HOT-RUNNER COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS.

ALBA ENTERPRISES, INC.

Thermoplay hot-runner systems from Pont St. Martin of Italy include hot-runner nozzles, manifolds, hot sprues, temperature controllers and complete bolt-on hot sides.

Standard single-drop nozzles in three styles: Type 1 nozzles used where gate vestige is critical to appearance, or to minimize stringing or drooling; Type 2 nozzles for viscous materials when gate vestige is not critical, or when gating into a runner; and Type 3 valve gate nozzles for highly cosmetic gates, or when higher flow rates are needed. Also offers multigated nozzles (up to eight gates) and hot-edge gated nozzles.

D series nozzles offer beryllium copper cores for heat transfer with a steel tube through the center for wear resistance, while the new KS series offers replaceable tips and faster color changes.

TG series temperature controllers offer individual microprocessor control of each zone and come standard with higher amperage for high-load manifold applications.

ATHENA CONTROLS, INC.

Hot-runner controls include mainframe (modular single-zone units stand-alone consoles, and free-standing cabinets capable of controlling up to 80+ zones.

Mainframe models include new RMB series featuring operator keypad with two LED displays and three discrete LEDs for heat-current, alarm, and manual mode indication. Accepts J or K thermocouple inputs and is CE-compliant. IMP series controllers offer a dual display and Compu-Step startup in 15- and 30-amp configurations. Also PIM controllers, a portable single-zone version of IMP, are suitable for hot-sprue bushings or single-heater applications. Dual-voltage system series SY can house low and high voltage RMB and/or IMP hot-runner controllers in the same mainframe cabinet.

Stand-alone models include HRC-E series multizone hot-runner controllers feature advanced tool wiring diagnostics that can automatically locate wiring faults, which minimizes downtime and maintenance. Units have an easy-to-use graphical interface.

Series HRC-C hot-runner control cabinets offer control of up 80+ or more zones with a choice of operator interfaces including color LCD or touchscreen control panels capable of being remotely mounted from the cabinet, which provides network and communications capability. (See ad p. 242.)

CACO PACIFIC CORP.

Hot-runner systems use proprietary components, including valve-gate, hot-tip, hot-edge-gate, and special custom styles in single-face and stack-mold configurations. Available as complete mold-base assemblies or bolt-on hot-half assemblies, fully assembled and tested.

CONTROL KING INC.

Economical hot-runner temperature-control systems feature MTCS-1 control switch, which provides four different temperature setpoints for each zone.

Systems have four to 72 zones. Control modules in 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-amp versions can be mixed in the control cabinet according to mold-heater requirements. Each PID module accepts five different setpoints: process temperature, high/low alarms, manual power, and acceptable ground-fault (GFI) limits. When ground faults are detected, appropriate action (such as forced bake) is taken automatically. When TC breaks occur, system automatically switches to manual operation at a predetermined rate of power. Boost feature (100%), bake and standby heat are standard.

Optional KIM Module hand-held programming device available.

D-M-E CO.

Runnerless molding systems and components:

* The Cool One (internally heated runnerless components and systems). Melt-flow channels around heated distributor tubes provide self-insulating system.

* The Hot One (externally heated hot-manifold systems). Three nozzle sizes and different tip styles provide a multitude of combinations. Gate-Mate nozzles also provide a self-insulating layer of material in gate area. Osco multigate nozzles provide from two to eight injection points in one compact design.

* Osco hydraulically actuated single and multiple valve-gate systems have positive, independent gate shut-off. Full-body, bodiless, or pin-gate styles.

* Smart Series temperature controls for runnerless molds. Frames accommodate one to 48 zones in 15- and 30-amp capacities. Low-voltage systems also available for molds requiring 240-v control for manifold heaters and 24-v control for nozzle drops. Control modules are microprocessor-based with multifunctional digital displays. SSM and DSS modules feature digital display of setpoint and process temperature, auto/manual mode selection, and heater-dryout function automatically actuated during start-up.

Mainframes are self-contained, requiring no external relays or contactors, and offered with or without communications capability.

DMS 

Heatlock sprue bushings, torpedoes, and manifolds from Nils Helldin AB. All components are ceramic insulated with a variety of tips and styles, including mini models for center spacing down to 30 mm. CAD library of components is compatible with AutoCAD.

DYNISCO HOTRUNNERS

See Synventive Molding Solutions.

EWIKON HOTRUNNER SYSTEMS OF AMERICA, INC.

Complete range of runnerless molding technology featuring both internally and externally heated systems, incorporating torpedo, multitip and valve gate nozzle technology. Internally heated systems employ patented resistive steel heating rods impervious to burnout.

Full range of hot-runner control products for low 5v and conventional 230v systems. Controllers feature LCD backlit operator display unit, which shows temperature, output, alarm conditions, control mode and more on a single display.

FAST HEAT, INC.

Manufactures hot-runner systems and temperature controllers.

Integrally heated, flow-through design bushings: Elite series SV and LV bushings can process commodity and engineering-grade resins. Swaged heating element is contamination resistant because of integral-heat construction of bushings. Available in various lengths and a selection of head and tip styles. Sprue bushing is also available with various heads, lengths, and diameters.

Close-pitch mini-manifold systems: Precision series bushings with internal flow and external heat are suitable for processing temperature-sensitive resins. Available for direct-feed and manifold applications. With a removable heater shield Precision bushings allow the advantage of an in-press replaceable heating element and thermocouple.

Micropoint hot-runner nozzle has a special alloy tip construction, which allows for processing engineering and glass-filled resins without deteriorating the tip. The nozzle design allows for easy service, low residence time of the resin, accurate volume shot size, and consistent heat profile.

Symphony 2000 series hot-runner control system is a PC-based control system capable of supervising up to 96 zones. Features include touch-screen access, simple displays, and plain-language instructions; and a decision support system, 24-hr continuous history, "field" interchangeable 15- and 30-amp modules, and optional Digi-Mold ID.

GAMMAFLUX, L.P.

Temperature-control systems for hot runners consist of GLC2K compact digital controller, 9500 series screen-based system, 9000 series analog/digital controller and the 900 series analog hot-runner controller. All controllers and systems accurately control temperatures with less than [+ or -] 1 [degrees] F deviation in electrically heated areas of hot-runner tools.

Compact GLC2K controller can control up to 36 zones, each at 15 amps, and supports digital communication via RS-232 or 485 interfaces.

The 9500 series is a screen-based system with PIDD control algorithm for instant control response and process accuracy. System can control up to 256 zones.

Series 9000 controller combines analog control with digital processing technology and is modularly designed for easy system! process diagnostics. Modules of 3, 15, and 30 amps support digital communication with plant monitoring systems via the installation of a Mini-Panel.

The 900 series is a standard controller and uses the PIDD control algorithm. It provides complete process diagnostics and alarm displays, and is available in 3- and 30-amp modules.

Software products available fr GLC2K, 9500 and 9000 series include GammaVision PC-based control platform; Mold Monitor to predict heater failure; Mold Doctor for analyzing problems with hot-runner molds; and the Field Calibrator for in-field temperature calibration.

GUNTHER HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS, INC.

Externally heated, closed-loop 5-, 24-, and 230-v hot-runner systems carry melt with minimal pressure drop through tubes from machine nozzle to gate. Internal hot elements are thermally separated from external construction elements. No heat expansion occurs between mold and hot runner.

Systems permit gating inside articles such as cosmetic caps through the unscrewing mechanism. Special nozzles in vertical or horizontal multitip arrangements with up to eight tips. Pitch diam. from 3 to 42 mm. Article weights of under one gram achievable. Can also side gate parts directly and without leaving a cold slug. Nozzles l8LER and 22LER allow for gating with one, two or four tips in a single nozzle.

Three-color and three-material tools can be designed.

Also offers valve-gate systems designed from pitches as small as 12 mm.

HASCO-INTERNORM CORP. WEST

Heated spine bushings, nozzles, manifold blocks, and pre-assembled hot-runner systems. Internally and externally heated bushings; pneumatically operated, positive-shutoff needle valves; and temperature controls.

HUSKY INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEMS LTD.

Hot-runner systems from single-cavity units to 96-cavity, single-face and 2 x 64 cavity stack systems for part weights from 0.1 gm to 15 kg. Complete hot halves can be supplied assembled with prehardened stainless-steel plates and interface mounting holes for the cavity plate. Hot half can be attached to the cavity plate and the system started up. Systems fully wired to multipin connectors and electrically tested. Pronto hot-runner systems with delivery in four weeks and mold bases for quick delivery.

Hot-runner temperature controllers from single-zone to 128-zone units require no tuning and are highly responsive to shear heat and other process disturbances.

Hot-runner sequential valve gate controllers for molding parts requiring individual gate control during the filling process.

IMS CO.

Closed-loop temperature-control modules rated at 15 amps and 120 or 240 v with time-proportioned power, automatic softstart, and digital display. Standard housings have 1 to 12 zones. All modules, housings, and connectors interchangeable with standard hot-runner controllers.

Open-loop power-control modules fit standard hot-runner system housings and connectors. Stand-alone closed-loop temperature controllers rated at 15 amps and 240 v in 1, 2, and 4 zones. Stand-alone open-loop voltage controllers rated at 5 or 15 amps and 120 or 240 v use company's Microstat control.

INCOE CORP.

Designs and manufactures hot-runner and molding systems. Manifolds; injection halves; valve-gate, coinjection and multicolor/material systems; resin filters; temperature and valve-gate controls; quick-mold-change systems; and external gas molding.

ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION

Information on hot-runner systems from several Italian producers.

MELT DESIGN INC.

Standard and special runnerless molding systems and components include hot manifolds, complete bolt-on systems prewired and tested, integrally heated probes, hot-sprue bushings/nozzles, two-stage externally heated nozzle filters, thermocouples, and hot-runner temperature controls.

Off-the-shelf modular hot-runner system. Modular manifolds integrally heated with replaceable thermocouples and made of tool steel.

MILACRON, INC.

PLASTICS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP

Runnerless temperature controller eliminates rewiring connections to the mold because heater and thermocouple locations can be changed through software using CRT menu. Available in 12 to 96 zones, system includes color monitor, type J or K thermocouple input, soft-start, and security codes. Screen graphically displays actual vs. set temperatures with high/low alarm bands. Forty-four mold setups can be stored on hard disk. Additional external storage on floppy disk. Printer port provided. Unit is caster-mounted for mobility.

MOLD-MASTERS LTD.

Standard or custom-engineered hot-runner systems from single-cavity prototypes to high-production multicavity tools in 208-240 v or 24 v. Stack-mold hot-runner systems feature valve-to-valve feeder mechanisms for no material leaks at the first parting line.

Patented metallurgical fusion of heater element provides fast, isothermal temperature distribution and long-term heater reliability. Each system is naturally balanced with open-pipeline, and unrestricted runners for repeatable cavity-to-cavity consistency. All gating techniques, including hot-tip, multitip, valve-gate (hydraulic and pneumatic), sprue, and edge gates.

Also minimum-pressure-loss filter nozzles, directly heated machine nozzles, and water-cooled gate inserts.

Single- or multizone microprocessor-based hot-runner temperature controllers sold individually or with systems. Complete hot-half packages include hot-runner system, manifold plates, and temperature controller, delivered fully assembled, completely wired, and electrically tested.

ORYCON CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

Pre-engineered, standardized hot-runner systems and components include temperature controllers, torpedoes, sprue bushings, probes, thermocouples, modular and integral manifold system, and patented hot sprue bushings and gating bushings that use standard cartridge heaters but equalize the temperature profile to make it suitable for processing engineering resins. Manifold systems individually engineered and come as components or in fully assembled hot halves.

Temperature controllers use patented cooling method, which allows unit to operate without a fan. Dust, contaminating particles, and oil mist are prevented from entering the chassis. Microprocessor temperature controllers include single-zone units in 10, 15, and 30 amps and open- and closed-loop mode. Standard audible alarm and softstart with optional ground-fault protection. Microprocessor-based multizone mainframe controllers are standardized in 8, 9 or 12 positions and may be stacked and rack mounted to achieve any number of zones.

Ruggedized computer-based multizone control system for up to 120 control zones at 10 or 30 amps self adjusts for optimum running parameters and is capable of automatically correcting operator and wiring errors.

OSCO, INC.

Full spectrum of runnerless molding systems: hot tips to valve gates, multiple gate nozzles to hot sprue bushings, prewired manifolds to complete hot-half systems. Temperature and hydraulic control units are also available.

PLASTHING HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS, INC.

Multifeed hot-runner systems supplied on the basis of guaranteed performance including cartridge life and nonleakage of the manifold. Gate vestige height and color-change capabilities also covered by extended guarantees. Manifold system up to to 128 drops includes installation and startup.

Extensive range of single-feed hot-runner nozzles and multifeed bushings includes internally heated bushings based on thermocouple-controlled 24-v cartridge heaters; externally heated sensitive materials; multi-tip bushings with up to eight independently controlled tips within one bushing body; patented valve-gate bushings; and hybrid nozzles, which combine the gate-vestige control of the 24-v thermocouple cartridge bushing front section with low-pressure drop of the extended length rear section open-flow bushing.

PLASTIC ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES INC.

The cast, one-piece design of the Even-Flow hot-runner systems offer strength and efficient operation. Systems are suited to multicavity and large multidrop molds. The round manifolds are leak-proof without use of O-rings. The drops on these systems are heated and boast flow paths free of restrictions, resulting in faster startup, cooler operation and energy savings.

Model 727 hot-runner temperature control card has automatic internal switching upon detecting a thermocouple reverse condition and an automatic switch to manual mode when an open thermocouple is detected. Unit automatically shuts off when a shorted or miswired thermocouple is found. Also offered is SPI communication capability, warmup cycle, full PID control, automatic/manual control modes, and a high/ low temperature alarm indicator that is activated if the temperature is +/- 40 F from setpoint.

PLASTIC PROCESS EQUIPMENT INC.

Hot-runner temperature controls from one to 96 zones. Units available in 15A or 30A and feature microprocessor control, soft-start and communications. Discrete temperature controls also available in sizes from 1/32 to 1/4 DIN. Features include PID auto-tune, fuzzy logic control and NEMA 4 x front panels.

POLYSHOT CORP.

Runnerless molding systems consist of hot-runner manifolds, heated sprue bushings, multitip nozzles and temperature-control systems.

Heated sprue bushings of six different tip styles in 1 1/2-, 1- or 3/4-in. diam. Tip styles include pinpoint, full-flow, reverse-taper, and large-shot types. Heated sprue bushings easily retrofitted to existing molds with a gate interface.

Hot-runner systems are custom designed. Manifold systems externally heated for precise temperature control.

For maximum amount of cavities in as small an area as possible, multitip system allows two to eight drops on each module.

RAMA CORP.

Hot-runner system with runnerless design has capabilities for rapid color change and leak-proof operation. Heat-treated components reduce wear. Air-gap insulation and reduced-mass design. Cartridge, band and cast-aluminum band heaters for uniform, uninterrupted external melt heating.

SEIKI SPEAR SYSTEM AMERICA, INC.

Custom or standard hot-runner systems from single cavity to high cavitation. Full integrated system with probes, hot half, and temperature controller. Hot-half systems fully wired, pretested, and ready to bolt on and run.

SH-1 probes feature single 220-240 v internal ceramic heater utilizing printed circuit patterns. Thermocouple placement at the very tip for accurate control of temperature in the gate.

D-Probe series internally heated, low-voltage dual-heater probes for highly technical, critical dimension, gate vestige sensitive applications. Probes contain central body heater plus separate tip heater that cycles on/off for maximum temperature control in the gate.

Multitipped probes utilize similar dual heater technology for closely spaced parts. M-Probe comes with 2, 3, or 4 tips per block in variable circle pitch and is suited for hubs or gears. I-Blocks available with 8 or 12 tips per block for commodity resins.

Thermo-Mechanical valve gate is a hybrid design using conventional pneumatic mechanical pin plus separate patented ring heater at the gate. Additional heat at the gate keeps material plasticized.

SP2100 temperature controller features "soft pulse" technology for precise continuous flow of power without the on-again/off-again bursts of phase angle firing.

SYNVENTIVE MOLDING SOLUTIONS

Comprehensive line of hot-runner systems, hot sprue bushings, injection machine nozzles, temperature and hydraulic control systems, and process simulation services. Systems available as Hot Halfs, completely wired, assembled and tested with mold plates and ready for installation and startup. After-market components available.

Patented Dynamic Feed technology brings the injection molding process control into the mold with independent process controls at each gate. Package consists of hot-runner system, individual valve actuator assemblies operating flow-control pins, pressure transducers for each nozzle, and a control system to regulate the process.

Standard Express hot-runner systems are deliverable within four to five weeks. Options include a variety of manifold shapes and nozzle styles, as well as variable concentric gate locations, properly sized flow bore diameters, and a variety of tip styles to fit applications with shot weights from 0.1 gr to 1500 gr.

TECHNOJECT MACHINERY CORP.

Supplies standard and custom hot-runner components and hot halves, specializing in micro nozzles. Heitec hot-runner system uses 220-240 v heating elements that provide external heating and are thermally insulated from the mold by layers of air. Melt conveying tube in nozzle is made of an alloy with high thermal conductivity and abrasion resistance. Minimum center-to-center spacing of 0.276 in. between individually controlled nozzles. Thermal separation of heating elements allows for inside gating through small cores. Valve gate, top-or edge-gate multitip nozzles with a maximum of eight tips placed on a diam. up to 3 in.

Tip extensions now offered on 230 v hot-runner nozzles. Typical applications include recessed gate locations and inside gated covers. Tip lengths and shapes can be customized to suit the recess shape. Tips available as screw types for in-press servicing.

THERMAL VALVE GATING, INC.

Thermal Valve Gate hot-runner probes, manifolds, and controls. Probes have on/off heater control at the tip to melt the gate open and allow it to freeze shut for exceptional gate vestige control. "Cluster blocks" have 8-16 tips for small parts and 1/2 gate pitch. Split-plate manifolds make for easy cleaning. Controllers have local and remote control for adjustments in less than 10 seconds.

TRADESCO MOLDS LTD.

Hot-runner systems in standard and custom designs include balanced manifold assemblies and a variety of nozzle tip styles. Gating methods include diverted hot tips, sprue gates, valve gates, and edge gates. Systems come assembled, wired, and ready to install. Specializes in converting existing cold-runner molds to hot runners.

YUDO INC.

Custom-engineered runnerless molding systems and components including fully assembled, wired, and thermally tested Modu-System hot-half plate assemblies; thermodynamically balanced manifolds and gate valves; standard, custom, and single-valve nozzles; and universally compatible modular hot-runner zone mold-temperature controllers. Manifold systems available in three different types of steel and three standard thicknesses engineered to customer specifications. Supplied in standard gun-drilled form with an "edgeless" design to maximize injection velocity, or "self-cleaning" for use with difficult plastic formulations such as PVC and PBT. Technical support and applications assistance. (See ad this page.)