weld lines in injection molding. To respond to poor plasticization and uneven melt temperature,. weld lines in injection molding

 
 To respond to poor plasticization and uneven melt temperature,weld lines in injection molding The solution to an internal part cracking problem is to change the packing pressure

Valve. The rule is, a higher pressure shall be required to push the material in the machine when there is excess mold. The impact behavior of weld-lines in injection molding. Amongst weld line. Key words: weld line strength, thermoplastic composites, injection molding, wall thickness, skin and core layers Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. Gambar 2. Figure 1 below shows the development of a weld line. EasyFill Advanced provides the weld-line temperature distribution and meeting angle prediction. If the different flow fronts have cooled. This study focus on the formation of. Weld lines defects can also form when the flow fronts from two gates merge or when thick and thin sections in a part cause a flow to split and merge. Proceedings of ANTEC (2000) Google Scholar [9] S. Except for a few injection molded parts with very simple geometry, weld lines occur in most injection molded parts (usually with one line or V-shaped groove), especially in large-scale complex products requiring multi gate mold and inserts. These weld lines occur usually around holes or at the material flow joint area in the injeciton molded part, some welding lins is very small, specially if. 6. Try to gradually raise the mold temperature and barrel temperature. poor flow fronts that are too cold, this can also lead to a deterioration in the mechanical properties. This weld line can act as a weak spot in the material. Causes: Weld lines are caused by the inadequate bonding of two or more flow fronts when there is partial solidification of the molten plastic. Weld lines can be caused by many reasons, which covers the various aspects of mold, process, raw materials and product design, etc. <Materials>Injection moulding (U. Weld-line, a common occurrence in plastic injection moulding, is a representative defect compromising mechanical qualities and product appearance [16]. The weld line’s strength is reduced when. Figure 2. Injection molding can be performed with only one of these. They are unavoidable even for moderate complex products. 3. Weld lines may appear like seams or scratches, but that is not what they are. One of the defects observed in injection molding parts is weld line strength, which forms when two or more separate melt fronts traveling from different directions meet and join as the mold cavity is filled. Email him at jhenz. This happens when the molten plastic is injected into the mold cavity and flows around an obstacle such as a pin, hole, or protrusion, and then comes back together. Proper venting is also required to ensure good weld-line quality. A poor knit line can cause only cosmetic blemishes or it can significantly weaken the structural integrity of a part. Melt temperature does effect the weld. Weld Lines. In places where the plastic flows around a solid piece of the mold, from a simple circle to forming complex shapes like rings or squares. Change the gate locations so that the weld lines occur in locations less susceptible to external forces if weld strength is an issue. Injection molding of large/complicated products are usually prepared by multiple compounds, which produces weldlines once the melt fronts are joined by impingement flow. 3 the path lines of selected material elements can be observed which are. Weld line existence reduces the material strength; however, its demerit characteristics. Weld lines not only detract from an injection-molded part’s surface quality, but also significantly reduce its mechanical strength. Consultant @ Effinno Technologies, BSME, MBA - Bridge between Plastics Injection Molding Knowledge and Practice. Mérillou, J. Gate Placement: Properly positioning the gate can direct the melt flow to minimize weld lines or relocate the weld line to non-visible areas of the part. Weld lines can be caused by many reasons, which covers the various aspects of mold, process, raw materials and product design, etc. As the plastic flows through the mold it forms a smooth and continuous flow front. In this paper, a weld line computer determination method based on filling simulation with surface model is proposed, from which the positions and lengths of the weld lines can be predicted. The injection molding simulation software used offers a method for the detection of weld lines that has shown to be only reliable for the detection of stagnating weld lines. Redesign the mold to prevent the weld line. In the first stage, the two part halves are injection molded and then, in a second process step outside of the molding machine, they are welded together. The melt stream is separated at the part’s cutout and reunited at the other end of the cutout. Investigations on WLs in micro injection molded parts were performed in Refs. Steven. A visible weld line is observed, due to a combina-Cracking is commonly seen at the weld line area but sometimes on the entire surface. Materials Science. Double push filling method. Sink Marks Cause 3: Improper Pack or Hold Pressure. Weld Line defect analysis, the most common of many defects in injection moulding products. In an injection molding process, a weld-line forms when two flow fronts meet each other. 943 µm to 0. Depending on the resin, resin temperature, mold temperature, and filling speed, knit lines can vary. Weld lines in injection molding are frequently unavoidable. <Mold> Provide a cold slug well where weld lines occur. A weld line region is typically filled at the end of an injection stroke or during the pressure phase. Thus, it. Improper fusion of two fluid flows, a state before weld line. Weld lines are a common defect generated in injection molding, which apparently affects the performance of final products, but the available reports on carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are still rather few. Weld lines are the unfavorable defect not only in normal injection molding process but in micro injection molding process. 298 µm and the weld line on the heated region was almost eliminated with the aid of induction heating. Weld or Knit lines are a plane or section in an injection molding part where the flow of molten plastics meets from different directions. poor flow fronts that are too cold, this can also lead to a deterioration in the mechanical properties. The weld line is then created with a higher flow front temperature and is packed with more pressure. Microsyst Technol, 14 (6) (2008), pp. The authors [5, 6] attempted to reduce the weld lines and clamping force of plastic injection moulding through numerical and experimental investigation, and discovered that the 3D cooling channel. Steven. 1. In our DFM report, we will analyze the possible weld lines. The weld lines in injection molded parts arise as a result of the collision of two fronts of the flowing material, which fills the mold cavity and are sometimes unavoidable [1][2][3] [4]. 1. 4. This principle has been implemented on a complex component in the case of the spring-loaded cogwheel shown in Figure 5, for instance. Flow lines are off-color lines, streaks, and other patterns that appear on the surface of a part. A simulation process was conducted to determine the recommended setting of injection moulding parameters and the range of the variable. Its appearance can be improved by adjusting parameters. Abstract. 000 0. g. Injection molding, polypropylene, talc. Voids and bubbles, 6. Weld line. Flow Lines. Weld line formations can be weak if they fall in areas that will bear stress or impact. Weld-line is a weak area which reduces the strength of the part locally. In. Kobayashi et al. Weld-line is a defect that arises in injection molding when two or more flow fronts collide. Weld Lines. The resulting defects don’t stop at flash only. 080 inches. 5. They. Weld lines occur when two flow fronts meet and fuse together in the injection molding process. Try to gradually raise the mold temperature and barrel temperature. When two or more strands of molten plastics meet in the mold, a weld line will be produced at the junction [1,2]. Adjust the design for the flow pattern to be a single source flow. Weld Lines 5. Dischler, D. demanding injection molding and end-use requirements. ) . If the plasticizing ability of the plastics injection molding machine is insufficient, the plastic cannot be fully plasticized, resulting in weld lines when filling the mold. 1. Therefore, the. A viscosity curve is developed using calculations of the fill time and plastic pressure at. Injection pressures too high Reduce pressure . In injection molded parts, there are 2 types of weld lines: The first type of weld mark is called cold-melt joints and is formed when the melt front enters the cavity with different gates. Weld line is formed when two different melt flows converge, as illustrated in Fig. These are caused by the shot of molten plastic moving at different speeds throughout the injection. Meddad and Fisa [3] found that the weld line is a zone between 2 and 8 mm wide extending throughout the thickness in which the fibers are oriented almost. As the polymer. Weld line. Injected plates were generated using a double-gated mold under four different process conditions. John Bozzelli. The weld line in injection molding is created when two melt streams connect, as shown in Figure 1. Flashes, 3. The melt stream is separated at the part’s cutout and reunited at the other end of the cutout. 1. Micro weld lines are the common problem that occurs for plastic molded parts through injection molding process. Weld lines can appear on the surface of a molded part where the molten material has converged after splitting off in a mold. 3. The injection molding temperature and the mold temperature were fixed respectively at 230 °C and 50 °C. + Move gate (to where it is not visible). Weld Lines. 010 0. 025 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 Mold Temperature (F) LDPE PPThree terms that often get mixed up in the plastic injection molding industry are weld, meld, and knit lines. The. Criens, R. 453-455. A weld line region is typically filled at the end of an injection stroke or during the pressure phase. The Problems & Solutions course is designed to train injection molding personnel in. This may require higher melt temperature or lower injection speed . In an injection molding process, a weld-line forms when two flow fronts meet each other. It can be determined by a visible line appearing on the surface of the plastic part where two flows of the plastic meet. The Difference Between Knit and Meld Lines–and Why It Matters. When this fails to happen correctly, a weld line defect occurs. It has larger cross-sectional regions that allow sufficient molten plastic flow into the cavity. 001 in . Some of the common fixes for weld lines include: Increase the resin temperature to ensure both sides of the weld line are liquid when colliding. Degassing – Degassing is the simple operation of opening and closing an injection mold to allow any trapped air (or gas) to escape. Effect of the processing conditions on the variations of the bulk temperature, T b , at the end of mold filling at the two locations: in (left) and away (right) from the weld-line (T w , T inj. Prediction of the weld lines in injection molding process using neural networks. In an injection molding process, a weld-line forms when two flow fronts meet each other. This failure causes the product to be damaged during use. The Weld line result itself has a scale associated with the placement of the weld line that is directly relative to how severe the weld line will be based on the angle in which the two flow fronts meet. Weld lines in design for manufacture. Weld lines, knit lines, and meld lines are terminologies to describe the imperfections of finished parts in plastic injection molding processing. Part design features may cause a material flow to split and rejoin as it flows around design features in a mold. + Increase mold temp, or materials’ temp, or holding pressure. The spreading mold release agent on the part cavity surface might eventually cumulate at the V-notch groove of the weld line after each injection molding shot. “I realized weld -line problems are a very common issue for injection molded parts,” Nicholson told Plastics Technology. The gate location should enable the two flow fronts to merge easily and continue to flow beyond the weld line. Typical injection molding processing temperatures of TPU materials are as follows: IM ZONE 60A TO 75A 80A TO 90A 95A TO 75D REAR 315 – 340 °F 345 – 370 °F 375 – 400 °FTo study the weld line formation of colliding flow fronts the filling of a mold cavity was simulated. the meeting angle by optimizing variation over time in the cavity. A knit line may be unnoticeable or may look like a crack. Controlling the mold’s temperature could also minimize the weld line’s effects. 6. 1. In this study, the effects of injection temperature, injection pressure, and fiber content on the mechanical properties of weld lines were studied for carbon fiber-reinforced nylon. 2017-01-0481. From Fig. The effects of filling time, packing time, packing pressure, melt temperature, and mold temperature on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the elongation value of the weld. Weld-line is a weak area. in the cavity of the injection mold. The most common method for the weld-line characterization is mechanical testing by means of a tensile or bend stage [6,7]. The four sets of plaques are produced by changing the magnitude of packing pressure equal to 60% of filling pressure, with increment of 20% up to 120% of filling. Injected plates were generated using a double-gated mold under four different process conditions. Fellahi et al. Introduction. ), with different mould surface finishes (polished, fine eroded, rough. In a meld line, the plastic comes together at an angle greater than 135 degrees. Weld lines may occur on a molded part’s surface where, after breaking off into two or more directions in a mold, the molten material has converged. The following are the conclusion drawn from the present research: 1. In manufacturing, the Weld line or Knit line or Meld line is the line where two flow fronts meet when there is the inability of two or more flow fronts to "knit" together, or. Short shots. This occurs either due to injection through multiple gates or as a conse-รอยประสานของเนื้อพลาสติก Weld line ตอนที่1. Meld and knit lines are actually both different types of weld lines. This model provides the necessary information. For the production of these weld‐line specimens, a special mold was used and injection molding parameters were systematically varied, tensile (ISO 527‐2) and impact (ISO 179‐1/1eU. 3: Weld Lines. Weld lines are the result of fundamental physical effects taking place inside of the mold tool cavity, they are common imperfection to be found in most plastic injection molded parts. The wheel has to be gated at three places on the hub and. If you adjust the ejection mechanism in the mold design, you also can reduce or eliminate your need for mold release agents. Sink marks, 2. 1. The plaques are prepared out of 30% glass-filled Polyamide 6 material. Weld-line yield strength, yield strain, and failure strain of talc-filled polypropylene increase with increasing melt temperature and increasing hold pressure. For more information on the Factors Affecting the Injection Molding Process. Nguyen-Chung. In this paper, aiming at the problem of weld line defects in the injec- tion process of a key phone panel, the injection process is optimized by using Moldflow and drop simulation. Figure 1 a illustrates how the weld line is produced when two melt streams merge during the final filling process. Figure 1a illustrates how the weld line is produced when. Proceedings of ANTEC (2000), pp. When two or more streams of plastic meet and fuse together, a visible line or weakness is formed on the surface of the finished product. Plastic Injection Molding Process. Streaks 3. 2. Weld lines can appear on the surface of a molded part where the molten material has converged after splitting off into two or more directions in a mold. 025 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 Mold Temperature (F) LDPE PPAccording to the weld line distribution map of six gate schemes shown in . The main types of injection molding defects are: 1. Molding Equipment. Definition: A seam that appears where two areas of molten plastics meet. In order to prepare the weld line specimen by micro injection molding, a mould integrated with visual system and variotherm system was designed and constructed, shown as Fig. Wu CY, Ku CC, Pai HY (2011) Injection molding optimization with weld line design constraint using distributed multi-population genetic algorithm. Lesson 7: Meld and Weld Lines (Part Design) When plastic flows into an injection mold, the internal flow pattern depends on the part design, mold design, and processing factors. Weld lines represent the region where two separated melt fronts recombine. Many works deal with weld lines and their dependence on processing parameters for conventional injection molding, but only a few works focus on the weld line in µIM. If so, look for an alternative resin. They occur when melt flow fronts collide in a mold cavity. Thus, a right gate design raises polymer temperature to prevent the formation of weld lines and flow marks. During the plastic injection molding process, one of the biggest challenges is. Weld line formation in the injection molding process occurs. Flow lines. Weld lines are a kind of Achilles heel of plastics. What are Weld Line Defects? Weld line defects – also known as knit lines – is a defect that occurs when the injected plastic meets within a mold. Multiple gates are acceptable as long as they are close enough to each other to avoid weld line issues. Article Google Scholar Deng YM, Zheng D, Lu XJ (2008) Injection moulding optimization of multi-class design variables using a PSO algorithm. In injection molded parts, there are 2 types of weld lines: The first type of weld mark is called cold-melt joints and is formed when the melt front enters the cavity with different. The flow fronts at different times (Fig. Weld lines have been one of the common defects puzzling the injection molding industry. Weld lines are visible to varying degrees on any molded part depending on gate location, flow length, melt/mold temperature, cavityA weld line occurs when two or more molten plastic flows meet and fuse during the injection molding process, resulting in a visible line on the surface of the molded part. Weld Line Occurrence in Plastic Injection Molded Parts Weld lines, also commonly known as knit lines, may be present in a plastic molded part depending on the partsí geometry. Cracks in Corners – When cracks appear in the corners of plastic parts, the cause is too much plastic shrinkage onto the mold core in that corner. The goal is to create a uniform thickness and at the smallest (thinnest) level required. To study the weld line formation of colliding flow fronts the filling of a mold cavity was simulated. Weld lines defects are formed when two flow fronts are merged together. examined the relationship between the structural and mechanical qualities in HDPE/PA6 mixture which is molded with weld line and without weld line in plastic injections [6]. technical ulletin SPECIALTY POLYME RS Design and Production of Injection Molding ToolsIncrease the injection speed in order to fill the mold more quickly and ensure the material does not prematurely cool down; in addition, when the speed is adjusted the flow fronts may meet at a different spot and move the weld line location. [ 18 - 21 ] In addition, the effects. In the first, sequential injection moulding, the lines are displaced to noncritical areas of the moulding. also utilized the co-injection molding technique to study the flow of polypropylene at the weld line behind an obstacle in injection molding; the. Materials Science. , less than 0. Weld-line is a defect that arises in injection molding when two or more flow fronts collide. M. A simulation of mold filling with multi-inlets or an insert in the cavity is pursued with an improved Level Set Method. distribution [4]. In injection molding weldlines are generated when two separate melt streams join either in multigated molds or as a consequence of flow around. For multiple gate and complex part, molding weld-lines are unavoidable, therefore mechanical behavior of the weld-line needs to be predicted. Weld lines are a common imperfection to be found in most plastic injected molded parts. The simulated cold weld line length is consistent with the experimental one when a 115 °C mold temperature is adopted; with lower mold temperatures, the simulated lengths are smaller than the experimental ones—in accordance with the literature on the conventional injection molding process [26,27]—probably because of the definition adopted. To explore the formation of weld lines in injection molding, a. In this study, polypropylene (PP) was chosen as the processing material and a micro dog-bone tensile test sample was selected as the objective part. Insufficient plasticizing ability of injection molding machine. The structure is more complex with longer molding cycle . Remedies: Raise the temperature of the mold or molten plastic. 15 it can be found that for the opposite position of melt injection the weld lines forming under higher temperature would produce better plastics. Injection molds: (a) mold type A, (b) fixed plate of the mold type B, and (c) moving plate of mold type B The second mold (mo ld type B) was used for the ISO D2 specimen, as shown in Figure 2b,c . Weld-line is a weak area which reduces the strength of the part locally. Many researchers had emerged with several. The weld-lines are undesirable from both aesthetic and functional points of view and their effect is different for varied materials, process conditions, loadings, forms of weld-line, etc. The injection molding process can be optimized to maximize weld line strength by increasing mold and melt temperatures, and by increasing pack pressure at the weld line. Strength at weld the line location and warpage problem in injection molding plastic component were not new problems in injection molding industries. In injection molding of thermosoftening plastics, an important aspect having a bearing on the quality of articles is the appearance of weld lines that are formed when there are inserts, barriers, molding signs, reinforcements, etc. But add 30% glass and weld-line strength retention drops to only 34% as high as the compound with no weld. The pressurized air restricts the flow of the plastic resin. 2(a, b). Increase the injection speed to reduce the amount of cooling happening in the mold. Abstract. The second technique, cascade injection moulding, can produce parts free from weld lines. It is pos­si­ble to pre. Too much injection molding pressure lost and increase the operation difficulty of the injection molding machine; 7. A knit line, also called a weld line, occurs when the liquid plastic moves through the mold and hits more melted plastic and they don’t flow or fuse together. the three-plate mold often adopt this kind of gate. These are preferred over weld lines as they will normally result in improved cosmetics and structure. A weld line is often unavoidable. Weld lines often generate mechanically weak areas, because of the unfavorable perpendicular orientation of the macromolecules, fibers and/or other fillers to the direction of the main flow. The performance of weld lines in talc filled polypropylene box moldings produced with a. A weld or meld line is a weakness or visible flaw created when two or more flow paths meet during the filling process. Weld Lines-3 Ways for Detecting and Correcting. That helps. Injected plates were generated using a double-gated mold under four different process conditions. The plastic injection molding process, including thermoplastic injection, is nowadays used in several industrial processes, including in the automotive industry for bowden cables. 5. The utility model relates to a mold structure capable of eliminating the appearance of weld lines of a hole-shaped injection molded product. Increasing the temperature of the mold or plastic material. Sink Marks Cause 1: Incorrect Melt Temperature. (2011) and Fig. They become more critical when particulate fillers are compounded with the polymer. 13. They decrease the. The weld line in injection molding is created when two melt streams connect, as shown in Figure 1. Flow analysis of the weld line formation during injection mold filling of thermoplastics. Solving one problem can introduce other problems to the injection molding process. The appearance quality of plastic parts in weld lines can be improved significantly through the rapid heating cycle molding (RHCM). – Use generous and even. Here are some ways to avoid. wall thickness, gate and runner designs and re-validate the result. Place a vent in the weld line area to remove the entrapped air. Weld lines are a common occurrence in injection molding that affects the overall quality and strength of a finished product. Weld lines represent the region where two separated melt fronts recombine. Features such as sharp corners or undercuts can. Oil lines and reservoirs are typical examples for hollow composite parts which are conventionally produced using a multi-stage process. Other possible causes include: Low mold or material temperature; Insufficient holding time or. 2. 030 0. Weld-line is a weak area which reduces the strength of the part locally. Google Scholar [10] S. Stop using mold parting agents. ). weld lines in infill analysis of injection molding simulation was observed [5]. Multiple gating, splitting of the melt flow due to inserts in the cavity or through holes, as well as changes of thickness give rise to points within the structure where the flowing fronts will recombine and weld. Meld and knit lines are actually both different types of weld lines. The Influence of Knit-lines on the Tensile Properties of Injection Molded Parts, Polymer Engineering and Science, 23(10): 591-596. (3) Adjust the temperature of the barrel and nozzle: the viscosity. In injection molding, it is often important to maintain consistent color throughout the part. Weld lines are among the most critical structural defects in parts made by the injection molding of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, explained Sirmax in a press release. Wolfgang Homes, head of the applications department of Eurotool, a manufacturer of hot runner systems, clarified the two methods for IMI, noting that. The impact behavior of weld-lines in injection molding. To prevent knit lines, injection molders can increase the temperature of the molten resin to prevent solidification from starting too soon, and increasing injection speeds and pressure are also potential solutions. Where the weld lines are, where the sink marks or voids will be, and how the part warps—all of these are determined by where the molten plastic is injected into the part cavity. As a result, the portion has a faint, perhaps undetectable line. Weld lines are a kind of Achilles heel of plastics. The weld line is then created with a higher flow front temperature and is packed with more pressure. This is where the melt fronts divided by an insert, such as a pin or a block, in a mold cavity rejoin each other downstream of the insert. It is normally at the meeting points of two flow fonts. Adjust Injection Molding Parameters: Optimizing injection speed, pressure, and temperature can help ensure better melt flow and reduce the likelihood of weld line formation. Plastics manufactured by injection molding are meant to be durable and reliable, able to hold up to heavy use, high temperatures, or adverse conditions. Injected plates were generated using a double-gated mold under four different process conditions. The micro tensile part was prepared by the double gate injection. , 190°C mass and 20°C mold temperature, as well as. Design. Change the gate locations. The formation of weld line in the injection molding method is caused by the product and mold design that is one of the common mistakes. Weld-line, a common occurrence in plastic injection moulding, is a representative defect compromising mechanical qualities and product appearance [16]. Weld lines are common defects in injection-molded plastic parts that occur when two flow fronts of molten plastic meet and fuse together during the molding process. C. The gate vestige for injection molding is usually narrow. 2. These lines can occur due to variations in wall thickness, gate location, or the geometry of the part. + Adjust injection speed. Weld line defects in injection molding is a line or lines on the part surface that caused the part looking ugly or cuased part lifetime, or even broken easily. Weld Line Factors for Thermoplastics. This customary mark is caused by differential rates of cooling in the resin where. When two or more strands of molten plastics meet in the mold, a weld line will be produced at the junction [1,2]. Vents in the mold allow the mold to fill. In this study, we apply the technique of SAW to explore the acoustic properties near injection-weld lines by comparing the velocity of (V R) in locations close to and locations distant from the weldAmong defects of injection molding parts, weld lines are the most common defect. Injection molding is an efficient manufacturing process for mass-producing parts with complicated geometry. Plastic Rapid Injection Molding is popular not only in low volume manufacturing but also in large quantities molding, it is the most common way to manufacture plastic parts. A meld line occurs when two moving melt fronts converge and flow parallel to each other. If the plastic encounters a pin or other obstruction, the plastic flow front must split to form two flow fronts to go around the pin. Fig. Increase the injection speed to reduce the amount of cooling happening in the mold. The welding angle can be used to differentiate weld lines and meld lines. As a result, the path of the injected melt can be extended, allowing the production of parts with more complex shapes and greater length. It forces out trapped air pockets and can prevent a vacuum void from occurring. Adjust the design for the flow pattern to be a single source flow. Weld Lines are formed when two or more molten polymer flows meet during the injection molding process. Azieatul Azrin Dzulkipli and M. Weld-line is a defect that arises in injection molding when two or more flow fronts collide. In this paper, a weld line factor (W-L factor) was adopted to. Increase the melting temperature. Here is a look at the differences between them, the causes of meld and knit line imperfections, and their impact on part durability. Injection Molding defect:molding weld_and_meld_line. Weld lines can significantly reduce ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and fracture strain of talc filled polypropylene (PP). th INTRODUCTION Injection molding is one of the mostWeld Lines in a plastic cover. The literature on the formation of weld lines, and their consequences, is more abundant on the area of injection molding [5-12] than on extrusion [13]. The formation of weld line in the injection molding method is caused by the product and mold design that is one of the common mistakes. Weld lines are a common defect generated in injection molding, which apparently affects the performance of final products, but the available reports on carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are still rather few. Usually it’s a straight line, and often to be found radiating.