Heat in injection molding


At Ensinger Injection Molding, we have made it our mission to change injection molding. In doing so, we devote ourselves to one central topic in particular: heat  

When it comes to the quality of injection molded parts, the interaction of the optimum mold temperature and melt temperature is essential.  There are a number of things to consider in order to avoid losing important properties of the processed plastics.
What influence does the heat balance have in injection molding?  
In Injection molding we work with melt temperatures between 200°C and 430°C whereby we can represent a mold temperature between 20°C and 220°C. The melting temperature must be maintained, otherwise the individual characteristics of the plastics cannot be represented. If the temperature is too high, the material can be damaged; if the temperature is too low, the material is not homogeneous, and defects such as bubbles or streaks can occur. The melting temperature has a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the plastic. If this is not correctly taken into account, the plastic cannot achieve the desired mechanical property, e.g. tensile and flexural strength. 

How can you avoid overheating? 
Here, our state-of-the-art machinery contributes its share to the overall result. Inside, each cylinder zone is individually controlled and monitored, thus the internal temperature can be adjusted within the specified tolerances and the temperature can be regulated separately. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that the back pressure and metering speed are not set too high in order to avoid frictional heat.  
Our experts closely monitor the process and carry out measurements as well as sampling to ensure and keep the quality of the parts constant.  
  

What aspect does mold tempering play?  
An important aspect in the production of injection molded parts is mold tempering. We use advanced tempering systems to bring the plastic to the required temperature so that it does not solidify too early and the macromolecules can form an ordered structure. Correct mold tempering also ensures that the melt cools and the part is molded out undamaged. This results in a durable plastic part that meets the high demands of our internal quality assurance, as well as the expectations of our customers.  

Precise planning when designing the mold before production begins simulates the manufacturing parameters and allows our engineers to react to hot spots, for example.  
What is it like for employees?  
Since our employees are our most valuable asset, we attach great importance to personal protective equipment. In addition to safety shoes, this includes gloves and arm warmers to protect the arms, as well as protective goggles. Constant ventilation of the production hall ensures that the temperature is kept even. High ceilings also help to ensure that warm air rises and the cooled air can distribute itself optimally.  
We regularly sensitize employees and managers to the dangers of handling hot media through training.  

How can problems be remedied?  
To avoid future complications, we take some precautions. Simulations are used when planning the mold to record initial time and temperature values and to detect possible hot spots.  
The design of cooling options is also planned during this process. This saves both costs and time for our customers and ensures perfect part quality.  

 
Would you like to learn more or plan your part together with us?