“The big advantage India has is the knowledge and energy of its young people, along with the sheer number of them moving into this technology,” says Horst-Werner Bremmer – Head, Technical Consulting and Sales, GÜNTHER Heisskanaltechnik
-Neha Basudkar Ghate
Q. What are the key technical challenges when processing high-performance plastics using hot runner systems in injection molding?
When we process high‑performance plastics, the biggest challenge is that we usually have a very small processing window, especially from the temperature side. To get good results, we need a homogeneous temperature situation along the entire flow length of the material. Otherwise, the material can burn or degrade, and then the part won’t meet its requirements in terms of mechanical stability.
That’s why temperature control is critical, and we look at it from two aspects. One is the controller itself we use thermocouples to check the temperature and send that signal back to the controller. The other aspect is reducing the contact areas with the mould, so we don’t lose uncontrolled heat between the hot runner and the mould.
So in the end, it’s really a combination: mechanical control through heat conductivity and electrical control through the controllers.
Q. What are the key technical challenges when processing high-performance plastics using hot runner systems in injection molding?
When we process high‑performance plastics, the biggest challenge is that we usually have a very small processing window, especially from the temperature side. To get good results, we need a homogeneous temperature situation along the entire flow length of the material. Otherwise, the material can burn or degrade, and then the part won’t meet its requirements in terms of mechanical stability.
That’s why temperature control is critical, and we look at it from two aspects. One is the controller itself we use thermocouples to check the temperature and send that signal back to the controller. The other aspect is reducing the contact areas with the mould, so we don’t lose uncontrolled heat between the hot runner and the mould.
So in the end, it’s really a combination: mechanical control through heat conductivity and electrical control through the controllers.
Q. In your view, how do you see the current state of mould making in different regions, particularly in India?
I think it’s like always in life experience is the foundation for good work. In reality, mould making used to be done more in Europe, and in recent years much more in China. In India, it’s still developing, but it’s coming up more and more. The Indian tool makers simply need to close the gap of experience. The more moulds they make and produce, the more experience they gain, and the closer they come to the established players.
The big advantage India has is the knowledge and energy of its young people, along with the sheer number of them moving into this technology. This is actually a difficult situation for China. Personally, as a European, I prefer to work with Indians rather than Chinese. One reason is that communication is much easier in English. Another is that the time difference also works out better, which makes collaboration smoother.
Q. Do you see any barriers or challenges for Indian tool makers in achieving the same level of quality as established regions?
I think there should really be no problem for the Indian people. What’s important is to stay open to new technologies and also to embrace new production possibilities, so you can reach the same tolerances that are required. After all, the machines that produce moulds in India are the same as those used in Eastern Europe, China, Western Europe, Germany, or Portugal they are no different.
The real difference lies in the people operating the machines. As long as the operators are well trained and well prepared, you can achieve the same results anywhere in the world.
