The Problem of the Blocked Water Outlet During Injection Moulding Process
When injection moulding is utilised for the manufacture of parts and components, there is the possibility of water outlet blockages which can reduce the efficiency of the process and cause a potential health hazard as well. The blockage can be caused by a variety of different factors, such as insufficient water pressure, clogged outlets or blocked filters.
Injection moulding is a hot, high pressure process that melts the plastic resin and pumps it into the moulds. The hot plastic is pushed into the cavities in the moulds at a pressure of around 100 bar. As the plastic is injected, the mould is cooled by water lines connected to the mould. The water is there to quickly reduce the temperature and ensure the mould does not become damaged.
The injection moulding process is designed to be rapid and efficient. The water lines used to cool the mould are essential for the operation to take place and therefore any issue regarding the blocked water outlets or filters can cause a major disruption.
When a water outlet is blocked, the cooling process is disrupted and the mould will overheat. This can lead to the plastic resin not conforming to the mould and this will result in either a distorted part or none at all. In extreme cases, the plastic resin can overheat to the point of igniting, which poses a major risk to workers.
Another issue with blocked water outlets is the build up of air pressure that can potentially cause an explosion. Air can build up in the water pump and begin to escape through the outlet. When the pressure inside the mould is greater than the pressure outside, it is possible for the part to just blow off the mould and pose a safety risk.
As such, it is essential for any problem with the blocked water outlet to be dealt with promptly. The first step is to identify the cause of the blockage and investigate any potential fixes. This could involve looking into the pressure in the system, the quality of the water supply, the development and maintenance of filters and the outlet design.
In certain cases, the problem with the blocked water outlet can be rectified by simply increasing the pressure of the water. This is especially relevant if the filter has blocked, as it can often be removed and restored with the right pressure. Additionally, the filter may need to be replaced if it is too old or damaged.
In some cases, the entire system may need to be replaced or maintenance scheduled to eliminate the issue of blocked water outlets. This could mean overhauling the entire system, ensuring that any existing components are in good working order and that the entire piping system is functioning correctly.
Overall, it is vitally important that any issues with blocked water outlets are identified and rectified as quickly as possible. The injection moulding process is a hot and high pressure operation, and so any disruption can be costly and can also be dangerous. Making sure that water outlets and filters are regularly maintained and checked, as well as ensuring that the pressure of the water is correct, can dramatically reduce the risk of blockage and help ensure that the injection moulding process is as efficient and safe as possible.
