Patent ID: 7730934

Claim:
A metal molding process, comprising: supplying a molten metal to a metal hot runner assembly ( 401 ) from a metal injection unit ( 403 B) via a nozzle ( 403 C); supplying the molten metal from a metal hot runner assembly ( 401 ) to a mold cavity ( 412 ) of a metal molding system ( 403 A), the metal hot runner assembly ( 401 ) includes a metal molding conduit assembly ( 400 ) with a conduit passageway ( 402 ), the conduit passageway ( 402 ) defined by a conduit body member ( 408 ) that forms a central passageway configured to receive molten metal from the metal injection unit ( 403 B) and a plurality of drops ( 410 A, 410 B) leading to the mold cavity ( 412 ); forming a metal plug ( 406 ) in the central passageway configured to receive molten metal from the metal injection unit ( 403 B); and catching the metal plug ( 406 ) in a plug catcher ( 430 ) so that the metal plug ( 406 ) does not disrupt flow of molten metal into the plurality of drops ( 410 A, 410 B) leading to the mold cavity ( 412 ).