If you use plastic injection molding in your manufacturing business, you probably know that it is one of the more effective methods of forming plastic into the products that your company makes. However, there are two main types of injection molding -- hot runner and cold runner. Hot runner injection molding involves equipment that heats up the plastic and then pours it into the molds. These are a few reasons why this is the best method for many companies.

1. Minimize Waste

When plastic is melted and poured into the mold cavities, there is less waste than with a cold runner system. Instead, the appropriate amount of plastic is poured in order to create the product that is being made, and no additional plastic is poured into the mold. With a cold runner system, additional plastic is used and then has to be ground off of the product in the final processing stage. Since even a minimal amount of waste on each product can cost your company money and can affect the environment, reducing waste is important whenever possible.

2. Products Can Be Made More Quickly

When plastic is melted down, it can form into the appropriate mold and be made into the desired product more quickly. This is because melted plastic is easier to work with than cold plastic. If you want to speed up manufacturing times, switching to a hot runner system can be beneficial.

3. Reduce the Need for Additional Equipment

With a cold runner system, you may need additional equipment in order to grind off the extra plastic on the sides of each product. This adds one more step to the process and can be costly, since it adds in yet another piece of equipment that has to be purchased and maintained. With a hot runner system, this additional product on the edges of each item is never there in the first place, so the additional equipment is not needed. This can save your company money, save space on your manufacturing floor and eliminate additional maintenance.

When looking into injection molding systems, you typically have to choose between cold runner and hot runner systems. Although it's true that cold runner systems do have their benefits, overall, a hot runner system can be a much better choice. In fact, these are just three of many reasons to opt for hot runner injection molding systems for your manufacturing plant.

For more information on plastic molding options, contact a company like Qualicase Ltd.