Page 143 - Injection Molding Advanced Troubleshooting Guide
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130 14 Mold Cooling
14.5 Other Cooling Concerns
A major factor on the cooling ability of the mold is ensuring that the cooling lines
do not have a mineral scale buildup within the lines. If scale builds up within cool-
ing lines it will act as an insulator and reduce the cooling capacity of a mold. It is
vital that water is treated to reduce the opportunity for scale buildup; otherwise
diminishing cooling capability will occur over time as the mold runs. Scale buildup
can be removed with an acid flush system that will circulate acid through the cool-
ing lines to eliminate the built-up minerals. Figure 14.3 shows how a water line
can become choked off by scale buildup.
Figure 14.3 Severe scale buildup in water line extension
Ensure that the plant water is being conditioned with an effective water treatment.
Hard water typically contains calcium and magnesium both of which can plug wa-
ter lines and build up as scale within the water lines leading to a reduction in
cooling capability.
