The Cooling Rate Process & How it Affects the Final Molded Part.
In plastic injection molding, cooling rate is the last section of the molding cycle.
The cooling rate is a decreasing rate from the time the plastic resin enters the mold until the last cavity of the mold is filled.
The cooling process is complete when the temperature is no longer reducing, and any additional time spent to cool the part is useless.
When the cooling process is complete, it is safe to remove the part from the mold.
Below, are important factors that affect cooling rate and the final molded part…
Mold Cavity Pressure
The cooling rate is monitored, measured and displayed on a pressure curve. It is displayed this way because as the plastic resin cools, it shrinks, which reduces the mold cavity pressure.
Mold Temperature
In plastic injection molding, the temperature of the mold itself can be a factor in the cooling rate process. Aside from affecting mold cooling lines, mold temperature can affect part blemishes, like:
- Mold Warpage
- Sink Marks
- Jetting
Improper mold temperature can also impact properties, such as:
- Molded-in Stress
- Fatigue Resistance
- Wear Resistance
- Creep Resistance
- Molecular Weight
- Dimensional Stability
- Cooling rate can also be affected by the use of metals that conduct heat away.
The cooling process is complete when the temperature is no longer reducing and any additional time spent to cool the part is useless.
When the cooling process is complete, it is safe to remove the part from the mold.
TIP: During the plastic mold design phase, you must consider the best possible cooling channels for the mold. Using a plastic molder with a deep knowledge of cooling rate process optimization will allow for better control over the mold temperature, and thus, the cooling rate. It will also provide the best cycle time and the best outcome for a good, stress-reduced molded part.