Exploring the Benefits of Overlap Gate Injection Molding

2022.12.6

When it comes to injection molding, overlap gate injection molding is a great option to consider. There are many benefits to this type of molding, including the fact that it can help to reduce the overall cost of the molding process. In addition, overlap gate injection molding can also help to improve the overall quality of the finished product.

Have you ever heard of overlap gate injection molding? It’s a process that offers some pretty impressive benefits, but it’s not always the best option. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of overlap gate injection molding and help you decide if it’s the right process for your project.

 

What Is Overlap Gate Injection Molding?

Overlap gate injection molding is a type of molding where the injector needle enters the part from an overlapping gate—an opening that’s located at the parting line of the two halves of the mold. This type of gate provides a number of benefits over other types of gates, making it a popular choice for manufacturers.

Some of the benefits of overlap gate injection molding include:

 

Types of Overlap Gates

There are two main types of overlap gates: the weak overlap gate and the strong overlap gate.

The weak overlap gate is the most commonly used type of overlap gate. It is less sturdy than the strong overlap gate, but it is also easier to manufacture and less likely to cause defects in the finished product.

The strong overlap gate is more difficult to manufacture, but it is much more sturdy and less likely to cause defects. It is usually only used in high-stress applications where the product must be particularly durable.

 

Advantages of Overlap Gate Injection Molding

Compared to most other types of injection molding, overlap gate injection molding offers a number of advantages.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) This tough, impact-resistant plastic is widely used across the industry. With good resistance to acids and bases, ABS also offers low shrinkage rates and high dimensional stability.

 

When is Injection Moulding Used?

A variety of frequently used products, including ordinary plastic objects like bottle tops as well as remote control casings, syringes, and more, are made using the injection molding process. Additionally, it is frequently utilized in the production of larger items like car body panels.

When producing thousands or millions of identical parts from a mold, injection molding is typically used.

 

Injection Molding Process Details:

Overlap gate injection molding is when the mold cavity is injected with a molten resin and the molten resin flows through an injection gate. This gate eliminates air bubbles, which can cause defects in the finished product, and also provides better control over resin flow. The key advantage of overlap gate injection molding is that it provides a smoother finish to the molded part due to the smooth surface created from the overlap between the material and injection gate.

The process involves setting up a two-part mold, where the first part contains a pre-formed plastic cylinder filled with molten resin. The second part contains an injection gate that is slightly larger than the opening at the end of the cylinder. 

When these two pieces are combined, they create an overlap between the plastic cylinder and the injection gate. This overlap ensures that all of the molten plastic flows through without any air bubbles or voids. The finished product has a smooth surface finish due to this overlap in material and injection gate.

 

How to Choose the Best Overlap Gate for Your Project:

Selecting the right overlap gate for your project depends on a variety of factors. For starters, it’s important to consider the type of plastic resin you’re using, as it affects how the gate should be designed.

The gate’s location also matters as it should be placed in a spot where it won’t detract from the overall design of your product. Additionally, you’ll want to think about how much force is necessary for injection and select an appropriate runner size.

It’s also important to consider the parting line—where the two halves of the mold come together—as this affects where the gate can be placed and how wide it should be. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure your chosen overlap gate minimizes material waste without compromising part quality since this can generate significant cost savings for your project.