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Lesson 3: Parallel and Serial Coolant Circuits

An injection mold is effectively a heat exchanger. Molten polymer material that is injected must be cooled by the mold cooling system. As part designs become more complex, cavitation requirements increase, and larger overall mold bases are needed. Mold designers have several options when designing effective heat removal systems. In this lesson we focus on different types of coolant line layouts, specifically parallel and serial coolant circuits.

Topics included in this lesson are: the difference between parallel and serial coolant circuits; how different coolant circuits affect coolant pressures, Reynolds numbers, and coolant temperatures; and the importance of evaluating a plant’s coolant supply to determine whether they can deliver appropriate coolant flow for a tool.

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Parallel and Serial Coolant Circuits

Learn the basics of mold design and how various design elements impact a molded part. Build your own Circle of Knowledge lesson by lesson. 

Goals of Mold Design: Cooling (Level 1): 

  • Learn why the cooling phase of a molding cycle is the logical phase to optimize
  • Gain an understanding of the various type of cooling options to remove heat from a mold
  • Analyze real-life simulations and learn to determine optimal outcomes

Section Description: 

Injection molding is a process of heat exchange – the heat that goes into a mold must also be removed. Understanding the thermal behavior of polymers and the pathway of heat inside a mold is important for designing and processing a successful molding project.

Explanations, simulations, cause and effect analyses, and the uses of various design features are covered in this section. Understanding these design features is important because they influence the moldability, function, appearance, and quality of a part.

Recommended For: Entry Level Personnel, All Personnel

Length: Lessons are approximately 15-20 minutes long each

The Kruse Training platform delivers knowledge and expertise developed over two decades in the plastic injection molding industry. Now companies and individuals can access a state-of-the-art online training program, suited for all levels of knowledge.