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What
is the KoolGas Technology?
The KoolGasä Technology is a range of gas-assisted Injection
Moulding techniques developed at Warwick University. In its basic
format, the principle is based on the injection of nitrogen at cryogenic
temperature into the polymer melt stream, as in conventional gas-assisted
operations.
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What are
the major benefits of using KoolGas?
The injection of low temperature gas will speed up the cooling process
by improving the heat transfer through the gas. In most cases, a
reduction of the residual wall thickness is achieved. Further, smooth
internal bores are now possible with KoolGasä Technology, without
compromising the overall cycle time.
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Can I
retrofit the KoolGas equipment to my current gas-assisted Injection
Moulding system?
Yes. KoolGasä has been developed as a platform system that
can easily be used with any conventional pressure regulation based
system (e.g. Airmould, Cinpres).
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Will the
low temperature compromise the quality of my moulded article?
Extremely low temperature can compromise the quality of your
moulded article, by increasing frozen- in stresses. However, because
each case is unique, KoolGasä is developed to allow for the
control of the gas temperature being used. Temperatures as low as
-180°C.
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How much
cycle time reduction can be achieved with KoolGas Technology?
On average, between 10% up to 40% cycle time can be cut down. The
type of method used and the geometry of your article will affect
the efficiency.
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Will new gas injection nozzles be required?
Not necessarily. Conventional gas injection nozzles may be used.
However, special care has to be taken regarding the low temperature.
An alternative material may have to be used to prevent any corrosion
(e.g. stainless steel). We have developed special cryogenic nozzles
(under patent application) that will improve the efficiency of the
process over conventional designs.
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Is there a license for using the process?
No. Equipment can be purchased and installed in your location. However,
it does not mean that the process is not patented. At the moment
the developed techniques are under Patent Application.
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Is it safe to use KoolGas Technology?
Yes. The use of the KoolGas Technology does not require any further
safety requirements than the ones involved with the handling of
high pressure gases. Regarding the low temperature side, all the
equipment complies with safety standards in handling liquefied nitrogen
gases.
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Authored
by Rui Magalhaes
Copyright © 2000 [Warwick Moulding Technology Ltd].
All rights reserved.
Revised: December 18, 2001
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