When the decision has been made to incorporate a hot runner system into a mold, the question that promptly surfaces is as to what attributes must be taken into consideration? With the many independent suppliers in the market the types and choices of systems are often in resemblance with one system to another. In such a scenario how to opt for the right hot runner system, let’s find out.
Hot runner technology comes with diverse options. In order to accrue molding efficiencies and part quality benefits there are cases where price take precedence over application. Following are some hot runner features and supplier support aspects to consider before making a purchasing decision:
1. After Sale Service
In addition to sales, it is important to assure that whether the supplier offer product service, training and start-up assistance or not. These follow-ups are important for an effective installation.
2. Product Range Offerings
In order to achieve the optimum system for molding application and to maximize design flexibility, the supplier must offer an extensive nozzle range of hot tips, valve and edge gates, hot sprues, multi-tips, etc.
3. Resin Testing
Check out for fully equipped resin testing or R&D facility in order to assist the OEM or mold maker in choosing the best hot runner system type. Furthermore, there should be a balance of resin flow, channel sizing and various other design capabilities to produce a thermally balanced hot runner system. In such a system runners are large enough to give a relatively small pressure drop through the system without causing too much residence time while casting an injection mould.
4. Ease of Maintenance
At last, ease of maintenance defines the level of system’s sustenance. Your runner installation decision should answer the following questions:
All these tips are helpful while installing a hot runner system to enhance injection moulding processes. Use of a hot runner system can increase overall molding efficiency by reducing cycle time (easy maintenance), energy and material costs.
1. After Sale Service
In addition to sales, it is important to assure that whether the supplier offer product service, training and start-up assistance or not. These follow-ups are important for an effective installation.
2. Product Range Offerings
In order to achieve the optimum system for molding application and to maximize design flexibility, the supplier must offer an extensive nozzle range of hot tips, valve and edge gates, hot sprues, multi-tips, etc.
3. Resin Testing
Check out for fully equipped resin testing or R&D facility in order to assist the OEM or mold maker in choosing the best hot runner system type. Furthermore, there should be a balance of resin flow, channel sizing and various other design capabilities to produce a thermally balanced hot runner system. In such a system runners are large enough to give a relatively small pressure drop through the system without causing too much residence time while casting an injection mould.
4. Ease of Maintenance
At last, ease of maintenance defines the level of system’s sustenance. Your runner installation decision should answer the following questions:
- Can the gates be cleaned in the machine?
- Can wear items such as nozzle tips, thermocouples and heater bands be replaced without removing the mold from the machine?
- Can the valve stems in valve-gated systems be adjusted or replaced in the molding machine?
All these tips are helpful while installing a hot runner system to enhance injection moulding processes. Use of a hot runner system can increase overall molding efficiency by reducing cycle time (easy maintenance), energy and material costs.
