Molding structure

1. A molding structure, comprising:

a modular molding system having an initial-build configuration for producing a molded article of a first molding composition;

the modular molding system configured to be field upgradable with a module to an upgraded configuration for producing the molded article including a combination of the first molding composition and a second molding composition;

wherein the initial-build configuration of the modular molding system includes:

a molding structure of a purpose-built mono-layer molding system;

a first subset of a molding structure of a purpose-built multi-layer molding system;

the module having a remainder subset of the molding structure of the purpose-built multi-layer molding system;

wherein the molding structure of a purpose-built mono-layer molding system includes:

an injection unit having an ‘A’ injection unit; and a clamp unit;

wherein the molding structure of the purpose-built multi-layer molding system further includes at least a subset of:

a ‘B’ injection unit;

a stationary platen having an ‘A’ passageway for accommodating a nozzle of the ‘A’ injection unit;

a stationary platen having an ‘B’ passageway for accommodating a nozzle of a ‘B’ injection unit;

a mount connected to the injection unit, the mount connectable with a ‘B’ injection unit support;

a ‘B’ unit support for supporting a ‘B’ injection unit;

a main control module including a controller linked with a control device for the ‘A’ injection unit and a control device for the ‘B’ injection unit;

a computer-readable product embodying one or more instructions executable by a controller for controlling at least one of: (i) a control device for the ‘A’ injection unit, (ii) a control device for the ‘B’ injection unit, and (iii) a human machine interface;

a power manifold connected to the injection unit configured to be connectable with a ‘B’ injection unit;

an accumulator rack configured to receive an additional hydraulic accumulator;

a hydraulic tank having a hydraulic oil capacity that is at least sufficient to accommodate a requirement for a drive for operation of the ‘A’ injection unit and a drive for operation of a ‘B’ injection unit;

a ‘B’ nozzle shut-off actuator;

an ‘A’ purge guard with a non-operator door access;

a ‘B’ purge guard;

a ‘B’ hopper valve;

a ‘B’ service tray connected to the injection unit, ‘B’ the service tray configured for routing at least one of a hydraulic hose or a control cable to a ‘B’ injection unit;

a walkway configured on the non-operator side of the injection unit;

a hydraulic hose for linking a drive of a ‘B’ injection unit with a power manifold of the injection unit;

a cable for linking a drive of a ‘B’ injection unit with at least one of a control bus and a power bus of the injection unit;

a spacer for a molded article handling device;

a gate for the clamp unit configured to enclose a platen ear of a stationary platen.

2. The molding structure of claim 1 , wherein:

the main control module includes a control interface, the control interface configured for linking the control device of the ‘B’ injection unit that are arranged in an auxiliary control module.

3. The molding structure of claim 1 , wherein the first subset comprises:

the stationary platen having the ‘A’ passageway;

the stationary platen having the ‘B’ passageway;

the mount;

the main control module including the controller, the control device, and the control interface;

the power manifold; and

a cover plate for the ‘B’ passageway.

4. The molding structure of claim 3 , wherein the first subset further comprises:

the accumulator rack;

the ‘A’ purge guard;

the ‘B’ service tray;

the walkway;

the gate.

5. The molding structure of claim 1 , wherein the remainder subset comprises:

the ‘B’ injection unit;

the ‘B’ unit support;

the control device for the ‘B’ injection unit.

6. The molding structure of claim 5 , wherein the remainder subset further comprises:

an auxiliary control module including the control device of the ‘B’ injection unit, the auxiliary control module configured for connection with the main control module through a control interface.

7. The molding structure of claim 5 , wherein the remainder subset further comprises:

the computer-readable product;

the ‘B’ nozzle shutoff actuator;

the ‘B’ purge guard;

the ‘B’ hopper valve;

the hydraulic hose;

the cable;

the spacer.