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How to avoid the strain on the plastic injection molding machine?

2025/03/12 By Topstar

plastic injection molding machine 90-1

In the clamping unit of a plastic injection molding machine, tie rods are responsible for holding the two halves of the mold together under high clamping forces. However, the friction generated by continuous motion and the necessity for lubrication can cause the coring rods to be overstressed and eventually fail, which occurs when excessive friction or misalignment damages the tie rod strain (also known as coring rods) during the clamping process. This phenomenon not only compromises the mechanical integrity of the plastic injection molding machine but also adversely affects the final product’s dimensional accuracy. To this end, Topstar’s approach is to rethink the design by eliminating direct contact between the tie rods and the moving mold components. Topstar uses a non-contact tie rod with advanced engineering technology to maintain alignment and secure clamping without friction or dependence on lubrication.

Problems with Traditional Lubricated Tie Rods in Plastic Injection Molding Machine

Traditional tie rods require oil to reduce friction between the rod and the moving platen. However, lubricants attract contaminants such as dust, metal chips, and plastic particles, forming an abrasive slurry that accelerates wear. The lubricant emulsifies, loses effectiveness, and causes unstable clamping force in a humid environment. The expected effect is not achieved. Variations in lubricant application, temperature fluctuations, and chemical degradation can all lead to uneven stress distribution. Many North American plastics manufacturers report that tie rod replacement costs have increased by 40% due to lubricant contamination. In addition, excess grease often drips onto the mold or finished product, causing cosmetic defects and violating FDA standards for medical or food-grade products.

Problems with Traditional Lubricated Tie Rods in Plastic Injection Molding Machines

Topstar’s non-contact tie rod system: Eliminating lubrication in plastic injection molding machine

Topstar’s innovative non-contact tie rod system integrates an unpowered roller equipped with a hinge mechanism directly connected to the coring material output. This ingenious arrangement allows the clamping force to transmit evenly to the mold without physical contact with the coring rod. As a result, traditional friction and wear are significantly reduced, and the need for continuous lubrication is eliminated. The absence of lubrication also lowers maintenance costs by 30%.

In the actual production process, preventing direct friction between the tie rod and the coring rod can reduce mechanical strain and coring rod strain. This reduces the wear rate of key mold components and extends their service life, thereby shortening maintenance intervals and improving the uptime of plastic injection molding machines.

Non-contact pull rod

Operational Benefits of Non-Contact Tie-Bar Systems

Traditional injection molding machine tie-bar systems require periodic lubrication and are prone to inconsistencies due to uneven lubricant application, temperature variations, and performance degradation caused by friction. In contrast, our non-contact tie bars eliminate these issues, resulting in a more stable clamping force and evenly distributing pressure across the mold. Another benefit lies in improved product quality. In injection molding, even minor deviations in clamping force can lead to defects such as burrs, warping, or incomplete filling. By maintaining consistent force without the interference of variable lubrication, our plastic injection molding machines can produce parts that are dimensionally accurate and free of common molding defects. In addition, the non-contact design simplifies the entire injection molding production process, eliminating the need for operators to monitor and adjust lubricant levels, thereby reducing the complexity of daily maintenance tasks.

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How Non-Contact Tie-Bars Protect Plastic Injection Molding Machines?

Tie-bar strain can shorten the life of critical components such as platens, molds, and hydraulic systems. Topstar’s non-contact design minimizes mechanical stress and extends the machine’s life by 25-40%. Among customer feedback, a Thai packaging company using Topstar plastic injection molding machines reported 95% original part functionality, while competitor equipment required a complete overhaul after 6 years. Reduced vibration also maintains mold integrity, saving tens of thousands of dollars in replacement costs annually.

Maintenance, Environmental Advantages

Because traditional tie rod systems produce wear and tear, coring rods appear. The need for constant lubrication leads to unstable performance and increases the risk of contamination. Over time, this can lead to expensive repairs, extended downtime, and increased waste from spent lubricants. In contrast, the non-contact tie rod design eliminates the need for such maintenance. Since constant lubrication is not required, the machine runs cleaner, and the risk of oil-induced contamination is virtually eliminated.

Lubricants, while essential in traditional systems, can become a source of contamination if not appropriately managed. They often require special handling and disposal procedures to prevent environmental harm. Topstar’s electric plastic injection molding machines support a cleaner production process. This complies with modern ecological regulations and is suitable for industries such as medicine, precision optics, etc.

Avoid Tie rod strain.

Tie rod strain no longer plagues plastic injection molding machines. Topstar’s non-contact system eliminates the need for lubrication, reduces contamination, and extends equipment life, combining reliability and sustainability. By adopting this technology, manufacturers can focus on production rather than maintenance while meeting stringent environmental standards.

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