Hot runner, also known as hot water inlet, transforms a solidified water inlet into a molten one. Its composition is relatively simple, mainly including a manifold, hot nozzles, and a thermostat. Manifolds can be categorized by shape as I-shaped, X-shaped, Y-shaped, T-shaped, orifice-shaped, and other special shapes; hot nozzles can be categorized by shape as large inlets, pointed nozzles, and needle valve nozzles; and thermostats can be categorized by temperature control method as meter-type, card-type, and computer-controlled.

In injection molding, hot runners work in conjunction with molds and play a crucial role. For example, in the injection molding of ultra-thin parts (such as mobile phone battery covers), hot runners enable the easy production of high-precision, high-quality products.

For injection molding materials with poor flowability (such as LCP), hot runners significantly improve the material's flowability, ensuring smooth injection molding production. For some large injection molded parts, such as car bumpers and door panels, television back covers, and air conditioner housings, hot runners simplify the otherwise very difficult injection molding process.

In multi-cavity injection molding, molding is impossible without a hot runner. It can be said that a hot runner is the best technology for ensuring runner balance. Due to the shear force of the plastic within the runner, no matter how well the mold's geometry is balanced, the weight of the molded product will be difficult to maintain. This is especially true for multi-cavity molds; without a hot runner, the outer edges of the molded product will be lighter than the inner edges.

For plastics processors, using hot runner systems is quite economical for injection molding production of a certain volume. This is because hot runner systems help companies eliminate sprues in injection molding. In most cases, sprues cannot be reused.

Sometimes, the weight of the sprue is almost the same as the weight of the product; if traditional sprue injection molding methods were used, it would mean wasting as much raw material as the product itself. Therefore, using hot runner systems can save 30% to 50% of raw materials.

In addition, hot runners help reduce mold wear and extend mold life. Generally, the service life of a hot runner mold is twice that of a sprue mold.

Although the composition of a hot runner is relatively simple, each component plays a crucial role. Generally, high-quality hot runners require sophisticated structural design and high-quality materials. Hot runner suppliers also need to help customers design and install suitable hot runner systems based on the customer's plastic products and the molds used.

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