New valve gate products for technical applications

Thanks to the increased wear and corrosion resistance of the new end rings, they can withstand the processing of materials such as PA6/PA66, PBT, POM, PPA and PPS, which are filled with carbon or glass fibres to increase their mechanical properties. These abrasive reinforcing materials would lead to premature wear of conventional end rings. In contrast, the new solutions designed for the MULTIflow HRS line offer a more durable alternative and an extended service life for the hot runner components thanks to the choice of particularly resistant materials.

Due to the robust design of the new external end rings for Oerlikon HRSflow’s Tp/Vp nozzle series, significantly lower melt temperatures are sufficient to restart processes after shutdowns or interruptions. This reduces the risk of thermal degradation of temperature-sensitive materials, including the release of corrosive gases when processing flame-retardant materials. The smaller injection point due to the reduced diameter of these end rings also provides greater flexibility and precision during the injection process for uniform filling of the cavities – ideal for applications that require good mechanical properties combined with high optical quality at the injection point.

The special geometry of the new TTC end ring for the Tp nozzle series also ensures a wide processing window and a uniform temperature near the gate for a good restart at low temperatures to prevent material degradation. The 4 mm reduction in bushing diameter increases flexibility in positioning the injection point and simplifies production and maintenance. The result is shorter set-up times and lower labor costs while increasing overall productivity.

Technical applications live on site

Oerlikon HRSflow will showcase innovations in hot runner systems specifically designed for technical applications. A Zhafir Zeres Series 1500V electric injection moulding machine will produce PA6.6-GF30 cable clippers weighing just 1.2 g in a 16-cavity mould. The machine will be equipped with a real-time monitor that visualises the filling behaviour. The dryer, material feed and temperature control unit, all three also from Haitian, are integrated into the control system. The hot runner configuration consists of 16 nozzles from the Oerlikon HRSflow Sa series with an open gating system. Specially developed for processing glass fibre reinforced plastics, they ensure perfect cavity filling and outstanding process repeatability.

About Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions division

Oerlikon is a leading provider of comprehensive polymer processing plant solutions and high-precision flow control component equipment. The division provides polycondensation and extrusion lines, manmade fiber filament spinning solutions, texturing machines, BCF and staple fiber lines as well as nonwoven production systems. It also develops and produces advanced and innovative hot runner systems and multi-cavity solutions for the injection molding industry. Its hot runner solutions serve business sectors, including automotive, logistics, environmental, industrial applications, consumer goods, beauty and personal care and medical. Moreover, Oerlikon offers customized gear metering pumps for the textile, automotive, chemical, dyes and lacquers industries. Its engineering competence leads to sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for the entire polymer processing value chain with a circular economy approach.

Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division serves customers through its technology brands – Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag, Oerlikon Nonwoven and Oerlikon HRSflow – in around 120 countries with production, sales, distribution and service organizations.

The division is part of the publicly listed Oerlikon Group, headquartered in Switzerland, which has more than 12 100 employees and generated CHF 2.9 billion sales in 2022.

Cover photo: A 1.2-gram cable clipper produced using Oerlikon HRSflow’s Sa Series with a 16-drop open gate system. Specifically designed for processing PA66 with 30% glass fiber (GF), this solution ensures flawless part filling and exceptional process repeatability. © Oerlikon HRSflow