Hot Runner technology: Important considerations

Hot Runner technology is becoming an important trend in the plastic injection mold industry. It offers numerous benefits, such as reduced production time, cost savings, energy efficiency, and improved product quality. However, to realize these advantages fully, manufacturers must understand the critical factors of this technology. The following article provides an in-depth look at the essential considerations when applying Hot Runner technology in injection mold production.

1. Injection pressure

Injection pressure is a crucial factor that determines the ability to fill the mold and the quality of the product. Many people mistakenly believe that the plastic flow in a Hot Runner mold is always hot, and thus the pressure loss in the Hot Runner channels is less than in Cold Runner molds. In reality, due to significant pressure losses in Hot Runner systems, adjusting the injection pressure during the injection molding process is very important:

• Too low pressure: This may result in incomplete filling of the product, causing defects such as voids or uneven surfaces.
• Too high pressure: This can cause plastic to overflow from the mold or lead to “jetting,” resulting in surface defects.

Recommendations:

• Conduct tests with various pressure levels to determine the optimal value for each specific product.
• Use pressure sensors to monitor and adjust the pressure in real-time.
• Utilize CAE software to analyze flow paths.

2. Heating Mode

Heating mode is a key factor in maintaining a stable temperature for the plastic during the molding process. Hot Runner systems require careful temperature control to ensure that the plastic flow is not interrupted:

• Too high temperature: This can cause the plastic to decompose, affecting the quality of the product.
• Too low temperature: This can lead to premature solidification of the plastic, making it difficult to fill the mold.

Recommendations:

• Establish customized heating modes for each type of plastic and specific product.
• Use temperature sensors to monitor and adjust temperature during production.

3. Type of gate

Choosing the appropriate type of gate is one of the important decisions when designing a Hot Runner system. There are various types of gates, including:

• Tapered gate: The tapered gate is shaped like a top, usually placed at the top of the mold. The plastic will be fed into the mold from top to bottom, helping to ensure that the entire product is filled evenly. Suitable for products with complex shapes, helping to distribute plastic evenly.
• Side gate: located on one side of the mold, allowing plastic to flow in from the side. This system is often easier to install than an apex gate. Ideal for products requiring high production speed.

Recommendations:

• Thoroughly assess production requirements and product characteristics to select the most suitable gate type.
• Conduct tests with different gate types to find the optimal solution.

4. Standard and Non-Standard

When applying Hot Runner technology, manufacturers need to be aware of the differences between standard and non-standard systems. Standard Hot Runner systems are generally easier to install and maintain, while non-standard systems may offer unique benefits:

• Standard: Easy to use, saves installation time.
• Non-Standard: Higher customization potential but requires specialized skills and experience.

Recommendations: Carefully weigh the costs and benefits of both system types to make an informed decision.

5. Types of processed plastics

Each type of plastic has its characteristics and requirements during processing. When using Hot Runner technology, manufacturers need to be familiar with plastics such as ABS, PS, PP, and PC:

• ABS: Easy to process, suitable for various applications.
• PS: Suitable for products requiring transparency.
• PP: Offers good chemical resistance.

To ensure the system operates optimally, it is important to consider the types of plastics and processing conditions. Thus, not only the weight of the product should be considered, but also the size of the hot runner channels, including injection time, filling time, and melting temperature.

Recommendations:

• Research and understand the characteristics of each type of plastic to adjust technical parameters accordingly.
• Consider the compatibility between the type of plastic and the Hot Runner system to optimize the production process.

6. Multi-zone temperature control

Multi-zone temperature control in the Hot Runner system allows for temperature adjustments at various points across the mold:

• Benefits: Ensures that the plastic is heated evenly, thereby enhancing product quality and minimizing defects.
• Energy savings: This technology also helps save energy and optimize the production process.

An ideal Hot Runner system should have a uniform temperature distribution. However, in practice, various factors can lead to temperature differences in regions, such as the mass of the Hot Runner, excessive heat loss between the system, and the mold, and varying thermal properties of the plastic in the hot runner channels. The larger the Hot Runner, the more complex the choice of a hot running system with multi-zone temperature control becomes.

Recommendations:

• Install a multi-zone temperature control system to allow flexible adjustments based on production requirements.
• Regularly monitor to ensure that temperature zones operate efficiently.

7. Hanoi Mould Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2005, Hanoi Mould Technology Co., Ltd. is one of the leading units in the mold technology field in Vietnam, adhering to FUTABA, DME, and HASCO standards. With a team of experienced engineers, the company is committed to providing high-quality products, optimizing production processes, and meeting the diverse needs of customers.

Our services include:

• Consulting on the design and installation of Hot Runner molds.
• Processing injection molds, plastic molds, and high-precision molds.
• Maintenance and repair of mold equipment.
• Training staff on mold technology and production processes.
• Manufacturing plastic injection products for household and industrial applications, such as automotive and motorcycle parts.

If you are looking for solutions for Hot Runner technology, please contact us for detailed advice and the best support.

Conclusion

Hot Runner technology offers many outstanding benefits for the plastic injection mold industry, but it also comes with certain challenges. By paying attention to factors such as injection pressure, heating mode, gate type, standards, types of plastics, and temperature control, manufacturers can optimize production processes and enhance product quality.

————————————————–
Công ty TNHH Công nghệ Khuôn mẫu Hà Nội
Hanoi Mould Tech – Fast and Precise
☎ Hotline: 0912 308 979
🌐 Website: www.hanoimould.com
📧 Email: khuonmauhn@gmail.com
🛑 https://bit.ly/35zabER
🏡 Address: Lai Xa Industrial Zone, Kim Chung, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, Vietnam.
hashtag#khuon hashtag#khuonmau hashtag#khuonnhua hashtag#CNC hashtag#lamkhuon hashtag#congtykhuonmau hashtag#tooling hashtag#mold hashtag#moldmaking hashtag#manufacturing hashtag#moldmanufacturing hashtag#toolmaker hashtag#plasticproducts hashtag#automotiveproducts hashtag#moldfactory hashtag#moldcomponents hashtag#electronicproducts hashtag#Plasticmolds hashtag#InjectionMold hashtag#injectionmolding hashtag#InjectionFactory hashtag#PlasticProducts hashtag#mould hashtag#mold