There are 3 typical heating mediums used for elevating the mold steel temperature. They are hot water, steam, and hot oil. Hot water is the most common for cold runner molds. Heating is usually required when the medium used in the mold steel channels is required above room temperature. An external heat source separate from the mold base is typically used.
Hot Water In Mold Bases
The drawing here represents the cross-sectional view of a mold base with the molded part and its runner system. Water channels have been drilled through the mold cavity and core steels. This enables hot water to be circulated through the mold from a heating unit along side the molding machine. The hot water is heated by electrical resistance heaters and is temperature controlled.
Steam In Mold Bases
The drawing here represents the cross-sectional view of a mold base with the molded part and its runner system. Steam channels have been drilled through the mold cavity and core steels. This enables steam to be circulated through the mold, from an external source. Steam is not typically used for cold runner molds because it is hard to regulate its temperature.
Hot Oil In Mold Bases
The drawing here represents the cross-sectional view of a mold base with the molded part and its runner system. Hot oil channels have been drilled through the mold cavity and core steels. This enables hot oil to be circulated through the mold from an external source. The oil is typically heated by electrical resistance heaters and is temperature controlled.
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