Hot or Cold Runner Molds: What to Use?

by Adrian C. SEO Specialist

When it comes to efficient and precise production, you would be lucky to have a molding company in China to fulfill your product requirements. This is because, with a wide array of experience under their belt, they know about the latest trends as well as the best practices in injection molding like hot or cold runner molds. This article tackles all of the information about hot and cold runner molds especially for you, take a look at the things you need to know here!

Hot Runner Molds

In the plastic injection molding industry, many clients who aim to seek successful production results use hot runner molds. To give you a brief overview of this process, hot runner molding systems are usually made up of 2 plates that used in heating with a manifold system. This system sends the melted plastic into nozzles which will be responsible for filling up part categories.

You can use two different categories in hot runner molding: external heat and internal heat. Externally heated systems are commonly suited for polymers which are plastic resins that are usually sensitive to thermal variations. But, internally heated systems are used for materials that need better flow control. The benefits of using hot runner systems are evident in its increasing number of clients. Hot runner molding has solidified its place in the plastic injection molding industry as a cost-effective process.

With hot runner molds, your production will be subject to faster cycle times, more space for the accommodation of larger parts, the low consumption of energy in production, and production costs are significantly reduced. The hot runner process will play a crucial role in increasing profitability for your business and maintaining design integrity in your products.

Cold Runner Molds

Now that you know all about hot runner molds, in this selection, you will read all about the alternative system. Unlike hot runner molds, cold runners usually consist of 2 or 3 plates held within the mold base. The difference in the number of plates is evident but its process variation lies in the way it delivers function.

Cold runner molds typically use more materials than hot runner molds. The molding cycle of this system requires that the plastic part and the runner is simultaneously produced. Molding companies in China find that many businesses use this type of system because they are less difficult to work with and the designs turn out to be less complex-looking.

Although hot runner molds are cost-effective enough, cold runner molds are comparatively cheaper to produce and maintain. With cold runners, you can also enjoy the freedom to use a wide array of polymers. Capabilities in design are also accommodated effectively because color changes are made to the plastic parts faster. Yet, its edge is trumped by hot runner systems in its characteristic seen in the slower cycle times from this system, the reason being: processes that come with cold runner molds significantly increase cycle time.

Key Takeaway

Hot and Cold runner molds have their own distinctive characteristics but both can be well-trusted to get the production done in tip-top shape. Your business can achieve a competitive edge over others in the market when you establish a partnership with an efficient mold maker in China, a country known for upholding the best standards in plastic production. Whether you choose to use hot runner molds or cold runner molds, it is important that you keep in mind that quality should be the primary standard in production as well as maintenance in design integrity