Hot Runner vs Cold Runner: The Essential Guide to Injection Molding Systems
The family of cold runners and hot runners are both useful systems in the injection molding industry though there are some fundamental differences by production volume, about the type of material to be used, and the quality of the finished product. Cold runner systems are useful for small and medium runs and parts made out of special materials, as cold runner systems have low price and require fewer expenses for maintenance, however they are not as efficient as hot runner systems because of the material waste and long time needed to create a cycle. On the other hand, the hot runner systems are suitable in high turnover manufacturing as they may bear high initial cost and complications in planning as compared to the traditional systems though controlling material consumption, quality and cycle time. It is decided according to the particular needs of the application, although hot runner system usage is becoming more and more popular since efficiency and sustainability are more valued. There is now a plethora of solutions stated still being established in an effort to provide a unique approach to specific use in this crucial element of manufacturing of plastics.