How a strong ACL helps mould performance

Analyse, collaborate and listen (ACL), is a handy acronym to remember when selecting a hot runner supplier to partner with. Much like the ligament associated with a knee injury, if the ACL fails at this stage, you can come crashing down and will be out of the race before you have even started.

Analyse

In the early stages of a new mould build it is critical that your hot runner designer can provide input and feedback on the part design and layout of the mould. Analysis software programs can assist with correct gate location and number of gates, warpage, shrinkage, pressure drop, weld lines, gas traps, shear stress, temperature rise and part fill time so the performance of the hot runner and the mould are optimized.

Incorrect use of a hot runner can adversely affect the performance of a mould and the product it produces. Similar to having the wrong size running shoes on race day; your whole running technique will change, limiting your performance and could even lead to injury.

Collaborate

During the design process the Tool Designer and Mould Maker should look for a partner that can supply hot runner drawings and models that are easily integrated into their mould designs. Using hot runner 3-D models for approval drawings ensure they are simple for the mould designer to check and can easily provide gate insert or plate drawings to manufacturing.

Just like working with a coach to develop a game plan and identifying areas of improvement to win that race, the hot runner supplier’s ability to be flexible with drawing file formats and CAD packages is key to a successful partnership.

Listen

Working closely with a hot runner specialist, by listening and combining experience, enables the Tool Designer and Mould Maker to deliver their customer’s tooling that is right for the application and performs to the customer’s exacting specifications. Having this sort of team around you is like having a physio to massage out any kinks to make sure you’re race fit.

The Tool Designer and Mould Maker’s choice in a hot runner supplier can dramatically influence the quality and performance of the mould, the moulded parts, value and quality of after sales service. Using the ACL process is a good way to keep you in the race.

To find out more about what to look for when selecting a hot runner partner, download our guide - Three factors critical to Mould Performance with your Hot Runner company.