (oz).
- Density: The density of the plastic material being used is necessary if you need to convert between volume and mass.
2. Basic Formula
The volume of the barrel (V) can be calculated using the formula for the volume of a cylinder:

Where:
- π (Pi) is approximately 3.14159.
- r is the radius of the barrel.
- h is the stroke length of the screw (the length over which the screw travels during injection).
3. Measurement of Parameters
- Radius (r): Measure the inner diameter (D) of the barrel and divide by 2 to get the radius.
- Stroke Length (h): This is the maximum travel distance of the screw inside the barrel.
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4. Convert to Appropriate Units
Ensure all measurements are in consistent units (e.g., cm or mm). If necessary, convert to cubic centimeters for volume calculations.
5. Example Calculation
Assume the following measurements:
- Inner diameter (D) of the barrel: 4 cm (40 mm)
- Stroke length (h): 20 cm (200 mm)
Calculate the radius:

Calculate the volume:

So, the barrel capacity is approximately 251.3 cubic centimeters (cc).
6. Convert to Mass if Necessary
To convert the volume to mass, you need the density (ρ\rhoρ) of the plastic material in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). For example, if the density of the plastic is 1.05 g/cc:

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7. Convert to Ounces if Necessary
To convert grams to ounces, use the conversion factor (1 oz ≈ 28.35 g):

So, the barrel capacity is approximately 9.3 ounces of plastic.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can calculate the barrel capacity of an injection molding machine. This capacity helps in determining the maximum shot size and ensuring the machine is suitable for producing the desired parts. Consistent units and accurate measurements are crucial for precise calculations.
Related Conten: Prototype Injection Molding
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