“Trendsetting technologies”: Oerlikon HRSflow highlights hot runner systems

24 Aug 2023 --- Oerlikon HRSflow is showcasing its new patent-pending stack mold for thin-walled packaging, developed for time, material and energy-saving injection molding. The polymer processing solutions provider is also presenting a multi-cavity system for caps and closures.

Oerlikon HRSflow will focus on hot runner systems for the upcoming Fakuma 2023 trade show, which will take place from October 17-21 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. “In addition to future-oriented automotive applications, the focus will be on trendsetting technologies and projects in the packaging industry,” the company states. 

“System-typical advantages include short cycle times, fast color changes, high production volumes, high molded part quality and a good suitability for sustainable polymers.”

Reduced wall thickness
The stack mold, soon available on the market, is equipped with nozzles of the Xd series from Oerlikon HRSflow and is engineered with high filling pressures for thin wall packaging applications. The stack principle supports the use of smaller injection molding machines. 

With fast injection and cycle time, the stack mold boasts simpler assembly and maintenance due to a plug-and-play installation, avoiding extended downtime. 

“The new solution is also suitable for processing PCR plastics and sustainable compounds in line with the requirements of the circular economy,” states the company.Oerlikon HRSflow compact stack mold is equipped with the Xd nozzle series and is engineered for thin wall packaging applications.

Boosting productivity
Oerlikon HRSflow will display its multi-cavity system designed to produce 72 caps simultaneously. It is equipped with the company’s Vf nozzle series and enables short cycle times of 2.2 to 3.5 seconds while ensuring maximum process reliability. 

The Vf nozzles of the new multi-cavity line from Oerlikon HRSflow have been specially developed for high-density PE caps and closures and are suitable for part weights from 0.5 g to 8 g. With special nozzles, insets and rheologically optimized hot runner geometries, the system provides optimum control, quick changeover and increased reactivity.

“This technical solution, which is equally suitable for carbonated and non-carbonated beverages as well as for liquid and powdered concentrates, meets all the requirements of the new European single-use plastic directive, which makes tethered closures mandatory for all beverage containers up to three liters in capacity,” says the company. 

Meeting demanding needs
In addition to the hot runner solutions, the FLEXflow technology from Oerlikon HRSflow will be presented at Fakuma 2023 as a “sought-after solution for demanding injection molding tasks.” 

The company shares that it is a servo-driven valve gate system combined with a flexibly programmable control unit, enabling precise and independent adjustment of the stroke and force of the needle position of each nozzle during the opening and closing phases of cascading injection processes. 

“Its possibilities are demonstrated by future trends such as back injection of foils, intelligent automotive surfaces and lighting applications. Especially their use in family molds enables significant cost-savings compared to separate injection of the individual parts, even if they are produced in different sized cavities,” Oerlikon HRSflow emphasizes.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria