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Foreword The list of books-in-print on plastics processing and injection molding in particular is long. Most of them are primarily aimed at specialists who have a scientific background, but are often unconcerned with the practical aspects of running a molding shop. Hence the need for an expert with that rare combination of both qualities. This remains the case even after all the years since the publication of the first edition of this book. Although in the meantime no great changes have taken place in the basic technology, there has been considerable progress in certain process applications that make special demands on machinery and their control functions in particular. The most interesting such instances have been selected and included in this fourth edition. After completing a degree at the Institute forPlastics Processing inAachen (IKV),Germany, the author has spent several decades designing injection molding machines, managing molding plants and training their operators.The present book could only have been written by someone with such extensive experience. It joins the small number of standard reference books for the industry which have a solid foundation in both theory and practice. It is exhaustive yet easily understood and thus a “Guide” in the true sense. The author provides an elegant, succinct description of the injection molding process. By concentrating on a few key parameters, such as pressure, temperature, their rates, and their influence on the properties of moldings, he gives his reader a clear insight into this technology. The subsequent comprehensive presentation of technical data relating to individual machine components and performance is unique and will be especially appreciated by machine manufacturers. It goes without saying that the entire book represents the state of the art. This book is a valuable tool for both trainees and students pursuing degrees at technical institutes, aswell as for specialists involved in designing and processing. It will almost certainly become required reading for everyone involved in the vast field of injection molding. The interested reader will certainly not want to put it down before reaching the last page. Aachen,March 2007 Prof. Dr.-Ing. G.Menges
