9 types of gates in injection molding
There are several injection molding gate types available in the market today, each with its unique features and advantages. Here are the nine types of gates commonly used in injection molding.
Direct or Sprue Gates
Direct or sprue gates are the most common type of gate used in injection molding. They are typically used for large parts or parts that require a high volume of material.
In this type of gate, the molten plastic is injected directly into the center of the mold cavity through a large-diameter opening. The sprue gate is then removed from the part during post-processing.
Direct or sprue gates are easy to design and implement, but they can leave a visible mark on the surface of the part, known as a gate mark.
Edge Gates
Edge gates are one of the gate types injection molding and it is also known as a tab gate or a film gate.
Edge gates are commonly used for thin-walled parts or parts with delicate features, as they leave behind a smaller gate mark than other types of gates. They are typically used for small or thin-walled parts, where the gate mark is less visible.
Edge gates are usually designed to minimize the material flow distance, resulting in faster cycle times and reduced waste. However, they can also create weld lines or knit lines in the part where the flow fronts meet.
Submarine Gates
Submarine gates are another injection molding types of gate that is located below the surface of the part, typically on the underside or back of the part. It allows the molten plastic to flow into the cavity from the bottom, which can help to reduce the visible gate marks on the part.
Submarine gates are commonly used for parts with thick walls or parts that require a high level of aesthetic finish, such as automotive parts or electronic housings.
However, they can also create weld lines or knit lines in the part where the flow fronts meet. Submarine gates are typically more difficult to design and require special considerations to ensure proper filling of the part.
Cashew Gates
This type of gate injection molding is named after its shape, which resembles a cashew nut. It is also known as a banana gate or an extended gate. The cashew gate is a variation of the edge gate and is used to gate thin-walled or delicate parts that require a small gate mark.
The gate is located at the edge of the part and is extended along the surface of the part, which allows the molten plastic to flow more evenly into the cavity.
The cashew gate is typically used for cosmetic parts, such as lenses or covers, as it leaves a small gate mark that is less visible than other types of gates.
However, it can also create weld lines or knit lines in the part where the flow fronts meet. The cashew gate requires precise design and molding considerations to ensure proper filling of the part and to prevent part defects.
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