Selecting the Right Gating Method for Your Application

a plastic injection molding shop

Hot runner application is a process in which molten plastic is injected into a mold under pressure, and the material cools to the shape of its mold, creating an object with a smooth surface.

Gating is an integral part of hot runner systems. Without gating, the plastic would not flow into the cavity and create a finished product. There are many different types of gates that can be used in hot runner applications, but each type has its unique purpose and function within the system itself.

This article post will discuss some of these various forms of gating methods and how they work to improve your overall product quality.

Manual Gating

Manual gates are the simplest type of gate that can be used. They are simply placed at the very end of a cavity, and when the time comes to fill the cavity with plastic, they are opened manually for this function. These types of gates have been around since pre-computer hot runner systems were invented. While they're effortless to operate, they are also known for being troublesome, taking up space in the cavity, and sometimes failing.

Notched Gating

Notched gates are another common type of manual gate that is used in hot runner systems. These gates are used when plastic can't be ejected from the nozzle into the cavity correctly. This gate helps the plastic get into the cavity by cutting a notch at one end, which creates a side channel for the plastic to flow through. The downside of this design is that it takes up valuable space in your mold and can cause cooling problems.

custom plastic injection molding

Air gating

Air gates are another type of gate that was designed as an improvement on the notched gate. Instead of taking up space in the cavity, this type of gate uses air to get the plastic into the cavity. Air is pushed through small channels in the backside of the notched gate to help move the plastic into its proper place. This type of manual gate is less likely to cool down the cavity, but it also takes up more space than other gates.

Telescoping Gating

The last type of gate that will be discussed is called telescoping gating. This gate type gives the user greater flexibility in their design as some parts can telescope inside one another, allowing you to make the most out of the space inside your cavity and get all of your plastic injected. This gating system is easy to install and use, making it a favorite among many product designers.

As you can see, there are several different types of gating systems that can be used in hot runner formulations, but each one has its own unique function and purpose. Many companies use multiple gating systems in their formulations to get the best results possible for their project. It is essential to learn all you can about these different gates and how they work so that you can pick the one that works best for your needs.

PTMS specializes in custom plastic injection molding. PTMS aspires to be one of China's top plastic injection mold makers by employing highly experienced employees and advanced equipment.

For more information on their plastic injection molding service, contact them today!

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