How to Choose and Maintain Hot Runners for Different Resins
Recently I watched an video posted on moldmakingtechnology, This video is an interview with Sheldon Alexander, an expert from Husky Technologies, who answers some questions about complex resins such as bioresin and PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials.Hereby I write the article today.
Hot runners are an essential part of injection molding systems, as they deliver molten plastic to the mold cavities. However, not all hot runners are suitable for all types of resins, especially those that have high temperature or corrosive properties. In this article, we will discuss some of the factors that affect hot runner performance and maintenance when working with different resins.
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One of the factors that affects hot runner performance is PCR (post-consumer recycled) usage. PCR resins are made from recycled plastic materials that have been cleaned and processed for reuse. PCR resins can offer environmental and economic benefits, but they also pose some challenges for hot runner systems.?For example, PCR resins may contain contaminants or additives that can degrade or clog the hot runner channels.?Therefore, it is important to choose a hot runner system that is optimized for PCR usage, such as those that have special coatings or designs to prevent wear and tear.?It is also important to perform regular cleaning and maintenance of the hot runner system to remove any residue or buildup from PCR resins.
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Another factor that affects hot runner performance is poly carbonite (PC) usage. PC is a thermoplastic resin that has high strength, transparency and heat resistance.?PC is widely used in applications such as automotive parts, medical devices and optical lenses. However, PC also has some drawbacks for hot runner systems.?For example, PC has a high viscosity and sensitivity to shear stress, which means it requires high injection pressure and temperature.?Therefore, it is important to choose a hot runner system that can handle these conditions without compromising quality or efficiency. Husky Technologies is one of the leading providers of injection molding solutions for PC applications.?Husky has extensive experience with PC materials and offers customized hot runner systems that can meet various customer needs.
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A third factor that affects hot runner performance is high temperature or corrosive resin usage. High temperature or corrosive resins are those that have extreme thermal or chemical properties that can damage or degrade the hot runner components.?Some examples of these resins are PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride).?These resins are used in applications such as aerospace, oil and gas and electronics. However, these resins also require special care when working with hot runner systems.?For example, these resins may cause thermal expansion or contraction of the metal parts, which can lead to leaks or cracks.?Therefore, it is important to choose a hot runner system that is made from high-performance materials such as stainless steel or ceramic.?It is also important to monitor and control the temperature and pressure of the resin flow carefully.
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A fourth factor that affects hot runner performance is bio-resin usage. Bio-resins are those that are derived from renewable sources such as plants or animals.?Bio-resins can offer environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. However, bio-resins also pose some challenges for hot runner systems.?For example, bio-resins may have different rheological properties than conventional resins, which means they may require different processing parameters such as temperature and pressure.?Therefore, it is important to choose a hot runner system that is compatible with bio-resin specifications, such as those that have adjustable valves or nozzles to control the resin flow rate?.?It is also important to perform regular cleaning and maintenance of the hot runner system to prevent any degradation or contamination of the bio-resin.
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In conclusion, hot runners are an essential part of injection molding systems, but they need to be chosen and maintained carefully when working with different types of resins. Some of the factors that affect hot runner performance and maintenance are PCR usage, PC usage, high temperature or corrosive resin usage, and bio-resin usage. By following some best practices such as choosing suitable materials, designs, and parameters for each resin type, and performing regular cleaning and maintenance procedures, hot runners can deliver optimal results for various injection molding applications.