Universal single needle valve available in a new size

Hasco's hot runner division said the new size of universal single needle valves works with a number of nozzles in the TechniShot and ValueShot ranges. Hasco said the basic concept behind the needle valve unit remains universality and modularity. The locked, twist-proof needle reportedly allows complex gating geometries.

It can be used either as a single nozzle centrally mounted in the middle of the mold or as a drive unit with offset mounting between the manifold and nozzle. "This means that the optimization obtained in pre-production and prototype moulds with a specific type of nozzle configuration can be transferred without risk into a multi-cavity production mould," Hasco stated in a release. "It is even possible to carry over the hot runner components, reducing the cost of gaining vital development knowledge before committing to the production mold."

Hasco

Since axial thermal expansion of the manifold block has no influence on the valve pin position, needle deflection is prevented. Hasco notes that the low build height allows applications as back-to-back solutions in multi-daylight and tandem molds, with the optimum L/D ratio through the short needle length said to extend the service life of the needle and gate aperture.

The drive is activated via compact hydraulic cylinders that are connected via a tie-bar through the unit. The valve pin stroke can, depending on the drive solution, be varied in a range of 2 to 17mm, allowing the units to be geared specifically to the application and the respective nozzle type.
There is no splitting of the melt with the single needle valve, essentially eliminating weld lines. Pressure losses in the system are kept to a minimum, and Hasco believes the improved guiding of the melt avoids dead spots and sharp edges. Materials containing fillers can be processed without any stress on the material up to a shot weight of 1.7 kg.