Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : The Reynolds number

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Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

The Reynolds number is one of the most important, yet often misunderstood or overlooked, metrics for injection molding. This critical value predicts fluid flow patterns in cooling systems, determining whether coolant flow is laminar or turbulent. At a Reynolds number below 4,000, coolant flows in smooth layers with minimal mixing, leading to poor heat transfer and unstable mold temperatures. Above 4,000, the transition to turbulent flow enhances cooling efficiency, with an ideal range between 4,000 and 8,000.


Inefficient cooling can cause a host of issues, from long cycle times and deformed parts to weld lines, poor surface finish, and incorrect dimensions. Scale buildup as minimal as 0.020 inch can act like adding 2 inches of steel between coolant and polymer, severely degrading thermal transfer. Fortunately, solutions like descaling systems and thermal mapping can address these challenges and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).


Coolant temperature control inside the mold is critical to performance and quality, making an effective Reynolds number essential for efficient thermal transfer. How do you monitor and maintain cooling efficiency in your injection molding processes? What challenges have you faced with mold temperature control?


source : Plastics Technology

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