Targetting applications with high melting points, as well as long glass-fibre reinforced parts, materials handling specialist Piovan has developed “Dynatemp”, a mould temperature control system for moulds with conformal cooling circuits.
The system using pressurised water, performs a two-stage process: in the first step, the mould is heated so as to facilitate the inflow of the melt and allow even filling (even in moulds with complex geometries, says Piovan) and eliminate thermal stress. In the second step, the mould is cooled to allow the injected material to solidify; this facilitates separation of the part from the sides of the mould and thus makes it easier to eject.
The system, which can be used as auxiliary equipment with any type of injection moulding machine, has a control unit that drives both the heating and cooling of the water by means of an electrical resistance and its forced circulation in two separate circuits (one for heating and the other for cooling), under different temperature conditions, up to 180°C in the heating phase and down to 20°C in the cooling phase.
The system works automatically, according to set parameters, using software which, interfacing with the machine’s working parameters, governs temperature and pressure values at any given time.
Piovan explains that the system allows the surface of the moulded part to remain free of defects and irregularities, removing the requirement foor finishing processes.
Dynatemp can also permit lower clamping forces compared with those needed when using traditional processes, claims Piovan.
