Actuator apparatus and method enabling multiple piston velocities

An injection molding apparatus comprising an injection machine， a manifold， a mold， a clamp plate， an actuator interconnected to a valve pin and an external actuator controller， the actuator controller comprising a controller housing adapted to control upstream flow of drive fluid from an upstream actuator drive chamber such that the rate of travel of the drive piston is selectively adjustable to a first rate of travel or velocity over a first course of travel from a gate closed position to a predetermined position of upstream travel and such that the rate of travel of the drive piston beyond the predetermined intermediate upstream position occurs at a second rate of travel or velocity that is higher than the first rate of travel or velocity.