Injection molding remains one of the popular manufacturing method to produce plastic parts for a wide variety of sectors. To enhance production efficiency and product quality, hot runner and mold technologies providers continue to introduce solutions for upgrading injection molding process.

Hot runner system without active water cooling

Oerlikon HRSflow developed HRScool Evo system in which the hydraulic cylinder that positions the pin does not require separate, active water cooling. In many cases, more complex water-cooled systems can thus be replaced.

With HRScool Evo, a thermally insulating air gap towards the cavity reduces both the heating of cylinder and the thermal loss of manifold. A cover made of highly heat-conductive material on the opposite side also ensures optimum heat dissipation towards the cold clamping platen.

HRScool EVO enhances energy efficiency in hot runner injection molding.

For perfect matching, height can be adjusted via telescopic supports, further enhancing heat transfer and thermal uniformity over the entire hot runner system to maximize part quality.

Depending on the system size and application, the new system can reduce energy consumption by up to 10%. In addition, the low number of components reduces the assembly and maintenance time.

Other than energy efficiency, another advantage is the elimination of all pipes and connections required for water cooling, which prevent clogging and corrosion, reducing maintenance. Also, as the reduction to one thermally insulating and one thermally conductive element enables a compact design, small cut-outs in the clamping plate are sufficient.

HRScool Evo has a wide range of market applications, including automotive and packaging industries. 

Modular single nozzle for more efficient processing

Meusburger introduces single nozzle easyFILL EH 4010, as an alternative to the single nozzle smartFILL EH 4000. It is available with two flow channel diameters and in four lengths respectively.

The nozzle features a modular design and uses components from the existing smartFILL nozzle series. The one-piece, coated nozzle tip allows problem-free processing of most plastics, including technical ones. There are only restrictions for filled plastics.

easyFILL EH 4010 is heated with just one control zone as heat output distribution in the nozzle heater is adapted accordingly. A second heater and sprue bush are not necessary. The modular design of the nozzle allows individual nozzle components to be replaced, which facilitates efficient and economical repairs.

Nevertheless, corresponding 3D CAD data including installation space can be downloaded for use.

New headed hexagon socket pipe and sealing plugs

HASCO introduces new headed hexagon socket pipe plugs Z 9410/…, available made of either brass with a special integrated FKM O-ring or a high-temperature type of stainless steel.

The O-ring, in the HT variant, consists of a highly temperature-resistant fluorinated rubber material, guarantees reliable sealing of the drilled cooling holes, also without any additional sealing of the thread.

Both socket pipe plugs fit for reliable cooling of injection molding tools with hot or cold water or heat transfer oil. The low compression set allows optimum application, reducing production outages due to leakages. They are easy to assemble and dismantle.

Whereas socket pipe plug Z 9410/… is made of the high-quality brass material 2.0401 for temperatures up to 120°C with water and oil, the maximum application temperature for the HT version made of high-quality stainless steel 1.4305 with special high-temperature O-rings is 180°C for water and 220°C for oil.

They guarantee a reliable seal even with large temperature differences. HT pipe plugs from HASCO are thus suitable for applications in medical and clean-room technology.

Moreover, HASCO introduces new sealing plugs Z9425/…/VA. Made of stainless steel, they are particularly suitable for use in clean rooms, as in medical technology. They allow reliable cooling of injection molding tools when using hot or cold water or heat transfer oil.

The sealing plugs are temperature-resistant up to 180°C and have excellent corrosion resistance. Internal pressures in the cooling system of up to 10 bar can be achieved.

The high-quality stainless steel 1.4305 guarantees reliable and durable cooling applications. Due to the Torx geometry of the fixing screw, the plugs are easy to assemble and the torque is reliably transmitted without any damage to the inner profile.

Magnetic clamping technology to enhance efficiency and safety

Stäubli and Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete partnered to optimize QMC123 magnetic mold-clamping system, which takes the capabilities of magnetic clamping technology to a new level.

Traditional method to produce different parts with same injection molding machine involves changing molds using bolts or mechanical clamps. However, the time required to remove and replace molds leads to unproductive process and safety risks.

Powered by permanent electro-magnetic technology, the optimized QMC 123 offers a list of new features and advantages.

Magnetic mold-clamping system is a more efficient mold change solution.

First, it provides a greater level of information and features a touch screen interface. The IMAG-Editor software enables clamping force for each mold to be prior to loading, based on the press on which it will be used. This information highlights any potential problems ahead of production.

In addition, intuitive guidance is provided, both during set up and assist in diagnosing warnings or error conditions, enabling faster and safe resolution. The system can also detect flux changes before actual mold movement takes place, further enhancing levels of safety.

The magnetic clamping solution also plays a key role as part of SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) strategy, by minimizing the time between the last good part and the first good new part. With its data acquisition capabilities, this new technology is also compatible with the principles of Industry 4.0.

The new QMC 123 solution is compatible with molding machines ranging 50T to upwards of 6,000T.