Hot runners build on solid origins

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Future of hot runners

If hot runner technology is to continue its development, vendors have to put a greater emphasis on reducing overheads through tighter integration with the mould and the machine, argues Reynolds, making sure that different pieces of equipment ‘can talk to each other and optimise themselves’. Other suppliers also point to a growing use of IT for simulation and optimisation purposes.

“I think the first task it so practically simulate the process, then based on that simulation and analysis you are designing the hot runner to optimise the parts,” says Schmidt. “It is not so much about building hot runners faster and in higher quantities but building them to make better parts and that cannot go on without the IT and software side of things.”

March 2015 saw Milacron introduce its Smart-Mold, for example, a platform based on an integrated PC that connects with sensors in the hot runner itself to feedback data from strain gauges, thermocouples and accelerometers.

“There is an ongoing trend for more complexity – step, servo motors and a growing number of sensors integrated within hot runner equipment [the data from] which needs to be understood and managed, alongside increasing automation and monitoring for preventative maintenance,” says Schiele. ETMM

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Special Feature

Hot runners build on solid origins

Future of hot runners