UsageValve gate systems control the filling and packing of an injection-molded part using gates that open and close with pneumatic or hydraulic controls. The opening and closing of the valve gates can be sequential, independent, or time based, which provides greater flexibility in hot runner systems than with thermal gates. Most hot runner systems use thermal gates rather than valve gates to control the introduction of injectable material into the mold. Thermal gates work by freezing at the end of the packing phase and remelting at the beginning of the subsequent filling cycle. Although thermal gates are preferred in hot runner systems, valve gates offer the following advantages:
AssignmentYou can assign valve gates to the coincident face of a hot runner and part body, or a hot runner and cold runner. You can also add valve gates automatically for all locations where hot runners meet the cavity, or you can add individual valve gates manually in specific locations. Manual definition provides greater control over the gate behavior; with this method, you can define valve gates that open and close based on the following criteria:
Automatically created valve gates always use the automatic valve control behavior. |