Injection molding chiller–
cooling for clean results

When using injection molding machines like a HYFRA injection molding chiller, optimal cooling of the mold is of great importance. The correct temperature influences not only the surface quality of the products, but also the cycle time and thus the production costs. In principle, the coolant in injection molding machines flows through the channels incorporated in the mold and cools the mold in this way. Water is frequently used in this process. To achieve high process and product quality, the provision of this coolant should follow some proven principles.

A clean plastic surface usually requires a uniform temperature throughout the mold. The pressure of the coolant should also be as constant as possible. At the same time, the cooling system must convey the water through the cooling channels at a minimum flow rate. This is the only way to create the turbulence necessary for an efficient cooling process. Different plastics also require different cooling temperatures and thus often also different cooling system capacities. Since mold corrosion also significantly influences product quality during injection molding, corrosion protection also plays a major role when cooling with water.

The cooling water recirculating chillers of the HYFRA Sigma series, with capacities ranging from 5 kW to 320 kW (1.5 tons to 90 tons), are prepared for a wide variety of cooling requirements in injection molding. Their state-of-the-art plate heat exchangers with compressors operating at optimum efficiency ensure high efficiency. A two-point pressure converter also ensures that the coolant is supplied at a constant pressure. With footprints of 0.5 m² (up to 28 kW/7.5 tons), 1 m² (up to 80 kW/22.5 tons), 2 m² (up to 160 kW/45 tons) and 4 m² (up to 320 kW/90 tons), the units simultaneously offer an attractive ratio of performance to space requirements. For larger cooling capacities, the Sigma series chillers can be linked together in a modular fashion.  With the HYFRA Sigma c, a variant with reduced overall height is also available.

The water-based chillers of the HYFRA eChilly/eChilly+ series are even more compact. They achieve outputs of 1 kW to 6 kW (3,500 Btu/hr to 20,500 Btu/hr) on footprints of 0.3 m² to 0.6 m². Their overall height is also particularly low at 37 cm to 52 cm (15 inches to 21 inches). The Minichillers therefore fit into almost any machine layout. With their robust housing and fail-safe design, the units can cope with the harsh conditions in production despite their compact dimensions.