Injection Molding Machine Platen Movement Technology Overview
Injection molding machines use the process of plastic injection to form plastic parts and components. The platens of injection molding machines are designed to provide the necessary clamping force and allow for the injection of the molten plastic into the mold. The platen movement is a key feature of the machine that can have a significant impact on the efficiency, quality and cost of parts produced.
The platen movement is the motion of the platens relative to each other. This motion allows the molds to be opened and closed, as well as providing clearance for the injection of the molten plastic into the mold. The motion of the platens is controlled either hydraulically or using servomotors.
Hydraulic platen movement is typically used in press-type injection molding machines. These systems use high-pressure oil to drive a cylinder attached to the platen, which pushes or pulls the platen in the desired direction. This method of movement is fast and powerful, with a low risk of overpressurization. However, the energy costs associated with running these systems can be fairly high, as well as potentially limiting the machine’s ability to produce parts with tight tolerances.
Servomotor platens are typically used in larger and more advanced injection molding machines. These systems use a digital servomotor to precisely control the platen’s movement. This makes them suitable for more complex part designs, as well as allowing for fast and repeatable movement. The servomotors also offer an advantage of lower energy costs, since they only use a fraction of the energy compared to hydraulic systems.
Injection molding platens are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways depending on the desired part design or target production rate. Platens can be used to provide vertical or horizontal movement, allowing for the mold to be opened and closed, as well as providing clearance for plastic injection. The platens can be used for simultaneous injection of multi-cavity molds, as well as for complex part designs that require positioning of the mold plates using multiple axes of movement.
In conclusion, injection molding platens are an important part of the injection molding process. There are two main types of platens in use today, hydraulic and servomotor platens. The choice of which to use is dependent upon the desired part design and the target production rate. Both types of platens offer advantages and disadvantages, but the bottom line is that both provide the necessary motion required for the injection molding process and result in the same high quality parts.
