The importance of mold parts maintenance

The importance of mold parts maintenance

The annual maintenance procedure required for each injection molding location of the mold depends on the mold cycle. The following are some maintenance tips for mold parts that each mold user can use to ensure that the hot runner, heater, guide and thimble, molding inserts, and other mold components operate effectively in case of unexpected situations.

1. Check whether there is an early warning of rust or moisture at the air hole. If you find rust or moisture near the vent of the hot runner, it means condensation inside, or the water pipe may have broken. Moisture can cause a fatal short circuit to the heater. If the machine does not run continuously throughout the year and needs to be shut down at night or on weekends, the chance of this condensation increases.

2. Remember to remind the operator not to "clean" off the hot nozzle at the gate. If the operator happens to see a small piece of stainless steel near the die nozzle, it may be a point nozzle assembly. "Clearing out" this seemingly obstruct often destroys a hot mouth. In order not to damage the nozzle, confirm the nozzle type of the hot runner system before taking any action and ensure that all operators are trained to recognize the different types of nozzle they are dealing with.

3. Sliding stop. For machines that run continuously throughout the year, this should be done once a week. The end of the year is a good time to do a routine lubrication of these parts.

4. Interactively check the resistance value of the heater. You should have measured the resistance of the heater when you first started using it, and the end of the year is the time to measure and compare it again. If the resistance value fluctuates ±10%, consider replacing the heater to ensure that it does not fail at critical points in the production process. If the initial resistance value has never been measured, take it now and use it as reference for future inspection of the heater.

5. Check the guide posts and guide sleeves for signs of wear. Look for scratches or scratches. The wear of the mold fittings is caused by a lack of lubrication. If the mark is just beginning to appear, you can also extend the life of the guide post and guide sleeve by adding lubricant. If there is much wear and tear, it is time for a new part. Otherwise, the cavity and core parts may not fit together well, resulting in different parts of the cavity wall thickness.

Check water flow. Connect a hose at the water outlet and let the water pass through the pipe to the bucket. If the water is not clear or colored, rust can occur, and a poor flow of water means a blockage. If you find any of these problems, drill through all the pipes again (or clean them by whatever method you use most often) to keep them open. Improving the plant's water treatment system could prevent future problems caused by rust and blockage.

7. Clean thimble. Over the course of a year, the thimble can become very dirty from gas accumulation and membranous impurities. It is recommended to clean it well every 6 to 12 months with mold cleaner. After cleaning, apply a layer of lubricant to the thimble to prevent chafing or breaking.

8. Check whether there is a break in the radius area of the hot nozzle. The fracture is caused by the gripping force from the cylinder assembly when the loose and hardened plastic fragments remaining in the hot mouth of the machine are injected forward. The cause of the problem could also be that the center line is not aligned. Both possibilities should be considered when a fracture is found. If the damage is too severe to prevent petal-like leakage (a term used by mold owners for plastic leakage between the guide sleeve and the hot tip of the machine), the gate sleeve should be replaced as soon as possible.

Mold Manufacturing Information