The front section of the plasticizing unit on an injection molding machine, where plastic granulate is fed into the screw, is called feeding zone.
In this zone, the material begins its journey along the screw flights and is transported forwards by their rotary motion. The main function of the feed zone is to evenly intake the granulate and ensure a continuous material flow. An optimized feed zone prevents air entrapment and ensures uniform melt preparation. The temperature in this area is usually lower than in the subsequent zones, as the material is not yet fully plasticized. Factors such as screw geometry, granulate size, and moisture content influence the efficiency of the feed zone. A well-functioning feed zone is essential for stable processing and high part quality.

Injection molding machine: Section that is called feeding zone
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