2022.12.5
Imagine you’re a part of a product design team. Your company has a new idea for a product and it’s your job to make it a reality. You’ve been given the task of designing the outer casing. It needs to be sturdy, but also visually appealing.
One option you have is to use side gate injection molding. But what is that, exactly? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what side gate injection molding is, how it works, and the benefits it offers.
Side gate injection molding is a process used to create plastic parts. Molten plastic is injected into a mold cavity through a gate located on the side of the mold. This type of gate offers many benefits over traditional gates, such as runner systems or sprue gates.
Some of the benefits of using a side gate include:
When looking to produce a part through injection molding, you will have to decide on the type of side gate to use. There are three types of side gates: blind, telescoping, and split.
The blind side gate is the most common type. It is a simple gate that is closed off from the cavity. The telescoping side gate is a type of blind gate that has an extended reach into the cavity. This is used when the runner is too short to reach the part from the cavity. The split side gate is used when there is no room for a runner and the part has to be molded in two halves.
The location of the gate is an important decision that affects the overall quality of the molded part. The gate is the point where the molten plastic enters the mold cavity, so it’s essential to place it in a location that will produce the highest quality part. There are a few factors to consider when selecting the location of the gate.
The first consideration is the geometry of the part. Certain parts are more difficult to mold than others, and the gate location needs to be selected accordingly. For example, parts with deep recesses or sharp corners are difficult to mold, and the gate should be placed away from those areas.
The size and shape of the part also play a role in determining the best gate location. Square or rectangular parts can have multiple gates, but round parts should only have one gate. The gate should also be located on a flat surface so that it doesn’t affect the quality of the part.
Finally, you need to take into account how the part will be used. If it will be used in an environment where it will be subjected to shocks or vibrations, you need to place the gate in a location that will withstand those forces.
Now that you know the basics of side gate injection molding, let’s talk about the pros and cons of this technique.
One of the main advantages of side gate injection molding is that it helps to produce parts with a more consistent plastic fill. This is because the plastic is injected and then allowed to cool in the mold, meaning that the part will be stronger and have better structural integrity. Additionally, side gate injection molding can also help reduce costs as it’s a more efficient process, allowing you to get more parts out in a shorter amount of time.
On the other hand, one disadvantage of side gate injection molding is that it’s not ideal for thin-walled projects as there are some restrictions on how thin you can make them without compromising strength or durability. This may be caused by the resistance between the two materials when they come into contact, leading to uneven cooling and undermining the structural integrity of your finished product.
When it comes to side gate injection molding, there are a few things to keep in mind when designing your part. The location of the gate is essential and must be carefully considered to ensure that the part maintains its strength and integrity.
The geometric shape of the part should also be taken into account as some shapes may be more difficult to form than others. For example, a complex shape with surface details may require extra time for cooling and require additional manufacturing steps.
The size of the part is another important factor as larger parts need more cooling time and require additional resources. It’s also important to consider the materials being used and their compatibility with the plastic injection molding process. Lastly, you need to factor in your budget and whether or not you need special tools or equipment for the molding process.
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