Injection molding machine barrel heater

The barrel of the injection molding machine supports the reciprocating plasticizing screw. It is heated by the electric heater bands. Increasing heat profile across the barrel may not be the most appropriate profile for all parts. It depends on the size of product and mold the heat profile may be a reverse, hump, or flat profile. Some adjustments may be necessary to obtain the optimum process conditions and part quality. Fixed temperature profile from hopper to nozzle is a constant profile to utilize the plasticizing capacity. 

This paper compares the energy efficiency and control response of band-heaters with a new technology that uses non-contact induction to heat the barrel directly through an interposed layer of thermal insulation. Quantitative results from both laboratory injection molding machine rans and bench-top tests are reviewed. The effect of barrel diameter, surface condition and band-heater type on efficiency and control response are also considered, as are the implications of thermocouple depth. 

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