Hot runner systems with advanced control units

At Fakuma 2024, taking place from October 15 to 19 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Oerlikon HRSflow (Hall A1, Stand 1215) will showcase its cutting-edge hot runner technologies designed to enhance sustainability and efficiency in injection molding across various sectors, including medical applications, beverage&home, thin-wall packaging, and much more. The focus will include new valve gate end rings for Tp and Vp nozzle series specifically developed for technical applications, as well as the new user-friendly T-flow and V-flow HRS control units. In addition, systems from Oerlikon HRSflow designed for medical and technical applications can be experienced live on the exhibition stands of BOY (Hall A7 - Stand A7-7101) and HAITIAN (Hall A1 - Stand A1-1103).

Technical innovations: new valve gate end rings

Oerlikon HRSflow will introduce the new Valve Gate external End Ring for Tp and Vp nozzle series along with the new End Ring Through the Cavity (TTC) for Tp nozzle series. These innovations, launched in September, are designed to process engineering polymers such as PA6/PA66, PBT, POM, PPA, and PPS, which are widely used in technical components like gears and structural parts for automotive, electronics, domestic appliances and other industries. The new valve gate end rings provide key benefits, including increased wear resistance, reduced material degradation thanks to good process window within material guidelines that means enhanced flexibility.

Taking a closer look at the two technologies, the new external End Ring for the Tp/Vp nozzle series allows for efficient handling of engineer materials by enabling easy restarting also at low temperatures, balanced filling of the cavities. It is ideal for applications demanding high structural property of the part with aesthetic quality at the injection point.

The new Through-the-Cavity End Ring (TTC) for the Tp nozzle series features special geometry that ensures a uniform temperature near the gate, providing an excellent processing window, and good restarts at lower temperatures. Its 4mm reduced bushing diameter allows for greater flexibility in the injection point seat and requires simplified manufacturing and maintenance operation. This design results in faster setup times and improves overall productivity.

New Control Unit: T-Flow HRS & V-Flow HRS

Oerlikon HRSflow will present its latest T-Flow HRS and V-Flow HRS control units to provide precise and reliable control over the valve gate nozzles during the injection molding process. These controllers enhance production efficiency, supporting the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, streamlining operations with a user-friendly interface that minimizes the need for training or instructions.

The V-Flow HRS control unit represents the cutting edge in sequential multi-zone control technology, offering exceptional precision in timing and sequencing for valve gate nozzles. This controller enhances part quality, optimizes cycle times, and boosts overall productivity. It is highly versatile, suitable for a variety of valve gate systems, including those used in high-performance applications. The control units are available in configurations that accommodate 6 to 30 valves in multiples of 6 and can manage up to 4 phases per cycle.

Conversely, T-Flow HRS represents a new generation of thermal multi-zone controllers, designed to provide the most reliable and precise control of hot runner temperatures in injection molding machines. These controllers are universally applicable and capable of managing all types of systems, from standard setups to the most demanding solutions. They come in various configurations, accommodating 6 to 120 heating zones in multiples of 6.

MULTIflow HRS - News in the wide market of buckets and pails

Already known for its cutting-edge compact stack mold in thin-wall packaging, the Xd nozzle series is now elevating its capabilities with a central solution designed specifically for the expansive market of buckets and pails complete with their handles. A key component of this configuration is the actuator positioned between the manifold and the nozzle, which allows for precise inlet-nozzle alignment. This setup not only enhances the accuracy of the injection process but also contributes to a more compact design and stack height, making it ideal for space-constrained environments.

At the booth, additional application areas for the MULTIflow HRS will be highlighted, covering fields such as thin wall packaging, medical, beauty and personal care, beverage and home. The Oerlikon HRSflow multi-cavity line, engineered for demanding low shot weight parts ranging from 0.5 to 120 grams, offers fast cycle times, high production volumes and part to part weight consistency, efficient processing of a wide range of materials included PCR compounds and biopolymers.

Live Demo on site: spotlight on medical and technical applications

Oerlikon HRSflow will showcase innovations in hot runner systems designed specifically for medical applications, featuring solutions for equipment, pharmaceutical devices, and In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD).

At BOY booth (Hall A7 - Stand A7-7101), a live demonstration will feature Jestar medical demo mold running on BOY 35E injection molding machine, displaying Oerlikon HRSflow’s hot runner systems in action. Application is a Blood Conical Filter using their MVP – Multi valve plate technology in combination with 16 drops Multiflow system Sp series. The main benefits are related to synchronized valve actuation and reduced drop-to-drop spacing for enhanced precision in small-weight applications.

At HAITIAN booth (Hall A1 - Stand A1-1103), the new ZE full electric Injection Molding Machine will produce a cable holder of 1.2 grams. Featuring the Oerlikon HRSflow Sa Series with a 16-drop open gate system, this hot runner configuration is specifically designed to process PA66+30% GF, ensuring flawless part filling and outstanding process repeatability.