6 Types and Uses of Injection Molding Gates
Aug 17, 2023
As the connecting area between the runner and the cavity, the gate plays a vital role in the injection molding process. Gates-their style and where they are placed can affect the overall cycle time, the cost of the mold, and the appearance of a molded part. Therefore, it is important to know how to use the gate before starting an injection molding project. This Blog looks at the six most common gate types used in plastic injection molding: side gates, tab gates, direct gates, hot gates, pin gates, and sub-gates. It looks at the properties of these unique gate styles and provides suggestions when to best use them. 1. What is a Gate? Molten plastic material is injected into a mold cavity, causing the material to solidify and form a product. This process involves passing molten plastic through gates and runners until it is able to reach the gate, which opens up an opening that allows the molten plastic to enter the mold cavity. Not all gates are the same. Gates can be locate...