Short shot

Where it comes up

• Plastic injection moldingMolten thermoplastic injected into a steel or aluminum mold. Lowest piece price for plastic parts at 5,000+ a year.

Related terms

Shot size

Shot size is the volume or weight of material injected into a mold in one cycle, including parts and runners. Molders typically want a shot to use about 20–80% of a press's barrel capacity to avoid degraded resin or inconsistent fill. In die casting, shot size drives machine and shot sleeve selection.

Gate

A gate is the opening where molten plastic or metal enters the mold cavity from the runner. Gate type, size, and location affect fill, knit lines, sink, and the mark left on the part. Common types include edge, submarine, pin point, and valve gates.

T1 sample

A T1 sample is a part from the first trial run of a new mold or die, used to check fill, dimensions, and fit before the tool is finalized. T1 parts often need tool adjustments; later trials are T2, T3, and so on until parts are approved for PPAP or first article.