Pesky sub-gates...

[moldingppm]

Hey guys,

I'm running a 16 cavity mold right now that uses sub-gates for the gating. The problem I'm encountering is probably every 10-20 shots, I get a gate that gets clogged with material (so it either shorts or doesn't make a part). Does anyone have any tips on how to reduce this issue? I know it's not contamination, as I've been running the same job/material for the last 2 years out of this machine. Just stumped.

[rickbatey]

The sub-gates are dull and need to be sharpened. I suspect you are getting small slivers or shards left gate because the runner and part fail to separate cleanly. I've seen it with tools that run lots of parts or have some age on them.
Rick.

[moldingppm]

Rick,

You're right. This mold is 10 years old and has put out more than 10,000,000 parts. Can I sharpen up the gates with stones?

[rickbatey]

Yes but it ends being more of a temporary thing. Best thing is to weld them up and burn/machine the back into the mold steel.
Rick.

[ArikB]

Gates are worn out.