Hot Runner System Innovations Manage Melt Logistics Inside the Mold

Incoe Corp. says its hot runner systems are the heart of the injection molding process, managing and controlling Melt Logistics inside the mold. The company highlights two of its innovations within this space, including SoftGate valve pin speed control, and Opti-Flo balance hot runner systems.

Several years ago, Incoe recognized the challenge of direct valve gating a part while overmolding film or fabric in mold decorating. For example, the “blast” of the plastic in the gate area can often damage the film or wrinkle the fabric. Using control technology, the company’s SoftGate Velocity VG pin enables these applications to be direct gated. This allows for the “gentle” flow of plastic into the cavity, eliminating blemishes that can occur with uncontrolled flow.

Incoe also recognizes quality inconsistencies, whether it was part to part, or within a part itself, which were later explained as the cause of shear-induced melt variations. Its patented hot runner solution, Opti-Flo, realized in collaboration with Dr. John Beaumont, better managers plastic melt,   correcting issues associated with non-homogenous melt delivery. Opti-Flo’s system is geometrically and rheologically balanced to ensure equal flow conditions and consistent cavity filling. It also helps tighter tolerances part to part, reduces part warpage and ensures faster cycle times.