The components of a connector mold can be categorized by functional system as follows; these parts work together to achieve the precision injection molding of the connector:
Gating and Positioning Components
Sprue Bushing: Makes direct contact with the injection molding machine's nozzle, allowing molten plastic to pass through and enter the mold core.
Locating Ring: Ensures precise alignment between the mold and the machine nozzle during installation.
Sprue Puller Pin: Hooks the solidified material in the main runner during mold opening, ensuring the sprue slug is smoothly pulled out of the sprue bushing for subsequent removal.
Guiding and Clamping Components
Guide Pins: A set of four pins that guide the precise mating of the front and rear mold halves during clamping; these are the primary guiding components.
Guide Bushings: Used in conjunction with guide pins to reduce wear during mold opening and closing and to enhance guiding accuracy.
Return Pins: Guide the movement of the ejector plate during ejection and retraction, ensuring the plate fully returns to its proper position when the mold closes.
Cooling and Temperature Control Components
Cooling Channels: Internal flow paths through which cooling water circulates to dissipate heat and maintain stable mold temperature.
Water Fittings (Nipples): Installed at the cooling channel inlets/outlets to connect the mold to the machine's cooling water lines; typically made of copper.
Insulation Plate: Installed on the back of the mold to minimize heat transfer to the injection machine's platens, helping to maintain a constant mold temperature.
