In the face of the growing market demand for hot runner system, it is very important to choose the right hot runner supplier. The right supplier should be able to use the most cutting-edge, reliable technology to assist in the mold preforming component analysis, design process and add value to your mold, all from the required expertise and experience. When selecting hot runner supplier, mold manufacturer should consider three qualities :(1) analytical ability; (2) Design input; (3) Product coverage.

1. Analytical skills

In the early stages of new die manufacturing, it is important that your hot runner designer provide input and feedback on part design and die drawings. The hot runner fitting analysis software program helps determine the correct gate location and number, thermal deformation, shrinkage, pressure drop, weld lines, condenser valves, shear stress, temperature rise and part casting time to optimize the hot runner and die performance.

Improper use of hot runner will affect the performance of die and production products. An example is material degradation inside a hot runner or die cavity. Here are some of the factors that contribute to plastic degradation:

◆ Dead corner and shear point ◆ In hot runner, retention time in hot runner is too long

Correct hot runner analysis and manufacturing shall be assisted in the following aspects:

Determine the cooling valve may be local, determine the position of the vent to optimize the diameter of the melting channel, hold the shear stress at the ideal value, make the thermocouple into pieces, so that more precise and reliable control of heater by mould processing and polishing the melt channel, using all parts deformation correction technology optimization of the mold cavity diameter of the melt channel length, especially the multi-cavity mold.

Thermal finite element analysis (FEA) contributes to part design and gate location design, identifies structural stresses in hot runner, and warns mold manufacturers of potentially vulnerable areas that could lead to scrap. By using the right analytical tools and techniques, the hot runner supplier can predict design results early and suggest improvements to the die manufacturer and manufacturer.

2. Design input

During the design process, mold manufacturers need to find a partner who can provide hot runner drawings and models that can be easily integrated into the design. 3-D models of hot runner are used to approve drawings to ensure that mold designers can easily inspect them and provide gate inserts and drawing plans to factory. The flexible drawing format and CAD data package of the hot runner supplier will be the key to a successful partnership.

Correct part design is critical to successful mold construction, and hot runner vendors can provide lessons learned in many areas of the injection mold industry. Design features such as gate cooling cycle, gate area sag, and interlock can be described so that improvements can be made prior to specific design tasks. When invited to participate in the early stages of a project, hot runner suppliers can provide important advice on part design, cavity design and mold design.

Competition, rising material costs, time pressures and new technologies have long existed and are growing exponentially. Efficient use of time, molds, and plastic materials is critical to the success of every processing project. Ensure minimum initial cost changes to save time and money during die manufacturing. The time invested by the hot runner supplier at the beginning of design will also affect commissioning, normal production, part quality, production cycle and material production capacity.

It is very expensive and reasonable to modify a hot runner after it has been manufactured. Rapid and accurate engineering design greatly ensures the timely completion of new tools. Using the latest technology and knowledge of the hot runner supplier engineering team is critical to building high performance and high quality molds.

3. Product coverage

In the past few decades, hot runner technology has made remarkable progress. The hot runner supplier should be able to assist you in all gate types, notch design, cooling conditions, electronic optimization and accurate flow balancing gate location. Professional advice and instructions for this complex technique are important when you find it difficult to choose the right hot runner.

It is important that products cover all applications and markets. All applications working with one vendor can solve the compatibility and consistency issues of hot runner fittings, which can occur with multiple vendors. For mold manufacturers, working with a single supplier can improve the efficiency of the entire process, whether it is a simple hot gate or a complex mold.