Hot Runner Molding: Thermoplastic Injection Molded Plastic Parts, 100% Virgin Resins, No Regrind Material, Low Cost, Large Volume Automated Production, Fast Cycle Times, Multi-Cavity Molds, Controlled Volume Balancing, Stack Molding

Hot Runner Molding

Adept Custom Molders (ACM) provides plastic injection molding using hot runner molds, a process that offers the lowest cost per part when a large number of plastic parts need to be manufactured quickly.

Primary advantages of hot runner molding include:

• Materials cost savings - no runner to regrind or reprocess
   
• Least expensive cost / piece
   
• Reduction of energy costs
   
• Shorter, faster cycle times - no runners to cool
   
• Smaller machines - reduced shot volume into runners
   
• Automated processing – runners do not need de-molding
   
• Gates at the best position for economical design
   
• Elimination of runners means
   
  • No runners to remove or regrind
     
  • Reduces the possibility of contamination
     
  • Lower injection pressures
     
  • Lower clamping pressure
     
  • Consistent heat within the cavity
     
  • Shorter cooling time
     
  • Shot size reduced
     
  • Cleaner molding process
     
  • Eliminates nozzle freeze
     

Hot Runner Molding: Precise Computer-Controlled Accuracy and Advanced Processes

Hot runner molds are usually connected to needle valve nozzles, which are activated with precise computer-controlled timing for accurate reproduction of parts.

This allows for a number of advanced processes, including:

• Multi-Cavity Molds – cavities with different geometries and/or volumes
   
  • Parts that belong together produced in one mold
     
  • Injection valve opening and closing can be adjusted to the conditions of each individual cavity
     
  • Injection pressure and holding pressure may be adjusted  independently of each other
     
• Controlled Volume Balancing – a weld line can be shifted into a non-critical area of the molded part
   
• Stack Molding – multiple parting lines for additional cavities in a given area
   

Hot-Runner Systems: Weigh the Cons with the Pros

There are, however, a few disadvantages to hot runner systems that need to be considered:

• Hot runner molds are more complex and expensive to build than cold runner molds
   
• Higher initial start-up costs than cold runner systems
   
• Complex initial setup prior to running the mold
   
• Higher maintenance costs – more susceptible to:
  
• Breakdowns
   
• Leakage
   
• Heating element failure
   
• Wear caused by filled materials
   
• Risk of thermal damage to sensitive materials
   
• Elaborate temperature control required

Learn more: Choosing the Correct Molding System

For a full list of our processing equipment, read Production Facility and Equipment.
 

For a quote or more information about how we can help your project, call 765-457-8225, or send us an email, or submit this short form: