Alba Enterprises LLC’s Post

How many of us in the plastic injection molding world don't take the time to consider the basics of thermal dynamics? For this post we are focused on the energy source, and how the energy migrates from the source into the mass being heated. Just the basics of the heating sources used in a hot runner manifold, and Hot runner nozzle assembly for this post. Injection molding is a series of thermal dynamic events. Hot Runner Manifold systems are used to move molten plastic from one point (the injection molding machine) into specific points (within the cavity area called injection points). But first we must control the overall system temperature, so we have uniform temp of the molten resin. We use terms like: Watt to mass ratio, wattage distribution, direct energy transfer, indirect energy transfer, diffused energy (brass sleeve), reflection tube, heat sink, heat shedding, conduction, radiation, convection and steady thermal state. Here is the description of the image below: A) Contact point of heating element, and mass being heated (direct or in-direct energy transfer). Note: All energy moves from hot (heat source) to cold (mass being heated to desired temperature). No exception. B) Indirect heating: Brass sleeve used to distribute wattage (energy). You will notice when in a sleeve, we increase the contact point (A). *Depending on the heater shape, you can increase, or decrease the contact surface, or points. C) A planned gap between the heating element (indirect, with brass sleeve) and the mass being heated. Normally a fit something like H7/g6 (sliding fit) and this is one example. Note: As the heater sleeve heats quickly, thermal expansion increases the gap. At lest until the mass temperature catches up to the sleeve temperature. D) Reflection tube: The reflection tube redirects ("reflects" radiating energy from the heating element back into the heater sleeve or the mass being heated (via direct or indirect energy transfer). At the same time, the reflection tube reduces the amount of energy allowed to radiate off the heated mass into the surrounding mass (normally a plastic injection mold). E). Filler, heat transfer paste (magnesium) or can be vacuum brazing as another example. This increases the contact surface area of the heating element to the mass being heated. In teh case of vacuum brazing it also can be a method of securing the heating element into the mass to improve efficient energy transfer, prevent damage to the heating element, and mechanically secure the heater into the mass being heated. Want to know more? Give us a call at: 909-941-0600 (Office) or email us at Sales@albaent.com. Alba Enterprises LLC , Lisa Oles, Michael Dalrymple, Bill Hartwick

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Bill Hartwick

Business Director at Filter Specialties Co. & Enersavecontrols Inc.

6mo

This is fantastic information. It doesn’t matter how seasoned you are in an industry, it’s always great to re-focus on the fundamentals!

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