NOZZLE AND APPARATUS FOR INJECTION MOLDING

A nozzle for controlling flow of melt in a mold assembly comprises a valve pin guide interposed between a nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet, a valve pin movably supported thereby, and a contact arm engaging the valve pin and transverse to and passing through the valve pin guide. Biasing means acting on the contact arm hold the valve pin in a position preventing flow of melt. As the mold assembly closes, forces exerted on the contact arm overcome the biasing means and allow the valve pin to move to a position permitting flow of melt. Relief of pressure of retained melt is effected when force therefrom exerted on the valve pin exceeds an adjustable pre-load of the biasing means. The nozzle advantageously comprises an inlet bushing movably supported by the nozzle body enabling adjustment of the overall length of the nozzle to accommodate a range of spacing of elements of the mold assembly.