Published 3/6/2018

Technology Tuesday: Hot-Runner Maintenance

Cruise through this week’s Technology Tuesday slideshow to see articles and products on hot-runner maintenance.

Karen Cornelissen

Contributing Editor, MoldMaking Technology

Read “Breaking Down Hot Runner Maintenance”

Removing a manifold may require extra force to break the plastic connection between the nozzles and the manifold feed channels if the nozzles are bolted to the manifold plate. If the nozzles are not bolted to the nozzle plate, they may remain attached to the manifold, as shown here. Learn how to improve a manifold’s maintenance plan, which requires specific skills and knowledge of its functioning areas. Images courtesy of MoldTrax Maintenance Solutions.

Read “Is It Time for Some Preventive Mold and Hot Runner Maintenance?”

Here, mold components are being put into a fluidized bed for cleaning. The question is often asked: When should a tool PM be scheduled? The answer requires examining the many factors that affect the function and maintenance requirements of a tool. Findo ut what you need to consider when planning preventive maintenance. Images courtesy of Mold-Masters/Milacron.

Read “Hot Runner Cleaning System Uses Sand for a Safer, Less Caustic Scrub”

The Alliance Hot Runner Manifold Cleaning System applies high temperatures to sand to remove rubber, plastic and paint from steel parts. Check out this product. The page includes a before and after shot and a video demonstration of the of the oven cleaner. Image courtesy of Alliance Laser Sales.

Read “Hot Manifold Repair: What’s So Tough about It”?

Maintaining a typical hot runner system takes mold maintenance skills to the next level. There’s no denying it. Hot runner manifold repair can strike fear into the hearts of even seasoned repair technicians. As one who trains technicians on everything related to mold repair and maintenance, I’ve heard literally hundreds of horror stories about manifold catastrophes that drive stress up and profits down. This flooded or encapsulated hot runner system is in need of repair. Image courtesy of ToolingDocs.

Read “Alarm System Detects Nozzle and Hot Runner Leaks Early”

The Airtect Plastic Leak Alarm system detects leaks by sensing small changes in air flow rate or pressure. The Airtect System from Plastixs LLC detects leaks of molten plastic material at the main injection nozzle, within a hot runner mold or at any location where the detecting leaking plastic material reduces damage. Image courtesy of Plastixs LLC.

Read “Part One of a Three-Part Series Cleaning a Flashed Hot Manifold”

This article offers a look at in-house and outsourced cleaning. The flashed manifold in this image is the victim of a heater left on over the weekend in which the water also was off. Image courtesy of MoldTrax Maintenance Solutions.

Read “Hot Runner Running Efficiently?”

For years, injection molders have reaped the benefits of hot runners because of their ability to reduce material use and produce faster cycle times. And now that more and more moldmakers are adding presses for sampling and production purposes, they too are seeing the benefits of hot runners from an entirely different perspective. Follow these tips to set up your system and prevent messy leaks like the one on the nozzle in this image. Image courtesy of DME/Milacron.

Got a leaky hot runner? Check out the Hot Runners Zone. Check out the latest products to monitor and clean your system, or get the details on the latest trends from suppliers, who are trying to remove complexity from moldmakers’ approach to hot runners. MoldMaking Technology has covered tons of angles on hot runners from maintenance to runner-selection strategies to help you make the best investments.

Interested in mold maintenance and repair? Check out the Mold Maintenance and Repair Zone. Get the inside scoop from professionals like Steve Johnson, president of MoldTrax and contributor of our “Maintenance Matters” column, or check out our case studies, which will give you insight on what has worked for other shops.