What is the difference between a hot runner and a hot gate?

1. Working principle
The hot runner injection molding system directly injects plastic materials into the cavity of the mold by setting a heating system in the mold. In a hot runner system, what heats up is the runner system itself, keeping the plastic in a liquid state inside the runner to ensure smooth filling of the entire mold cavity.
The hot gate system injects plastic material from one side of the mold by setting a hot nozzle in the mold. Unlike hot runner systems, the plastic in a hot runner does not undergo a heated runner system before injection. On the contrary, the hot gate is mainly concentrated at the inlet of the mold, maintaining the fluidity of the plastic through the heat conduction of the hot nozzle.
2. Application scope
Hot runner systems are typically used to produce products with high requirements for injection molding processes, such as components with complex structures or small dimensions. Hot runner can provide more precise temperature control, thereby reducing product defects and improving production efficiency.
Hot gates are often used in situations where production cost requirements are more sensitive, because compared to hot runner systems, the equipment and maintenance costs of hot gates are lower. It is suitable for some relatively simple products and production scenarios with relatively low requirements for temperature control.
3. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of hot runner
More precise temperature control, suitable for complex products.
Reduce or eliminate heat shrinkage and product defects.
Improve production efficiency and product quality.
Disadvantages of hot runner
The equipment and maintenance costs are relatively high.
Not suitable for some simple injection molded products.
The advantages of hot gating
The equipment and maintenance costs are relatively low.
Suitable for some simple injection molded products.
Disadvantages of hot gating
The temperature control is relatively poor, which is prone to thermal shrinkage and product defects.
Not suitable for situations with high requirements for product quality.