About the Projected Area

The result of the computation of the projected area of a model on a pulling plane is given for information.

See Also
Analyzing the Pulling Direction
Defining the Projected Area as a Formula

During the mold injection, the plastic injected in the product cavity creates a pressure on the core and cavity sides. To prevent the opening of the mold during the plastic injection, the press must apply a force to counterbalance this pressure (usually expressed in tons).

The minimal force required to counterbalance the pressure can be approximated by taking into account the characteristics of the material, and a total area based on:

  • The projected area of the model on the pulling direction plane (areas of the holes are not included)
  • The number of prints of the model
  • The projected area of the hot runners linking the prints to the injection point.

By comparing this minimal closing force and the maximal force of the available presses, a mold designer can confirm and accept a job or not. At this early stage, an approximate value of the minimal closing force is sufficient. In particular the area of the hot runners is not required. The projected area value can be retrieved from the Pulling Direction Analysis.