A–Z Manufacturing Reference
Manufacturing
GlossaryA comprehensive technical reference covering polymers, injection molding, tooling, machine technology, processing, secondary operations, printing, labeling, assembly, packaging, quality, automation, maintenance, compliance and plastics manufacturing.
Terms
406+
Technical manufacturing terminology and definitions.
A
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
A tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic widely used for molded automotive, electrical, consumer and industrial components.
Acetal (POM)
An engineering thermoplastic known for low friction, dimensional stability, stiffness and wear resistance.
Acrylic (PMMA)
A transparent thermoplastic used where optical clarity, weather resistance and surface appearance are important.
Additive Manufacturing
A manufacturing method that builds parts layer by layer, commonly known as 3D printing.
Adhesive Assembly
Joining components with an adhesive instead of or in addition to mechanical fastening.
After-Cure
Additional controlled heating or conditioning performed after molding or assembly to complete material properties or bonding.
Air Assist
Compressed air used in certain molding or secondary processes to assist forming, ejection, cooling or handling.
Air Blow-Off
Compressed air used to remove dust, chips, loose particles or moisture from a component.
Air Ejector
A mold feature that uses compressed air to help release a molded part from the cavity or core.
Annealing
Controlled heating and cooling used to reduce molded-in stress and improve dimensional stability.
Antiblock Additive
An additive used mainly in films to reduce unwanted sticking between plastic surfaces.
Antioxidant
An additive that helps protect polymers from thermal and oxidative degradation during processing and service.
Antistatic Additive
An additive used to reduce static charge accumulation on plastic surfaces.
Automatic Assembly
Assembly performed by machines, robots or dedicated automation with limited operator intervention.
Automation
Use of controls, robots, sensors and machinery to perform manufacturing operations consistently and efficiently.
Auxiliary Equipment
Supporting equipment such as dryers, chillers, loaders, granulators, temperature controllers and compressors.
B
Back Pressure
Pressure applied to the screw during plasticizing to control melt preparation, mixing and shot consistency.
Backflow
Unintended reverse movement of molten polymer through the screw or check-ring area during injection or holding.
Backplate
A mold plate or machine-side plate used to support and mount mold components.
Baffle
A cooling-channel insert used to redirect coolant through a mold component.
Barrel
The heated cylinder surrounding the injection screw where plastic pellets are conveyed, melted and mixed.
Barrel Heater
Electrical heating element used to bring the injection barrel to the required processing temperature.
Barrel Temperature
Temperature set or measured along the injection barrel zones.
Batch
A defined quantity of material or products manufactured under specified conditions and traceability.
Batch Number
Identification code assigned to a material or production batch for traceability.
Bead Blast
A surface-finishing process using abrasive beads to alter or clean a component surface.
Blister
A raised defect caused by trapped gas, moisture, volatile material or poor adhesion.
Blow Molding
A process for manufacturing hollow plastic parts by expanding a heated polymer tube or preform inside a mold.
Boss
A raised molded feature commonly used for screws, inserts, locating pins or assembly.
Bottom Gate
A gate positioned near the bottom or underside of a molded component.
Brinelling
Permanent indentation or surface damage caused by excessive localized contact pressure.
Burn Mark
A dark or charred molded-part defect commonly associated with trapped gas and excessive temperature or shear.
Burr
A small unwanted ridge or sharp edge left after molding, machining, trimming or assembly.
C
Cavity
The mold surface or space that forms the external geometry of a molded part.
Cavity Insert
Replaceable mold component containing part-forming geometry.
Cavity Pressure
Pressure measured within the mold cavity during filling, packing and cooling.
Centerline
Reference line used for machine setup, mold alignment, tooling and dimensional inspection.
Check Ring
Non-return valve assembly on an injection screw that prevents melt from flowing backward during injection.
Clamp Force
Force generated by the injection molding machine to keep the mold closed during injection.
Clamping Pressure
Pressure or hydraulic force associated with closing and holding the mold under clamp.
Clamping Unit
Machine assembly responsible for opening, closing and locking the mold.
Cold Runner
Runner system in which the polymer solidifies after each molding cycle and is normally removed or recycled.
Cold Slug
Cool or partially solidified material entering the mold at the beginning of injection and potentially causing a defect.
Color Concentrate
Concentrated pigment or colorant blended with a base polymer to produce a required color.
Color Masterbatch
Concentrated mixture of pigments or dyes dispersed in a carrier resin for controlled plastic coloring.
Compression Molding
Process in which a measured plastic charge is formed under heat and pressure inside a mold.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Computer-based creation and modification of product, mold and tooling geometry.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Use of computer software and digital models to plan or control manufacturing operations.
Concentricity
Condition in which cylindrical features share a common center axis within specified tolerance.
Cooling Channel
Internal mold passage through which coolant flows to control mold temperature and solidification.
Cooling Time
Time during which a molded part remains sufficiently cooled in the mold before ejection.
Core
Mold feature that forms internal geometry, holes, bores or recesses in a molded component.
Core Insert
Replaceable insert used to form or repair a specific internal feature of a mold.
Core Pin
Pin-shaped mold component used to form a hole or cylindrical internal feature.
Crystallinity
Degree of ordered molecular structure in a semicrystalline polymer, influencing shrinkage, stiffness and thermal behavior.
Curing
Controlled process that causes a material, coating, adhesive or thermoset to develop its final properties.
Cushion
Controlled amount of molten polymer remaining in front of the screw at the end of injection.
Custom Injection Molding
Production of customer-specific plastic components using dedicated tooling and controlled molding processes.
Cycle Time
Total time required to complete one molding cycle, including mold close, injection, cooling, opening and ejection.
D
Deburring
Removal of unwanted burrs, sharp edges or excess material from molded or machined components.
Deflection
Movement or deformation of a component, mold or structure under applied force.
Degassing
Removal or venting of trapped air, moisture or volatile substances from polymer, tooling or process systems.
Delamination
Separation of layers or material interfaces, often visible as flaking or splitting on a molded part.
Demolding
Removal of a molded component from the mold after sufficient cooling or curing.
Depaneling
Separation of individual components from a molded, printed or assembled panel.
Design for Assembly (DFA)
Design approach that simplifies and reduces the cost of assembling a product.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Design approach that makes a component easier, more reliable and economical to manufacture.
Die
Tooling component through which molten or softened polymer is forced in processes such as extrusion.
Dimensional Inspection
Measurement of part dimensions against engineering drawings, specifications or CAD requirements.
Dimensional Stability
Ability of a plastic component to retain its dimensions under temperature, humidity, time and service conditions.
Dry Air Dryer
Desiccant drying system that removes moisture from hygroscopic plastic resins using controlled dry air.
Drying
Controlled removal of moisture from plastic resin before processing.
Drying Temperature
Specified temperature used to dry a polymer before molding or processing.
Drying Time
Required duration for drying a polymer at a specified temperature and airflow.
E
Ejection Force
Force required to release a molded part from the mold.
Ejection Stroke
Distance traveled by the mold ejection system during part removal.
Ejector Pin
Mold pin that pushes the cooled molded part away from the core during ejection.
Ejector Plate
Mold plate that carries ejector pins, sleeves and related ejection components.
Ejector Sleeve
Tubular ejector component commonly used around a core pin or boss.
Ejector System
Mold mechanism used to release the molded part from the cavity or core.
Elastomer
Polymer with rubber-like elastic behavior that can recover after deformation.
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
Precision machining process that removes conductive material using controlled electrical discharges.
Engineering Plastic
High-performance thermoplastic selected for demanding mechanical, thermal, chemical or dimensional requirements.
Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC)
Cracking caused by the combined effects of mechanical stress and exposure to a chemical environment.
Extrusion
Continuous process in which molten polymer is forced through a die to create profiles, sheets, films, pipes or other continuous products.
Extrusion Blow Molding
Blow molding process using an extruded parison to form hollow plastic products.
Extrusion Grade
Polymer grade formulated for extrusion processing rather than primarily injection molding.
F
Family Mold
A mold containing cavities for two or more different components that are molded in the same cycle.
Feed Throat
Machine opening through which plastic pellets enter the injection barrel from the hopper.
Fiber Reinforcement
Addition of glass, carbon or other fibers to a polymer to improve strength, stiffness or dimensional stability.
Fill Pressure
Injection pressure required to fill the mold cavity.
Fill Time
Time taken for the polymer melt to fill the mold cavity.
Filler
Material added to a polymer to modify cost, stiffness, dimensional behavior, appearance or other properties.
Fillet
Rounded transition between surfaces used to reduce sharp corners and stress concentration.
Filling
Injection phase in which molten polymer travels through the runner and fills the mold cavity.
Film Insert Molding
Process in which a printed or decorative film is placed in a mold and molded together with plastic.
Fixture
Dedicated device used to locate, hold, inspect, assemble, print or process a component consistently.
Flame Retardant
Additive or material formulation used to reduce ignition or flame propagation.
Flash
Unwanted thin excess plastic that forms at a mold parting line, ejector area, insert interface or vent.
Flow Front
Leading edge of molten polymer as it advances through the mold cavity.
Flow Mark
Visible surface pattern caused by variations in polymer flow, cooling or filling conditions.
Flow Rate
Rate at which polymer melt, coolant, air or another process medium moves through a system.
Food-Contact Grade
Material formulated and controlled for applications requiring compliance with applicable food-contact requirements.
Four-Post Mold
Mold construction using guide pillars and bushings at four corners for alignment.
G
Gas Assist
Molding technology that uses pressurized gas to create hollow sections, reduce weight or manage shrinkage.
Gas Counter Pressure
Controlled gas pressure introduced into the mold cavity before or during injection to influence surface quality and filling.
Gas Trap
Area where air or gas becomes trapped during mold filling.
Gasket
Sealing component used to prevent leakage between mating surfaces.
Gate
Opening through which molten plastic enters the mold cavity.
Gate Seal
Point in the molding cycle when the gate freezes enough to stop significant polymer flow into the cavity.
Gate Vestige
Visible or measurable mark remaining where the molded part was separated from the gate.
Gating System
Network of sprue, runners and gates that delivers molten polymer to mold cavities.
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
Engineering system used to define allowable variation in part geometry, location, orientation and form.
Glass Fiber
Reinforcing fiber added to polymers to increase stiffness, strength and dimensional stability.
Gloss
Measurement or visual characteristic describing how strongly a surface reflects light.
Granulator
Machine used to cut plastic scrap, runners or rejected parts into reusable granulate.
Gravimetric Blender
Material blending system that doses different resins, masterbatch or additives by weight.
Grinder
Equipment used to reduce plastic scrap or components into smaller particles.
Guide Bush
Mold alignment component that receives a guide pillar.
Guide Pillar
Mold alignment component that enters a guide bush during mold closing.
H
Hardened Steel
Heat-treated steel selected for wear resistance and long mold life.
Holding Pressure
Pressure applied after cavity filling to compensate for polymer shrinkage and pack the cavity.
Holding Time
Duration for which holding pressure is applied before the gate freezes.
Homogenization
Process of achieving uniform melt temperature, composition and color throughout the polymer.
Hopper
Container that stores plastic pellets before they enter the injection machine feed throat.
Hopper Dryer
Drying unit mounted near the material hopper to remove moisture from plastic resin.
Hot Runner
Heated runner system that keeps polymer molten between the injection unit and mold cavities.
Hot Runner Controller
Electronic controller that regulates temperatures of hot runner zones.
Hot Sprue
Heated sprue arrangement that delivers molten polymer from the machine nozzle toward the runner system.
Hot Tip Gate
Hot runner gate using a heated tip to control polymer entry into a cavity.
Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine
Injection molding machine using hydraulic systems to generate injection and clamping movement.
Hygroscopic Polymer
Polymer that readily absorbs moisture from the environment and often requires controlled drying before molding.
I
In-Mold Assembly
Assembly process performed inside the mold by combining multiple components during molding.
In-Mold Decoration (IMD)
Decorative process in which a printed film or decorative layer is formed and integrated with a molded component.
In-Mold Electronics (IME)
Technology integrating printed electronics or electronic functionality into molded components.
In-Mold Labeling (IML)
Process in which a preprinted label is positioned in the mold and becomes integrated with the molded plastic part.
Injection Molding
Manufacturing process in which molten polymer is injected into a closed mold and cooled or cured to form a component.
Injection Pressure
Pressure generated by the injection unit to force molten polymer into the mold.
Injection Speed
Velocity at which the injection screw moves forward during filling.
Injection Unit
Machine section responsible for feeding, melting, metering and injecting polymer.
Inline Inspection
Quality inspection performed directly within or alongside the production process.
Insert
Additional component placed in or around the mold cavity to create a feature or become permanently incorporated into the molded part.
Insert Molding
Process in which a preformed insert such as metal, plastic, mesh or electronics is placed in the mold and encapsulated or retained by polymer.
Inspection Standard
Defined criteria, sampling plan, measurement method and acceptance limits used to evaluate product quality.
Interlock
Safety or control mechanism that prevents equipment from operating unless required conditions are satisfied.
ISO 13485
Quality management standard specifically focused on medical devices and related manufacturing organizations.
ISO 14001
International standard for environmental management systems.
ISO 14644
International standard series covering cleanrooms and controlled environments.
ISO 45001
International standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
ISO 9001
International standard specifying requirements for a quality management system.
J
Jetting
Molding defect where melt enters the cavity as a narrow uncontrolled stream and creates a snake-like surface pattern.
Jig
Dedicated device used to guide, locate, hold or support a component during manufacturing or assembly.
Jig Fixture
Tooling combining locating and holding features to make a repeated operation consistent.
Joint
Connection between two or more components created by fastening, welding, bonding, snap-fit or another assembly method.
Joint Strength
Ability of an assembled connection to withstand specified mechanical loading.
Just-in-Time (JIT)
Manufacturing and inventory approach that supplies materials close to the time they are needed in production.
K
K-factor
Process-specific correction or factor used in engineering calculations; its meaning depends on the manufacturing application.
Keyway
Machined slot used to locate or transmit torque between mating components.
Kitting
Preparation of the correct parts, components, labels or materials together as a kit for assembly or production.
Knit Line
Visible line formed when two or more polymer flow fronts meet and weld together in the cavity.
Knockout Pin
Another name commonly used for an ejector pin used to push a molded component from a mold.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
Measurable performance metric such as OEE, rejection rate, cycle time or on-time delivery.
L
Labeling
Application or integration of identification, branding, regulatory or product-information labels onto a component or package.
Laser Marking
Permanent marking process using a laser to create text, symbols, codes or graphics on a plastic or metal surface.
Laser Welding
Joining process using laser energy to melt and bond compatible thermoplastic components.
Lifters
Angled mold ejection components used to release undercuts and internal features.
Living Hinge
Thin flexible plastic section designed to repeatedly bend and connect two molded sections.
Load Cell
Sensor used to measure force or weight, including clamp force, assembly force or material weight.
Locating Pin
Precision feature used to accurately position components during molding, machining, inspection or assembly.
Locking Force
Force that maintains a mold or assembly in a closed or secured condition.
Long Glass Fiber
Long reinforcing glass fibers incorporated into a polymer to provide high stiffness and structural performance.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Flexible polyethylene commonly used in films, caps, closures and molded components.
Lubricant Additive
Material added to polymer formulations to reduce friction, improve processing or assist release.
LVDT
Linear variable differential transformer used as a precision displacement sensor in measurement and process-control systems.
M
Machine Utilization
Measure of how effectively available machine production time is being used.
Masterbatch
Concentrated mixture of pigments or additives dispersed in a carrier resin.
Material Certificate
Document providing information about resin grade, batch, composition or specified material properties.
Material Handling
Movement, storage, drying, conveying, blending and traceability of raw materials and components.
Material Traceability
Ability to trace a finished product back to the material batch and relevant production records.
Medical Grade Plastic
Polymer selected and controlled for use in medical applications according to applicable requirements.
Melt Degradation
Loss of polymer properties caused by excessive temperature, residence time, moisture, shear or repeated processing.
Melt Flow Index (MFI)
Test value indicating the amount of thermoplastic material flowing through a standardized die under specified temperature and load conditions.
Melt Flow Rate (MFR)
Mass flow measurement used to characterize thermoplastic processing behavior.
Melt Homogeneity
Uniformity of polymer temperature, composition and color throughout the melt.
Melt Pressure
Pressure measured within the injection unit or melt delivery system.
Melt Temperature
Actual temperature of molten polymer during processing.
Micro Molding
Injection molding of very small, lightweight or highly precise plastic components.
Mold
Tool containing cavities, cores and related mechanisms used to shape molten plastic into a finished part.
Mold Base
Structural assembly of plates that houses and supports the mold cavity, core, guide and ejection components.
Mold Cavity
Part-forming space that defines the external geometry of the molded component.
Mold Change
Procedure for removing one mold from a machine and installing another.
Mold Clamping
Process of closing and locking the mold before injection.
Mold Cooling
Control of mold temperature through water, oil, air or other cooling media.
Mold Flow Analysis
Computer simulation used to predict filling, packing, cooling, warpage, pressure and other molding behavior.
Mold Maintenance
Inspection, cleaning, lubrication, repair and preventive servicing of molds.
Mold Polish
Surface finishing operation used to achieve a specified mold surface texture or gloss.
Mold Release
Substance or coating used to reduce adhesion between molded material and tooling surfaces.
Mold Steel
Steel selected for manufacturing mold components based on hardness, toughness, polishability, corrosion resistance and expected life.
Mold Temperature
Temperature maintained at the mold surface or within the mold cooling system during molding.
Mold Trial
Controlled production test used to validate a new, modified or repaired mold.
Mold Validation
Documented process demonstrating that a mold consistently produces parts meeting defined requirements.
Mold Venting
Provision of vents in a mold to allow trapped air and gases to escape during filling.
Mold Wear
Progressive loss or alteration of mold geometry caused by use, abrasion, corrosion or mechanical damage.
Molded-In Color
Color produced by the polymer formulation itself rather than by post-molding painting or coating.
Molded-In Insert
Insert incorporated directly into a molded part during the molding cycle.
Molded-In Stress
Residual internal stress introduced during filling, packing and cooling.
Molding Cycle
Complete sequence of mold closing, injection, packing, cooling, opening and ejection.
Multi-Cavity Mold
Mold containing multiple cavities that produce multiple parts in one cycle.
Multi-Material Molding
Molding process that combines two or more polymers or materials in a single component.
Multi-Shot Molding
Injection process using multiple material injections or shots to create a multi-material or multi-color component.
N
Nesting
Arranging components or packaging parts so that they fit efficiently inside or alongside one another.
Nitriding
Surface-hardening treatment used on suitable steels to improve wear resistance and mold life.
Nominal Dimension
Target dimension specified on an engineering drawing before considering allowable tolerance.
Non-Conformance
Failure of a material, process or product to meet a specified requirement.
Non-Fill
Molding defect where the cavity is not completely filled with polymer.
Nozzle
Injection machine component that transfers molten polymer from the barrel into the mold sprue or hot runner.
Nozzle Temperature
Temperature controlled at the injection nozzle to maintain suitable melt flow.
Nozzle Tip
Interchangeable end section of the injection nozzle designed for a particular mold and process.
Nylon (Polyamide)
Engineering thermoplastic family offering good strength, wear resistance and temperature performance; commonly identified as PA6 or PA66.
Nylon Drying
Controlled drying of polyamide resin before molding because nylon is moisture-sensitive.
O
O-Ring
Elastomeric sealing ring used to prevent leakage between mating surfaces.
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
Performance metric combining availability, performance and quality to evaluate equipment effectiveness.
Opacity
Degree to which a plastic prevents transmission of visible light.
Optical Inspection
Inspection using cameras, vision systems or optical instruments to detect dimensions, defects or appearance issues.
Orange Peel
Textured surface appearance resembling an orange skin, often associated with surface or coating conditions.
Orientation
Alignment of polymer molecules, fibers or features caused by flow, processing or forming.
Overmolded Insert
Existing component or substrate covered partially or completely by a second molded material.
Overmolding
Process in which one material is molded over an existing component or previously molded substrate.
Overpacking
Excessive packing pressure or material that can cause high stress, flash, sink or dimensional problems.
Oxidation
Chemical reaction with oxygen that can degrade polymers, additives or surfaces.
P
Packing
Applying additional pressure after cavity filling to compensate for polymer shrinkage and improve dimensional consistency.
Packing Pressure
Pressure applied during the packing phase of injection molding.
Packing Time
Duration for which packing pressure is maintained before gate freeze.
Pad Printing
Printing process using a silicone pad to transfer ink from an etched image plate onto a three-dimensional plastic surface.
Pallet
Platform used for material handling, storage, transport or shipment of products and components.
Palletizing
Arrangement of products or cartons onto pallets for storage or shipment.
Parison
Hollow tube of molten polymer used in extrusion blow molding.
Parting Line
Line where mold halves or mold components meet and separate to release the molded part.
Parting Surface
Mating mold surface where the cavity and core sides come together.
PE (Polyethylene)
Common thermoplastic family including HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE.
PEEK
High-performance engineering thermoplastic with excellent temperature, chemical and mechanical performance.
Pellet
Small granule of plastic resin supplied for processing.
Perpendicularity
GD&T characteristic controlling how closely a feature is oriented at 90 degrees to a reference.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Thermoplastic polyester commonly used in bottles, packaging and engineering applications.
PETG
Modified glycol-containing PET offering clarity and processing characteristics useful for certain packaging and formed products.
Phenolic
Thermosetting polymer family used in electrical, thermal and industrial applications.
Pigment
Coloring substance dispersed in a polymer or coating to produce a desired color.
Plasticizer
Additive that increases flexibility and reduces brittleness in certain polymer systems.
Polyamide (PA)
Engineering polymer family commonly known as nylon.
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
Engineering polyester offering electrical, dimensional and chemical performance.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Transparent engineering thermoplastic known for high impact strength and dimensional performance.
Polyetherimide (PEI)
High-performance engineering thermoplastic with good temperature resistance, stiffness and flame performance.
Polyethylene (PE)
Versatile thermoplastic family widely used for molded, extruded and packaging products.
Polymer
Large-molecule material forming the basis of thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers.
Polymer Blend
Material made by combining two or more polymer systems to achieve a desired property balance.
Polymer Degradation
Loss of polymer molecular structure or performance due to heat, oxygen, moisture, radiation, chemicals or excessive processing.
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Acetal engineering thermoplastic offering low friction, wear resistance and dimensional stability.
Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
High-temperature engineering thermoplastic with strong chemical resistance and dimensional stability.
Polypropylene (PP)
Lightweight thermoplastic with good chemical resistance and fatigue performance, widely used in injection molding.
Polystyrene (PS)
Thermoplastic available in general-purpose and high-impact grades, used in packaging and molded products.
Porosity
Presence of microscopic or visible voids within a material or molded component.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR)
Plastic material recovered from products used by consumers and reprocessed for new applications.
Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR)
Material recovered from industrial manufacturing waste and reused in production.
Pressure Drop
Reduction in pressure as polymer or another medium flows through a channel, runner, nozzle or passage.
Pressure Transducer
Sensor used to measure hydraulic, pneumatic or melt pressure.
Process Capability
Statistical ability of a stable process to consistently meet specified limits.
Process Window
Range of process settings within which acceptable parts can be produced consistently.
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
Structured approval process used in many industries to demonstrate that production processes can meet customer requirements.
Purge
Removal of residual polymer or color from the injection unit by processing cleaning material or another resin.
Purge Compound
Specialized material used to clean polymer residue and color from an injection barrel and screw.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Thermoplastic available in rigid and flexible forms for industrial, construction and consumer applications.
Q
Qualification
Documented demonstration that a material, machine, mold, process or supplier meets defined requirements.
Quality Assurance (QA)
Planned system of activities used to ensure processes and systems are capable of consistently producing conforming products.
Quality Control (QC)
Inspection, testing and process-control activities used to verify product conformity.
Quality Inspection Plan
Document specifying inspection characteristics, methods, frequency, sampling and acceptance criteria.
Quality Management System (QMS)
Documented organizational system governing quality processes, responsibilities, records and continual improvement.
Quantitative Inspection
Inspection based on measured numerical values rather than only visual judgment.
Quarantine
Controlled status in which material or product is segregated until its acceptance or disposition is determined.
Quick Connect Coupling
Connection used for rapid attachment and removal of coolant, pneumatic or hydraulic lines.
Quick Mold Change
Methods and equipment designed to reduce the time required to remove and install injection molds.
R
Recycled Resin
Plastic resin produced by reprocessing recovered plastic material.
Regrind
Ground plastic scrap, runners or rejected parts prepared for possible reuse.
Regrind Ratio
Proportion of regrind blended with virgin material in a molding formulation.
Release Agent
Material used to reduce adhesion between a molded product and mold surface.
Residence Time
Time polymer remains inside the injection barrel or another processing zone.
Resin
General term for polymer material supplied for plastics processing.
Rheology
Study of polymer flow and deformation behavior under processing conditions.
Rib
Thin molded reinforcing feature used to increase stiffness without adding excessive wall thickness.
Robot
Programmable machine used for part removal, insert loading, assembly, packaging or material handling.
Robot EOAT
End-of-arm tooling attached to a robot for gripping, picking, placing or processing components.
Rotational Molding
Process in which polymer is heated inside a rotating mold to create hollow products.
Roto-Molding
Common shortened term for rotational molding.
Runner
Channel carrying molten polymer from the sprue or hot runner to one or more gates.
Runner Balance
Design condition in which multiple cavities receive appropriate and substantially balanced polymer flow.
Runnerless Mold
Mold design using hot runner technology to minimize or eliminate solidified runner scrap.
S
Safety Interlock
Safety device or control logic that prevents hazardous machine operation when guards or conditions are not satisfied.
Sampling Plan
Defined method for selecting units from a production lot for inspection or testing.
Screen Printing
Printing process in which ink is transferred through a prepared mesh screen onto a component.
Screw
Rotating injection machine component that conveys, melts, mixes, meters and injects polymer.
Screw Compression Ratio
Ratio comparing feed-zone channel depth to metering-zone channel depth.
Screw Diameter
Diameter of the injection screw, used in machine capacity and process calculations.
Screw Recovery
Movement of the screw backward while preparing the next shot.
Screw Speed
Rotational speed of the injection screw during plasticizing.
Secondary Operation
Manufacturing step performed after primary molding, such as trimming, printing, drilling, assembly or inspection.
Servo Motor
Motor controlled electronically for precise motion, increasingly used in electric and hybrid molding machines.
Servo-Hydraulic Machine
Injection molding machine combining servo motor control with hydraulic power systems.
Short Shot
Molding defect where the cavity is incompletely filled.
Shot Size
Volume or mass of polymer prepared by the injection unit for one molding cycle.
Shot Weight
Weight of polymer delivered or intended for one complete molding shot.
Shrinkage
Dimensional reduction occurring as plastic cools and solidifies after molding.
Shrinkage Allowance
Compensation incorporated into mold dimensions to account for expected material shrinkage.
Silicone Pad
Flexible printing pad used to transfer ink in pad printing.
Silk Screen Printing
Another term for screen printing, commonly used for graphics and markings.
Sink Mark
Depression on a molded surface caused by localized volumetric shrinkage, often near thick sections or ribs.
Snap Fit
Mechanical joining feature in which flexible molded features lock components together.
Sorting
Separation of components by quality, color, dimension, material, cavity or other defined characteristic.
SPC (Statistical Process Control)
Use of statistical methods and control charts to monitor and control manufacturing processes.
Splay
Silver or white streak defect caused by moisture, gas, degradation or other flow-related effects.
Sprue
Primary channel carrying polymer from the machine nozzle into the mold runner system.
Sprue Bushing
Mold component that receives the injection machine nozzle and forms the sprue.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Controlled instruction defining how a manufacturing or quality activity is performed.
Start-Up Scrap
Material or parts rejected during machine or process startup before stable production is achieved.
Starve Feeding
Condition in which the screw receives less polymer than its maximum conveying capacity.
Static Mixer
Device that mixes materials or colors without moving mechanical elements.
Steel Rule Die
Cutting tool using a shaped steel blade for trimming or converting sheet, film, gasket or packaging materials.
Straight-Side Machine
Injection molding machine design using a rigid tie-bar and platen structure.
Stress Cracking
Cracking caused by internal or external stress, often accelerated by chemicals or environmental exposure.
Sub-Gate
Small gate located below or away from the main parting surface, often associated with tunnel or submarine gating.
Submarine Gate
Angled gate entering the molded part below the parting line and often separating automatically during ejection.
Surface Finish
Specified texture, roughness, gloss or appearance of a component or mold surface.
Surface Treatment
Process applied to a surface to improve appearance, adhesion, wear, corrosion resistance or functionality.
T
Takt Time
Required production pace based on available production time and customer demand.
Temperature Controller
Equipment that controls mold, barrel, hot runner, oil or other process temperatures.
Tensile Strength
Maximum tensile stress a material can withstand before failure under specified test conditions.
Tensile Test
Mechanical test used to determine properties such as tensile strength, elongation and modulus.
Texture
Controlled mold or part surface pattern used to achieve a desired appearance, grip or functional characteristic.
Thermal Degradation
Polymer degradation caused by excessive temperature or prolonged thermal exposure.
Thermocouple
Temperature sensor commonly used in injection machines, molds and hot runner systems.
Thermoplastic
Polymer that can be softened by heating and solidified by cooling repeatedly without fundamentally changing its chemical structure.
Thermoset
Polymer that chemically cures into a permanently crosslinked structure and cannot be remelted like a thermoplastic.
Tie Bar
Structural machine member that carries clamping load and helps align the moving and fixed platens.
Tie-Bar Distance
Available spacing between injection molding machine tie bars that limits mold size.
Tolerance
Permissible variation from a specified dimension or requirement.
Tool Life
Expected production life of a mold, die, fixture or tooling component before replacement or major repair.
Tool Qualification
Documented verification that production tooling can consistently meet defined requirements.
Tool Steel
Steel specifically selected for molds, dies and tooling based on wear, toughness, hardness and machinability requirements.
Tooling
General term covering molds, dies, fixtures, jigs and other production tools.
Tooling Cost
Cost associated with design, manufacture, validation and maintenance of production tooling.
Torque
Rotational force relevant to screws, fasteners, motors and certain assembly operations.
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
Polymer material combining rubber-like elasticity with thermoplastic processing behavior.
TPE Overmolding
Process of molding a thermoplastic elastomer over a rigid substrate to provide grip, sealing or cushioning.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Thermoplastic elastomer offering flexibility, abrasion resistance and good mechanical performance.
Traceability
Ability to track material, process, inspection and production history through defined records.
Transfer Position
Injection machine screw position at which control transitions between process stages, such as velocity to pressure.
Transfer Pressure
Pressure threshold used to transition injection control from one phase to another.
Trimming
Removal of gates, flash, runners, excess material or unwanted edges from molded components.
Two-Shot Molding
Injection molding process that forms a component using two separate material or color injections.
U
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Cleaning method using high-frequency sound waves to remove contaminants from components or tooling.
Ultrasonic Fixture
Tooling used to locate and support components during ultrasonic welding.
Ultrasonic Horn
Tool that transfers ultrasonic vibration into a component during ultrasonic welding.
Ultrasonic Welding
Assembly process using high-frequency mechanical vibration to generate heat and join compatible thermoplastic components.
Undercut
Part geometry that prevents straightforward ejection along the primary mold opening direction.
Underfill
Condition where a mold cavity or feature does not receive sufficient polymer.
Unfilled Polymer
Polymer without reinforcing fibers or major mineral fillers.
Uniform Wall Thickness
Design condition in which wall thickness is controlled to reduce uneven cooling, sink and warpage.
Unit Load
Standardized quantity of products or materials handled as one load.
UV Stabilizer
Additive used to improve polymer resistance to ultraviolet radiation and outdoor degradation.
V
Vacuum Loading
Material conveying method using vacuum to transport plastic pellets from storage to the processing machine.
Vacuum Metallizing
Process that deposits a thin metallic coating onto a component under vacuum for decorative or functional purposes.
Vacuum Vent
Mold or process vent using vacuum to remove air and gases and improve filling or surface quality.
Valve Gate
Hot runner gate controlled by a mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic valve pin.
Valve Gate Controller
Control system used to sequence and operate valve gate pins.
Venting
Providing controlled paths for air and gases to escape from a mold cavity during filling.
Vicat Softening Temperature
Temperature at which a polymer reaches a specified penetration under a defined load and test method.
Virgin Resin
New polymer material that has not previously been processed into a finished product.
Viscosity
Resistance of molten polymer to flow under specified temperature and shear conditions.
Visual Inspection
Inspection performed by sight or optical systems to identify appearance, assembly or surface defects.
Void
Internal empty space within a molded component, often caused by shrinkage, gas or inadequate packing.
Volumetric Shrinkage
Reduction in polymer volume during cooling and solidification.
W
Wall Thickness
Thickness of a molded plastic wall, an important design and processing variable.
Warpage
Unwanted distortion of a molded component caused by uneven shrinkage, cooling, orientation or residual stress.
Washing
Cleaning operation used to remove contaminants, oils, dust, mold-release residue or processing debris.
Water Chiller
Cooling system that supplies controlled-temperature water to molds or auxiliary equipment.
Water Spot
Visible surface mark caused by moisture or water contamination during processing or finishing.
Water Transfer Printing
Decorative process in which a printed film pattern is transferred to a three-dimensional component using water.
Waterline
Cooling passage or circuit carrying water through a mold.
Wear
Progressive material loss or surface damage caused by friction, abrasion, erosion or repeated use.
Wear Plate
Replaceable mold or machine component designed to absorb sliding or contact wear.
Weld Line
Line formed where separate polymer flow fronts meet and fuse during cavity filling.
WIP (Work in Process)
Material or components that have entered production but are not yet finished goods.
Work Instruction
Controlled document describing the specific steps and requirements for performing a manufacturing task.
X
X-Ray Inspection
Non-destructive inspection method used to detect internal voids, inclusions, cracks, metal inserts or assembly conditions.
X-Y Coordinate
Cartesian coordinate reference used in CNC machining, CMM inspection, vision systems and dimensional drawings.
X-Y-Z Measurement
Three-axis dimensional measurement used to verify part geometry and tooling features.
XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence)
Analytical technique used to identify or quantify elemental composition in suitable materials and components.
Y
Y-axis
Coordinate direction commonly used in CNC machines, robots, CMMs and vision systems.
Yarn Reinforcement
Continuous or woven fiber material used in composite reinforcement applications.
Yield
Percentage of produced units that meet specified requirements without rejection or rework.
Yield Strength
Stress level at which a material begins to undergo permanent plastic deformation under a specified test method.
Yoke
Structural or tooling component used to connect, support or transmit force between components.
Z
Z-Axis
Coordinate direction commonly associated with vertical movement in CNC machines, robots and measurement systems.
Zero Defect
Quality objective focused on preventing defects rather than accepting or sorting defective output.
Zero Point
Defined machine, tooling or measurement reference position used for setup and repeatability.
Zero Return
Machine operation that moves an axis to a known reference or home position.
Zig-Zag Flow
Unstable or irregular melt-flow pattern that can produce visible flow marks or inconsistent filling.
Zinc Stearate
Metallic soap sometimes used as a processing aid, lubricant or release aid in selected polymer applications.
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