The molding machine is nothing more than a tool. By analogy what a molding machine is to a molder would be what a table saw is to a cabinetmaker: The saw blade must be sharp with all it’s teeth in alignment and not broken or bent, the motor must have enough power so that the blade can cut, The table must be square and level, and all the adjustments for speed, tilt, and cutting angles must be accurate. While the table saw does not make the cabinet, the cabinetmaker relies on its consistent precision so that his materials are not wasted and his craftsmanship is efficient.
A molding machine MUST deliver a consistent volume of material, at a consistent rate, at a repeatable temperature, and be able to maintain enough pressure to mold the parts. It must also be able to recover a consistent shot of material and open and close with repeatable speed and positions. Without a machine that can deliver the variables in a controlled manner any attempt at molding that will produce useable parts is senseless.
How to determine if your molding machine is fit to produce high quality consistent parts is shown in the section titled “Machine Consistency.”