Injection molding is a widely used manufacturing process that involves the use of molten plastic to form complex and precise shapes. One of the crucial components in this process is the gate, which controls the flow of the molten plastic into the mold. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of gates in injection molding and their role in the de-gating process.
What Is Gating for Injection Molding?
Gating is the opening in the mold that allows the molten plastic to flow into it. This opening is the first point of contact between the molten plastic and the mold, and it effects the whole process – including what the final product looks and feels like. Everything from the size to the shape of the gate can affect the flow of the plastic and the final quality of the part.
Types of Injection Molding Gates
There are several types of gates that can be used in injection molding, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of injection mold gates are:
- Edge Gate: This type of gate is located on the edge of the part and is suitable for thick sections. Edge gates are easy to machine and provide good flow control.
- Hot Tip Gate: This type of gate is located at the end of the runner system and is heated to prevent the plastic from solidifying. This type of gate is commonly used for transparent or high-gloss parts.
- Sub (Submarine) Gate: This type of gate is located under the part and is suitable for shallow parts. Submarine gates are easy to machine and provide good flow control.
- Sprue Gate: This type of gate is located at the end of the runner system and is the most common type of gate used in injection molding. Sprue gates provide good flow control and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Tab Gate: This type of gate is located on the side of the part and is suitable for thin sections. Tab gates are easy to machine and provide good flow control.
- Pin Gate: This type of gate is a small opening located on the surface of the part and is suitable for small parts. Pin gates are easy to machine and provide good flow control.
- Automatic Trim Gates: This type of gate is located on the runner system and is trimmed automatically after the molding process. Automatic trim gates are suitable for high-volume production runs.
The De-Gating Process
After the injection molding process is complete, the parts need to be removed from the mold and often times trimmed, or “De-gated”. The de-gating process involves removing the gate from the part and can be done manually or with the help of a de-gating system.
Our De-Gating/Cutting Systems
At >ASS< End of Arm Tooling, we offer both robot-loaded de-gating and operator loaded de-gating stations. Our de-gating systems are designed to ensure the fastest and most efficient removal of the gate from the part. We use advanced cutting technology to ensure that the parts are de-gated cleanly and precisely, without damaging the part. Learn more about our de-gating systems!
>ASS< End-of-Arm Tooling for Your Automation Needs
>ASS< End-of-Arm Tooling knows plastics manufacturing – our tools and systems are uniquely designed to help you achieve the most optimal process for your plastic assembly and plastic injection molding needs. For plastics applications or injection molding applications, our product line provides the most comprehensive offering of all grippers or other end-of-arm tooling devices you may need.
Our selection of ready, in-stock parts is available to ship. We can also collaborate with you to design custom, made-to-fit solutions for your process, including 3D printing services. Contact us today to get started!