What's the difference between hot runner and cold runner systems, and how do they work? As the cost of steel and raw materials continues to rise, supply chain professionals are constantly seeking for ways to minimize part prices, cycle times, and material waste. The use of cold runner systems, as opposed to hot runner systems, may be a more cost-effective alternative for the correct application. Hot runner systems, on the other hand, may be more efficient in the long run, depending on the volume of production. What factors should you consider while deciding between hot runner and cold runner systems? To find out, continue reading.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A HOT RUNNER AND A COLD RUNNER
"Hot sprues" are molding systems in which the molten raw material is physically heated as it is carried from the machine's nozzle to its final destination in the mold cavity.
For their part, cold runner systems feed molten raw material into the mold cavity through channels that are not heated. Cooling runners prevent the material from curing while it is contained within the cold runner unit, which extends from the injection chamber of the molding machine.
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE HOT RUNNER SYSTEM
The most significant advantages of hot runner mold systems are the shorter cycle times and higher automation efficiency they provide. Hot runners are best suited for high-volume runs that require consistent high-quality performance. Parts with complex geometry will perform effectively when used in conjunction with hot runners. Products produced by hot runner systems have less material waste and have a higher consistency of quality than those generated by cold runner systems.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE HOT RUNNER SYSTEM
When contrasted to cold runner systems, the disadvantages of hot runner systems include the need for long-term maintenance and the difficulty in implementing quick design modifications (such as color) compared to cold runner systems. The additional wear and tear on the molding machine caused by the exterior and internal heating required by hot runner systems might result in increased energy usage. When selecting hot runner systems, it is important to take into account the thermal sensitivity of the polymer.
ADVANTAGES OF USING A COLD RUNNER SYSTEM
When opposed to hot runner systems, cold runner systems have the advantage of requiring less time to set up and consuming less electricity. Typically, first samples from a cold runner system would be beneficial for a prototype part since design changes are easier to apply on a cold runner system. Parts with many color options may benefit from the use of cold runners because of the simplicity with which colors may be swapped out during production runs.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING A COLD RUNNER SYSTEM
Cold runner systems have a number of disadvantages over hot runner systems, including a higher initial setup cost for tooling, a longer cycle time, and a greater amount of material waste. In order to achieve high volume production runs, cold runner systems are not suggested.
SHOULD I USE A HOT RUNNER OR A COLD RUNNER FOR MY BUSINESS?
- Cold runners are a good choice for low-volume runs, such as prototyping and color-testing, and they have a variety of applications.
- Hot runners are more cost-effective for medium to high-volume runs with high repeatability than cold runners.
The choice of runner system is usually dictated by the size of the project being undertaken. Because of their dependability and minimal overhead costs, hot runner systems are the preferred system for the majority of injection molding applications. Cold runner systems, on the other hand, may be more cost effective for low quantity projects or prototype testing due to their quick setup time and versatility.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A HOT RUNNER AND A COLD RUNNER
"Hot sprues" are molding systems in which the molten raw material is physically heated as it is carried from the machine's nozzle to its final destination in the mold cavity.
For their part, cold runner systems feed molten raw material into the mold cavity through channels that are not heated. Cooling runners prevent the material from curing while it is contained within the cold runner unit, which extends from the injection chamber of the molding machine.
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE HOT RUNNER SYSTEM
The most significant advantages of hot runner mold systems are the shorter cycle times and higher automation efficiency they provide. Hot runners are best suited for high-volume runs that require consistent high-quality performance. Parts with complex geometry will perform effectively when used in conjunction with hot runners. Products produced by hot runner systems have less material waste and have a higher consistency of quality than those generated by cold runner systems.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE HOT RUNNER SYSTEM
When contrasted to cold runner systems, the disadvantages of hot runner systems include the need for long-term maintenance and the difficulty in implementing quick design modifications (such as color) compared to cold runner systems. The additional wear and tear on the molding machine caused by the exterior and internal heating required by hot runner systems might result in increased energy usage. When selecting hot runner systems, it is important to take into account the thermal sensitivity of the polymer.
ADVANTAGES OF USING A COLD RUNNER SYSTEM
When opposed to hot runner systems, cold runner systems have the advantage of requiring less time to set up and consuming less electricity. Typically, first samples from a cold runner system would be beneficial for a prototype part since design changes are easier to apply on a cold runner system. Parts with many color options may benefit from the use of cold runners because of the simplicity with which colors may be swapped out during production runs.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING A COLD RUNNER SYSTEM
Cold runner systems have a number of disadvantages over hot runner systems, including a higher initial setup cost for tooling, a longer cycle time, and a greater amount of material waste. In order to achieve high volume production runs, cold runner systems are not suggested.
SHOULD I USE A HOT RUNNER OR A COLD RUNNER FOR MY BUSINESS?
- Cold runners are a good choice for low-volume runs, such as prototyping and color-testing, and they have a variety of applications.
- Hot runners are more cost-effective for medium to high-volume runs with high repeatability than cold runners.
The choice of runner system is usually dictated by the size of the project being undertaken. Because of their dependability and minimal overhead costs, hot runner systems are the preferred system for the majority of injection molding applications. Cold runner systems, on the other hand, may be more cost effective for low quantity projects or prototype testing due to their quick setup time and versatility.
