Injection molding cooling water channel accessories
Injection molding cooling water channel accessories are a crucial component of the mold cooling system. Their performance and quality directly impact the cooling medium’s circulation efficiency and cooling effectiveness, which in turn affects the molding quality and production efficiency of plastic parts. There are many types of cooling water channel accessories, including water pipe connectors, seals, flow control valves, quick connectors, and more. Each accessory has its own specific function and application scenario, and must be selected based on the mold structure and cooling requirements.
Water pipe joints are key components that connect cooling water channels to external pipelines, and their sealing performance and connection strength are crucial. Common water pipe joints include internal threaded joints, external threaded joints, right-angle joints, and tees. They are mostly made of brass or stainless steel and have good corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity. When selecting water pipe joints, the specifications need to be determined based on the water channel diameter and connection method. For example , a water channel with an 8mm diameter is usually paired with an M10×1 threaded joint. At the same time, the sealing method of the joint must match the cooling medium. For high-pressure cooling systems, joints with metal sealing surfaces should be used to ensure that there is no leakage under high pressure; for low-pressure systems, rubber sealing rings can be used for sealing to reduce costs. During installation, ensure that the joint is aligned with the centerline of the water channel to avoid flow loss and leakage due to eccentricity.
Sealing rings are core components that ensure the sealing performance of cooling water channels. They are primarily used to seal joints, molds, and water channel connections to prevent leakage of the cooling medium. The material of the sealing ring must be selected based on the temperature and chemical properties of the cooling medium. Commonly used materials include nitrile rubber (NBR), fluororubber (FKM), and silicone rubber (VMQ). Nitrile rubber sealing rings are suitable for applications where the water temperature is below 80°C and offer excellent wear and oil resistance. Fluororubber sealing rings can withstand temperatures exceeding 150°C and are highly resistant to chemical corrosion, making them suitable for cooling systems using additives. Silicone rubber sealing rings offer excellent resistance to high and low temperatures and are suitable for applications with large temperature fluctuations. Sealing rings come in various cross-sectional shapes, including O-, Y-, and U-shaped. O-rings are the most commonly used due to their simple structure and easy installation. However, they are prone to extrusion deformation under high pressure and require use with retaining rings.
Flow control valves are used to adjust the flow of the medium in the cooling water channel, achieve flow balance in each cooling circuit, and ensure uniform cooling of all parts of the plastic part. Flow control valves can be divided into manual control valves and automatic control valves according to the adjustment method. Manual control valves adjust the flow by changing the valve core opening with a knob. They have a simple structure and low cost, and are suitable for occasions where the flow is stable. Automatic control valves automatically adjust the flow through signals fed back by temperature sensors or pressure sensors. They are suitable for scenarios where complex molds or batch production require real-time adjustments. When installing a flow control valve, pay attention to its installation direction to ensure that the medium flows from the inlet end of the valve body to avoid reverse installation that may cause the adjustment to fail. At the same time, the nominal diameter of the control valve must match the waterway diameter. Too large or too small will affect the adjustment accuracy.
Quick connectors are accessories that quickly connect and disconnect molds and cooling lines, significantly reducing mold changeover time and improving production efficiency. Quick connectors can be categorized by connection method as plug-in, threaded, or snap-on. Plug-in quick connectors are easy to use; simply inserting a plug into a socket makes the connection ideal for frequent mold changes. Threaded quick connectors offer a secure connection and good sealing, but require a longer connection time, making them suitable for long-term fixed molds. Quick connectors are typically made of brass or stainless steel, with some high-end products made of engineering plastics, which are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. When selecting a quick connector, consider the flow coefficient (Cv value) to ensure its flow capacity meets the cooling system’s flow requirements. The pressure rating of the connector should also be checked to prevent rupture under high pressure.
The maintenance and upkeep of cooling water channel accessories is crucial to extending their service life and ensuring the stability of the cooling system. During daily use, seals should be regularly inspected for wear and replaced promptly if aging or cracking is detected. Water pipe joints and quick connectors should be cleaned of impurities and scale to prevent blockage. Flow control valves should be regularly calibrated to ensure accurate regulation. Before storing the mold, the cooling water channel should be drained of the medium and the joints should be coated with anti-rust oil to prevent rust. By properly selecting and maintaining cooling water channel accessories, you can ensure that the cooling system maintains efficient and stable operation, providing reliable cooling support for injection molding production.
