IMS Company
A trusted partner for the plastics processing industry, offering a wide range of high-quality, process improving products at competitive prices. We are a diversified distributor specializing in supplies, components, auxiliary machinery, and equipment. With 75 years of industry experience, our stocked warehouse ensures fast, reliable delivery, helping you maintain peak production efficiency. Whether you need innovative products, expert support, or tailored solutions, IMS Company has the expertise and resources to keep your operations running smoothly. Visit us at imscompany.com for more!
For 75 years, one thing has never changed at IMS — our single-minded focus on providing products and services designed to help your shop increase efficiency and ramp up productivity.
Check out IMS on YouTube!
Blogs
July 28, 2025 – Why Keiba Gate Cutters Excel in Precision Cutting
June 3, 2025 – Sizing a Desiccant Dryer for Plastic Injection Molding
May 7, 2025 – Mold Cleaners
January 7, 2025 – Time to Purge
November 4, 2024 – Plant Shutdown
October 22, 2024 – Prepare Your Shop for Winter
September 11, 2024 – New Injection Press Setup
August 26, 2024 – D-limonene
August 14, 2024 – Mold Rust Prevention
July 9, 2024 – Mold Cleaner vs. Mold Release
March 25, 2024 – Part Diverting Systems
March 13, 2024 – Chill Out
February 22, 2024 – Why is Moisture a Problem
February 19, 2024 – What is a Vacuum Loader
February 5, 2024 – Injection Molding Nozzle Tips
January 29, 2024 – Metal Separation
May 30, 2023 – Benefits of Insulation
April 22, 2023 – Sustainability
March 20, 2023 – Dew Point Meter/Monitor
March 2, 2023 – IMS Lime Buster
March 1, 2023 – IMS Brody Ring
January 30, 2023 – Clean Room Manufacturing
January 1, 2023 – Heater Band Wiring
December 21, 2022 – IMS Select Drum Tumbler
December 8, 2022 – Plastic Granulators
December 6, 2022 – Mold Setup Cart
November 28, 2022 – Eliminate Static and Dust
November 18, 2022 – Extending the Life of Your Heater Band
November 2, 2022 – How to Set Barrel Zone Temps
September 9, 2022 – The Benefits of Extruder Screens
August 24, 2022 – Calculating Heat Load for a Circuit
August 17, 2022 – Purgex Purging Compounds
August 12, 2022 – Air Wipe
August 11, 2022 – IMS Custom Projects
August 4, 2022 – New Shini Hopper Loader Systems
July 21, 2022 – Quick Change Fittings – Thread Profile Sizing
July 19, 2022 – IMS Custom Project
June 20, 2022 – Safety First
June 15, 2022 – IMS Screw Tip Brody Ring
June 15, 2022 – Screw Material Guidelines
June 15, 2022 – Screw Tip Wear Issues
June 15, 2022 – Essential Barrel Information
June 9, 2022 – Mold Safety Checklist
June 2, 2022 – Why Choose High Quality Desiccant?
May 26, 2022 – Circulators 101
May 19, 2022 – Sizing a Chiller
April 25, 2022 – Mold Temperature Control Product Selection
April 19, 2022 – Selecting the Right Gate Cutter For Your Job
April 12, 2022 – Barrel Insulation Blankets
April 4, 2022 – Quick Mold Change
March 14, 2022 – Spiral Technology
February 17, 2022 – Screw Tips
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Spiral Technology
Cut Cycle Time – Mold Better Parts
IMS Select Exclusive Spiral™ End Caps, Screw Tips,
R-Screws and Hoppers will help you do both!Logarithmic spiral curves promote a faster, freer flow of material than conventional, flat tapers. A smoother, unencumbered flow produces better parts. These facts are why IMS incorporates spiral curves in each component of it’s exclusive SPIRAL™ System. The following is a brief history of how the IMS SPIRAL™ System developed.
Watch this 30 second video to see how much faster material
passes through the Spiral (right) versus Conical (left) Hopper.The introduction of electronic process controls back in the early 1980’s was without a doubt a technological breakthrough. For a lot of OTHER industries this was a huge step forward. For the injection molding industry, however, IMS questioned the logic of trying to computerize a process so full of variables and lacking in standardization.
Prior to process controls, IMS had developed numerous individual products aimed specifically at improving part quality. Full Taper Nozzles and Screw Tip BRODY-Rings® are just a couple of examples. Each addressed a specific need and they all remain solid, successful products. It was the emergence of process control, however, that really started us thinking about the injection process as a whole (both the machinery and the material) and what could and should be changed in order to mold better parts.
It was already a proven fact that the current, restrictive R-Screw Process was stretching and deforming the molecular bonds of our plastics and seriously affecting finished part strength. We needed to find ways to get the plastic from the hopper to the mold with the least amount of damage possible. We found that this problem could be solved, in large part, by the replacement of all standard, flat internal tapers with smoother, gentler, logarithmic spiral curves.
The more gradual compressing of the material, plus the resulting coanda effect (that is, the phenomenon of material flow tending to follow closely along the wall contour of a passage), greatly eased the strain on the plastic’s molecules and the effects on the material’s inherent properties.
A. In 1986, IMS first used this technology in the development of their revolutionary Spiral™ End Caps. The results, as projected, were impressive. Parts were stronger and more dimensionally stable. Older presses equipped with these new end caps were actually producing higher quality parts than new presses with traditional style caps.
Spiral™ End Cap 
Spiral-Passage Barrel End Caps Coalesce The Melt
Without Damage to the Molecular Structure.B. Next IMS focused its attention on the Screw Tip. Their existing melt valves with narrow sliding ring and anti-blow- by BRODY-Ring® seal were already proven effective at maintaining shot control. But it was the development, in 1988, of a unique, Spiral™ front end that made IMS Spiral™ Screw Tips the least restrictive tips ever produced. The reduction of strains, flow lines and shear-induced heat in the melt improved part strength and quality significantly.
Another innovation was the introduction of the Thermally Compensated R-Screw. Research showed that installation of a heat tube in the front end of the screw would effectively transfer excess heat from the compression zone back to the transition zone, where it could be reused to assist in the melting of incoming pellets. Screw wear from unmelted pellets was dramatically reduced and the ability to turn down front end heat had a direct and positive effect on cycle time, part quality and reject rate.
Easy-Flow (Spiral-Discharge) Screw Tips with Brody-Ring®
Advance the Melt Without Strains or Shelter HeatC. Next step, the feed hopper. No matter what their diameter or height, they all had the same straight taper to the machine intake. At least that’s the way it was prior to 1988. Consequently, they were all prone to bridging and surging. There wasn’t a single OEM feed hopper that could guarantee consistent, even feeding of the pellets to the screw. IMS found that a logarithmic Spiral Curve in place of the straight taper produced astounding results. Tests showed that whether the material was virgin or regrind, or whether the hopper was full or nearly empty, all the material moved all the time in a steady downward flow. Hence, IMS Spiral™ Hopper was born. Their effect on part weight, part dimensions, and overall part consistency, not to mention the flowability of most stubborn materials, is remarkable.
D. Finally IMS Spiral Technology was applied to the screw – more specifically, the screw flights. With IMS Spiral™ R-Screws:
- Pellets move forward in a more controlled, gentle tumble.
- Pellets begin melting sooner and proceed in a far more efficient and orderly manner.
- Pressure is provided by the lateral movement of the screw (as it should be) – NOT by the compressing of the material by the screw flights, as is the case with all existing injection screws.
Nearly 30 years since the introduction of the reciprocating screw, the IMS Spiral™ R-Screw was the First and Only screw developed expressly to reduce molded-in stress and strain. Research has revealed the injection machine doesn’t work as hard and produces more consistent quality parts.
IMS Exclusive Spiral™ Retrofit Components can improve the IMS Exclusive Spiral™ Retrofit Components can improve the performance of any injection press regardless of age, make, or model. They can also significantly increase your bottom line. Inquire today for more information!
When a Spiral Hopper is Likely a Better Choice
You should strongly consider a Spiral Hopper if:
- You run mixed batches or often operate with hopper partly full (versus maintaining full inventory).
- Materials are challenging: regrind, irregular shapes, high moisture sensitivity, etc.
- Your quality control is tight: need shot-to-shot consistency, minimal defects from pellet feeding issues.
- Productivity is critical, and cycle times are being impacted by material feed inconsistencies.
- You’re willing to invest a bit more up front for better performance and less downstream defects / maintenance.
When Conical Hopper Might Be Enough (or Preferable)
- If you run with hopper nearly always full, with flowable, “easy” materials.
- When initial cost or capital constraints are tight.
- Simpler operations where the benefit from Spiral design won’t offset the cost.
- If you have existing equipment and retrofitting or replacing hoppers is difficult or costly.
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Circulators 101
March 6, 2024
Circulators (Thermolators, Temperature Controllers) are essential components in injection molding processes, primarily utilized for controlling the temperature of molds so that as the part cools after injection, it maintains dimension, shape and structure – ensuring consistent quality and efficiency. Controlling the mold temperature is critical to good parts. You can get good melt flow, and the cavity can fill quickly and fully, but if the part is not cooled properly then a good melt flow means nothing.
Circulators need to be compatible with the injection molding machinery and seamlessly integrated into the overall manufacturing setup for efficient operation. Regular maintenance and monitoring of circulators are essential to ensure they continue to function optimally, thereby avoiding downtime and production delays. In advanced setups, circulators may be integrated into the overall automation system of the injection molding process, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of temperature parameters.
Here’s how circulators are typically used in injection molding:
- Cooling: Cools the molds after each cycle. Rapid cooling is essential for improving cycle times and overall productivity.
- Heating: In some cases, circulators may also be used for heating the molds to specific temperatures.
- Thermal Stability: Ensure thermal stability throughout the injection molding process, which is crucial for preventing defects and maintaining part quality.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern circulators often come with energy-saving features to optimize energy consumption during the temperature control process, contributing to cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
- Process Optimization: By precisely controlling the temperature of molds, circulators play a vital role in optimizing the process for different materials and product specifications.
Overall, circulators play a critical role in maintaining temperature control and ensuring the quality, efficiency, and reliability of injection molding operations. Their proper selection, installation, and maintenance are essential considerations for any injection molding facility.
IMS offers several options for temperature control needs: Circulators, Mold Temperature Controllers
You May Also Need:
Heat Transfer Fluids
A Quick Comparison Of Heat Transfer Mediums
• Water — Limited use range: 32° to 212°F. Encourages corrosion.
• Uninhibited Glycols — Allow temperatures to 250°F, but 2½ times more corrosive than water, if not neutralized.
• Automotive antifreeze — Contains corrosion inhibitors, but can foul heat transfer surfaces in less turbulent systems.
• UG-10 Ethylene Glycol — Low silicate formula provides good corrosion protection at a relatively low price.
• EG-17 Ethylene Glycol — Industrial inhibitors coat surfaces and impact pH for maximum corrosion protection.
• Pro-17 Inhibited Propylene Glycol — Non-Toxic Heat Transfer Fluid With Maximum Protection Against Acidity and Corrosion.
• PG-1 Hi-Heat Transfer Fluid — The Ultimate, Non-Toxic Fluid For Non-Pressurized Heating To 600°F.
• FF-1 Oil System Flushing Fluid — Improves heat transfer for faster cycles.
• PSC Plus Oil System Cleaner — Maximizes heat transfer for more parts and increased quality.
In addition, how efficiently any of the above units work is directly tied to how clean your mold passages are. Any buildup of scale can affect the transfer of heat. The passages need to be checked and maintained regularly. To help with that, IMS offers the Limebuster which helps remove the scale buildup in mold passages. Just 1/64″ of scale can reduce the heat transfer rate up to 40%. Using an acid/water mixture, the fluid is circulated by a low pressure pump. The fluid helps dissolve the scale slowly so good heat transfer can return. This type of unit also is used to clean heat exchangers.
Before 
After 
While the above is basic in its presentation, the message is clear; IMS understands and can help. IMS has the expertise and the equipment to help maintain and even improve your process. Good parts and reduced scrap means you make money.
That is what we are here to help with. Call IMS Today for all your Injection Molding needs.
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Gate Cutters
How to Select the Right Gate Cutter for Your Job
April 19, 2022
De-gating a plastic part from its runner may be your final operation before shipping the parts to the customer. Often it is a challenge to remove a runner and leave the part cosmetically, functionally and structurally intact. Choosing the proper gate cutter with the necessary physical characteristics and features becomes an important decision.
Therefore, when selecting a gate cutter, consider the length of the handle, blade length and opening, blade angle relative to the handle and the contour of the back of the blade (the blade characteristics should match the part at the area of the de-gating) and features such as a blade stop, type of spring and handles. Consider the following features:
Blade Stop
Gate cutters are actually wedges that cut from both sides until the tensile strength of the uncut section at the middle is overcome, and the remainder of the runner or sprue is “snapped” out. This rapid release causes blades to hit each other, shortening their life.
For this reason, a blade stop screw is recommended if the cutter is to be used on hard, brittle materials. The screw should be set so the blades stop short of hitting each other. For softer materials, a better cut can be obtained using a very thin, sharp blade. If a blade stop is used with softer materials (polyethylene, flexible PVC, etc.), it should be adjusted for minimal blade gap. This allows the blades to cut farther through the runner, yet only allows the blades to touch slightly.
Springs
Leaf springs are welded to the handles and covered by hand grips. Generally, they are set to a lower pressure and require less effort to squeeze, thereby reducing user fatigue. Coil springs offer a stronger return pressure “fly back” when releasing from a cut, but require more pressure to make a cut. Also, they can be easily and inexpensively replaced by the operator.
Handles
The length of the cutter’s handles determines how much pressure the operator must exert to cut through a gate or sprue. A cutter with a handle that is too short will cause excessive strain on the operator’s hand. A cutter with a handle that is too large for the operator’s hand is difficult to grip.
Try to match the cutter with the operator’s hand and the gate or sprue being cut. Ergonomic-contoured handles are effective in reducing the fatigue that can accompany the prolonged squeezing action of gate cutting. They minimize strain on the smaller, weaker fingers by keeping them from pulling from a tight-fisted position. This reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
We have a wide range of gate cutters to fit all your gate cutting needs. If we don’t have it in stock, chances are, we can make it!
We encourage you to send us a small quantity of parts with the runners attached, so we can recommend the best cutter for your application or we can design unique cutter blade configurations to your specifications. Reduce muscle fatigue and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with custom-made ergonomic gate cutters.
Contact the IMS Supply Team today at sales@imscompany.com or call for more details and an RA number. Then send a sketch and some samples of your molded parts with uncut gates to get a prompt quotation.
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Barrel Insulation Blankets
ROI Press Study
Pays for Itself In Energy Savings
April 12, 2022
150 Ton | 200 Ton | 400 Ton | 500 Ton
700 Ton | 1000 Ton | 1100 Ton | 2450 Ton
Many States offer Financial Incentives for Energy Efficiency
UNIVEST® Insulation Blanket Energy Savings Qualify!
Find out if your state offers any programs: http://www.dsireusa.org
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®- Minimizes barrel heat loss
- Reduces electrical use on heater bands
- Keeps energy costs down
KWH Study Thermography Report
Toyo – 150 Ton
Cost to insulate: $495.00
Thermography report shows 254° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 72% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss into climate controlled facility.
Toyo – 200 Ton
Cost to insulate: $515.00
Thermography report shows 254° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 72% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss into climate controlled facility.
Van Dorn – 400 Ton
Cost to insulate: $523.00
Thermography report shows 230° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 63% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss nto climate controlled facility.
Van Dorn – 500 Ton
Cost to insulate: $622.00
Thermography report shows 315° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 70% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss into climate controlled facility.
Van Dorn – 700 Ton
Cost to insulate: $1,009.00
Thermography report shows 315° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 70% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss nto climate controlled facility.
Van Dorn – 1000 Ton
Cost to insulate: $1,337.00
Thermography report shows 315° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 70% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss into climate controlled facility.
Van Dorn – 1100 Ton
Cost to insulate: $1,400.00
Thermography report shows 32.1° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 34% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss into climate controlled facility.
Van Dorn – 2450 Ton
Cost to insulate: $1,638.00
Thermography report shows 315° drop in surface temperature when UniTherm Insulation Systems are installed.*Yielding a 70% (per machine) drop in radiant heat loss into climate controlled facility.
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Reduce Mold Setup Time!
Faster Mold Changeover Saves Time & Money
April 4, 2022
IMS Select: The Hoist Ring Rack
It is a good idea to keep the most common rigging products you use on this cart. You may want to affix user installed labels on your cart to be sure products are returned to their proper location. Quick Mold Change
Using a video camera, record at least two mold (more preferably) changeovers made by different technicians. Have a meeting with your team, discuss and list what procedures work the best. Everyone has a trick or two up their sleeve that can be passed on.
Here are a few suggestions for discussion:
- What can be done while the mold that is coming out is still running?
- List the steps to be done as soon as the order comes for the mold change.
- List the steps to be done as soon as the machine is shut down.
- What can be taken care of before starting the changeover? (Coffee breaks, bathroom breaks, etc.)
- Who’s going to troubleshoot running machines while the changeover is in process?
Examine the list. How much set up time can be saved in preparation?
Here’s a few examples of places to shave some time off your set up:
- Have the mold being set ready at the machine before shut down
- Install FasTie Couplers on your Ejector Bars
- Install Quick Change Waterline Fittings
- Preheat the mold off line with a spare thermolator
- Pre dry your material in a Mobile Drying Hopper
- Have an IMS Mobile Set Up Cart stocked and ready to go with Eyebolts, Straps, Bolts, Water Fittings, etc.
Molding Safety Checklist
Inspect the press and surrounding areas including all auxiliary equipment for the following:
- Is the area clean and free of all potential hazards?
- Is other electrical equipment that could be hazardous during the operation locked out?
- Are the correct mold straps used to strap the mold together?
- Did you perform the daily inspection on the hoist/crane?
- Are the holes in the platen in good condition? Will they be able to hold the mold?
- Are the clamps the correct size for the mold?
- Are the clamps cracked or bent?
- How many clamps are needed to hold the mold?
- Are the clamps spaced evenly? It is essential that the clamps are placed properly.
- Make sure the bolts for the clamps are the correct size & grade.
- Make sure you are using the proper grade of bolts.
- Are the bolts in good condition?
- Check the manufacturer’s torque information to see how much torque needs to be placed on the bolts.
- Don’t rely on air pressure to torque bolts properly!
- It is NOT recommended to re-use bolts from a previous application
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Screw Tips
Introduction
February 17, 2022
IMS Company wants to keep in touch with anyone in the plastics industry. In my 39 plus years in the plastics business, I have witnessed a lifetime of changes. Many large, long-time molders are gone. The technology has changed. Many “old timers” with a wealth of industry knowledge are gone as well, replaced by many who may not be as familiar with the wants and needs of the plastics industry.
That is where IMS can help. As the original supplier of anything a plastics processor may need, IMS can help identify and fill any need you may have. To that end, we will begin addressing various topics that we hope will assist anyone who has questions.
Free Flow Screw Tip Assemblies Screw Tips
Choosing the first topic to talk about proved to be difficult, but it comes down to writing about what I know. I spent my first nearly 18 years designing screw tips, and working with customer to help solve their problems.
I have learned several things over the years:- Each machinery OEM has their own screw tip designs
- Everyone has an opinion on the correct screw tip to use
- Price, while being important, is not as important as having the tip in stock.
- What a customer is molding (resin) should always be the first question considered by anyone choosing a screw tip
While each OEM has its own tip style, and while there are many aftermarket designs, it is always the choice of the molder as to which style to use. Some fall back on previous experiences, including previous use and results. Others have different criteria – maybe price serves as the driver for their decision. Once again, it is the molder’s preference, and we are here to help.
Huge Screw Tip Inventory in Stock – Call for Availability! When I am asked what screw tip I would recommend, I always ask what material is being processed. My own experiences have taught me that how the material flows, or the heat sensitivity of the material, or whether the resin includes any reinforcements such as glass – these are the main factors to determine what tip to use.
For example, I have always steered molders to a free-flow design, and for several reasons:
- I am a firm believer in avoiding flow restrictions, and to that end will usually recommend the less restrictive free flow design. Less restricted melt flow usually shortens fill times, and is less harmful to the melt itself. Using a free flow with heat sensitive materials is also a recommendation that I would make.
- If you are running any filled material, it is always best to utilize a screw tip made from a wear resistant steel. CPM9V, or an equivalent seem to provide the best tip life in those types of wear situations. Of course, there are exceptions where you may need another type of wear solution.
- If the total wear between the screw tip and barrel is less than .025″, but you are still experiencing blow-by and the resulting short shots that go with it, you may want to try an IMS Brody-Ring®. The ring is installed on the check ring of the screw tip, and will help prevent material from travelling back into the barrel. The extra residence time in the barrel – which can cause the material to break down – is eliminated as well as any short shots.
IMS Screw Tip Brody-Ring® Extends Barrel Life 2-3x! If you need a screw tip, IMS needs the following information:
- O.D. of existing screw tip (or screw O.D. or barrel I.D.)
- Machine Make (Toshiba, Nissei, etc.)
- Material being processed
- Thread size
- You may also need to know the nose angle of the existing screw tip so it can be matched. That may be dependent on the type of machine you have.
IMS has a Form in its catalog to help make it easier to provide the information. An IMS sales person can assist.
Screw tips, while considered a small part of the molding machine, can render a machine useless if it wears or breaks. It is the job of IMS to help prevent the down time that goes with a broken or worn tip. Preventing down time, and saving money – let IMS help you.
While others push process controls, IMS shows you how to improve the process!Written by: Pat Fox
IMS Company
Acting General Manager
IMS Company Blog 