This year an innovative solution offering the advantage of predictable and consistent gate opening found in typical valve gate applications,

but at a price nearer to that of a comparable thermal gate system was introduced at NPE.Control gate systems are really a hybrid design. The cylinder/piston device is similar to a valve gate where open and close of gates is directly controlled, but the new control gate system is operated mechanically through the use of compression disc washers and pneumatic pressure. Pneumatic pressure is applied on the full surface area of the control gate piston moving the control gate pin forward thus closing the gate and at the same time compresses the disc washer. At the beginning of filling, pneumatic pressure is released on the piston causing the disc washers to relax and thereby retracting the control gate pin and allowing for all gates to open simultaneously.

Fast cycle molding operations can quickly realize improvements in the same way as provided with typical valve gate systems. Opening of all gates on the control gate system is mechanically operated, ensuring simultaneous fill time consistency as well as eliminating molding environment control over gate opening and at a price significantly less than that of a standard valve gate system.

Insert molding applications using a vertical clamp injection molding machine now have an economical solution compared with a full valve gate system since the control gate can eliminate the opportunity for drool due to gravity and decompression through the gate during mold open.