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Molding Flash or burrs

Cold Runner Mold: Plastic Injection Molding, Simple Part Design, Limited Production Runs, Low Maintenance, Change Production Color, Low-Cost Mold

What is cold runner mold

A cold runner mold is a type of injection molding tool where the plastic material is cooled in a separate channel or “runner” before it reaches the individual cavities of the mold. The plastic resin is injected into the cold runner system, where it solidifies before being directed into the cavities to form the final parts. The term “cold” refers to the fact that the runner system is not heated, unlike a “hot runner” mold. Cold runner molds are often used for producing large numbers of small, simple parts and are relatively low-cost to produce.

SINCERE TECH (plasticmold.net) provides plastic injection mold solutions to industries of all types and sizes.

Our state-of-the-art mold building facilities include high-speed CNC Milling and mirror EDM Machining for many types of complex specialty injection molds, including insert molds, gas-assist injection molding, 2K mold, multiple cavities mold and unscrewing molds. We can build molds from small to big (25 ton) for both hot runner mold systems and cold runner mold systems.

Cold Runner Molds: Efficient and Economical

Here are some key characteristics and considerations of cold runner molds:

  1. Runner System: In a cold runner mold, the plastic material is injected into a runner system that distributes the molten plastic to multiple mold cavities. The runner system is typically designed to be easily removed from the finished part, but it generates waste material (the runners) that needs to be recycled or disposed of.
  2. Simplicity: Cold runner molds are simpler and less expensive than hot runner molds because they do not require the complex heating and control systems associated with hot runners.
  3. Material Waste: The main drawback of cold runner molds is the generation of material waste. The runners are typically discarded or recycled, which can add to material costs.
  4. Cycle Time: Cold runner molds may have slightly longer cycle times compared to hot runner molds because the plastic in the runners must cool and solidify before the parts can be ejected.
  5. Part Quality: The simplicity of cold runner molds can make them a good choice for parts with relatively simple geometries. However, in some cases, cold runners can cause aesthetic defects like visible weld lines on the finished parts.
  6. Heat-sensitive Materials: Cold runner molds are suitable for a wide range of plastics but may be less suitable for heat-sensitive materials that can degrade during the cooling process.
  7. Maintenance: Maintenance and cleaning of cold runner systems are generally easier compared to hot runners because there are no heated components to deal with.

Ultimately, the choice between cold runner and hot runner molds depends on the specific requirements of the molding project, such as part complexity, material selection, production volume, and cost considerations. Cold runner molds are commonly used in many applications, particularly when cost and simplicity are important factors.

Choosing the correct system depends on the requirements of the part to be produced. A few of the considerations include:Cold runner mold

  • Part complexity
  • Color requirements
  • Physical characteristics of the material
  • Type of material – virgin or “regrind”
  • Color changes during the production run

Cold runner systems are best used:

  • When the parts produced are of simple design,
  • For limited production runs, or
  • When a rapid change in production colour is needed

In a cold runner mold, the runner (excess material retained in the feed channels) is cooled and ejected with the part. Every cycle, apart, and a runner is produced.

There are two major types of cold runner molds:

  • A two-plate cold runner mold is the easiest and least expensive type of mold to produce. Two plate molds have a single parting plane, and the mold splits into two halves at the plane. Because the runner system must be in line with the parting plane, the part can only be gated on its perimeter.
  • A three-plate cold runner mold differs from a two plate in that it has two parting planes, and the mold splits into three sections every time the part is ejected. This feature provides greater flexibility of design, allowing gating to be placed in the most efficient locations. Since the mold has two parting planes, the runner system can be located on one, and the part on the other, for easier separation.

Cold Runner Mold Systems: The advantages & disadvantages

There are many significant advantages to using a cold runner mold system:

  • Simple, lower-cost mold design and construction
  • Considerably less expensive than a hot runner system
  • Moulds require less maintenance
  • Easier to set up and operate
  • Colour changes are easy – all plastic in the mould is ejected with each cycle

While it is a less expensive process that hot runner systems, there are a few disadvantages to cold runner systems that need to be considered, including:

  • Waste plastic generated
  • Runner material must be either disposed of or
    reground and reprocessed
  • Additional steps in the manufacturing process
  • Regrind will increase variations in the injection 
    molding process
  • Regrinding could decrease the plastic’s strength characteristics and mechanical properties

At Sincere Tech China mold maker, our unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of the plastic mold industry drives us to embrace advancements and anticipate future trends. We continuously explore innovative materials and composites that offer enhanced performance and promote sustainability. By investing in ongoing research and development, we consistently deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our valued customers. As a trusted injection mold supplier in China, we take pride in our unwavering dedication to excellence.

Aligned with our sustainability goals, we place a high priority on environmentally friendly practices. We actively seek out sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable polymers, and implement recycling initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes. By choosing our custom injection molding services, you can align your brand with sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to a greener future.

Ensuring quality is our topmost priority, and we maintain rigorous quality control measures throughout the entire manufacturing process. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by skilled technicians, we subject each product to thorough inspection and testing. This guarantees exceptional performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

When you choose Sincere Tech as your preferred plastic mold maker in China, you can expect the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and innovation. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you bring your ideas to life, delivering superior products that excel in performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Partner with Sincere Tech today and experience our relentless pursuit of excellence, as we work together to bring your vision to reality.

Our expanded capabilities include:

  1. Rapid Prototyping: We offer rapid prototyping services to quickly transform your concepts into tangible prototypes, allowing for iterative design improvements and accelerated product development.
  2. Precision Tooling: Our advanced tooling capabilities enable us to create high-quality molds with tight tolerances, ensuring consistency and precision in your injection-molded products.
  3. Overmolding: We specialize in overmolding, which allows for the combination of multiple materials or components, resulting in enhanced functionality, aesthetics, and durability.
  4. Insert Molding: Our expertise in insert molding enables us to securely encapsulate inserts within the molded parts, facilitating efficient assembly and enhancing product performance.
  5. Two-Shot Molding: With two-shot molding, we can produce complex, multi-material components in a single operation, reducing assembly requirements and enhancing design possibilities.
  6. Value-Added Services: In addition to injection molding, we offer a range of value-added services, including product assembly, packaging, and logistics support, streamlining your supply chain and reducing costs.

Partner with Sincere Tech Mould suppliers for your custom injection molding needs, and benefit from our comprehensive capabilities, unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, and our drive to exceed your expectations at every step of the process. Together, let’s bring your innovative ideas to life.

hot runner with manifold

What is hot runner mold

Hot runner mold is a type of injection molding system that uses heated material feed channels, or “hot runners,” to maintain the temperature of the plastics as it flows through the injection mold. This allows for a more consistent and efficient molding process, as the plastic does not have to be reheated between shots so the cycle time will be reduced and will save the waste runner materials ( sometimes has no any runner with hot runner systems). Hot runner systems are commonly used in the production of large quantities of plastic parts, such as in the automotive and consumer goods industries, or used in the stack mold.

DONGGUAN SINCERE TECH CO.LTD(SINCERE TECH) provides plastic injection mould solutions to industries of all types and sizes. For almost 20 years DST has designed, built, and worked on almost every type of mold existing in the plastic industry.

We are experienced in building custom plastic molds for a variety of hot runner mold systems, from hot runner manufacturers like:

  • Husky hot runner systems
  • Synventive hot runner systems
  • Kona hot runner systems
  • DME hot runner systems
  • Mold-Masters hot runner systems
  • INCOE hot runner systems
  • HOSCO hot runner systems

Our state-of-the-art mold building facilities include High precision CNC machines, automatic CMM measurement machine, and Two heads of EDM Machines to create many types of custom molds, including complex specialty injection molds, insert molds, unscrewing molds, overmolding, hot runner mold, cold runner mold, stack mold, gas-assisted injection molds, double injection molds (2k molding), etc. We can build molds for both cold runner systems and hot runner systems.

Hot Runner Molding: Efficient High Production

Here are some key characteristics and advantages of hot runner molds:

  1. Runner System: In a hot runner mold, the runner channels are heated, allowing the molten plastic to flow freely from the injection unit to the mold cavities without solidifying. This eliminates the need for a separate runner system, which is typically discarded or recycled in cold runner systems.
  2. Material Efficiency: Hot runner molds are more material-efficient because there is no waste generated from runners. This can result in cost savings for materials, especially for high-volume production.
  3. Reduced Cycle Time: Hot runner molds often have shorter cycle times compared to cold runner molds because there is no need for the plastic to cool and solidify in the runner channels.
  4. Improved Part Quality: Hot runner systems can help produce high-quality plastic parts with minimal defects, such as weld lines, since the plastic enters the cavities in a fully molten state.
  5. Complex Geometries: Hot runner molds are well-suited for parts with complex and intricate geometries, as they allow precise control over the flow of molten plastic to different areas of the mold.
  6. Material Compatibility: Hot runner systems are compatible with a wide range of plastic materials, including heat-sensitive polymers that may not be suitable for cold runner molds.
  7. Temperature Control: Hot runner systems require more sophisticated temperature control systems to maintain the desired temperature in the runner channels and nozzles, which can add complexity and cost to the mold design.
  8. Maintenance: Maintenance of hot runner systems can be more complex than that of cold runners due to the presence of heated components.

Hot runner molds are commonly used in industries where high precision, minimal material waste, and fast production are critical, such as automotive, medical, and consumer goods manufacturing. The choice between hot runner and cold runner molds depends on the specific requirements of the molding project, production volume, part complexity, and material selection.

Choosing the system to employ depends on the requirements of the part to be produced. A few of the considerations include:

Hot runner mold structure

Hot runner mold structure

  • Type of material to use – virgin or “regrind”
  • Colour changes during the production run
  • Single or multiple design production
  • Part complexity
  • Colour requirements
  • Physical characteristics of the material

The primary difference between the two systems is that the hot runner eliminates the excess material retained in the feed channels of a cold runner mold. This feature reduces the number of production steps required and saves in material and energy costs.

Furthermore, mostly hot runners use 100% virgin resins; no reprocessed or “re-grind” material is added. This is an important feature for specific applications where regrinding can cause the material to yellow, or detracts from the material properties, such as clarity in light pipe or lens production, where long-lasting transparency is a specific requirement.

Hot runner molding systems normally inject melted material directly into the individual mold cavity. Hot runner is almost always used for large volume production of thermoplastic injection molded parts, or multiple part production using multi-cavity molds and stack-molding technology.

Hot runner molds are two plate molds with a heated runner system inside one half of the mold. A hot runner system is divided into two parts:

  • The manifold has channels that convey the plastic on a single plane, parallel to the parting line, to a point above the cavity
  • The drops, situated perpendicular to the manifold, convey the plastic from the manifold to the part

Hot-Runner Systems: The advantages and disadvantages

Primary advantages of hot runner systems include:

  • Shorter, faster cycle times – most of them have no runners to cool
  • Smaller machines – reduced shot volume into runners
  • Automated processing – runners do not need to be separated from the parts
  • Gates at the best position for economical design
  • Elimination of runners means
  • Materials cost savings – no runner to regrind or reprocess
  • Least expensive cost/piece
  • Reduction of energy costs
  • No runners to remove or regrind
  • Reduces the possibility of contamination
  • Lower injection pressures
  • Lower clamping pressure
  • Consistent heat within the cavity
  • Shorter cooling time
  • Shot size reduced
  • Cleaner molding process
  • Eliminates nozzle freeze

Disadvantages to hot runner mold systems that need to be considered:

  • Hot runner molds are more complex and expensive to build than cold runner molds
  • Higher initial start-up costs than for cold runner systems
  • Complex initial setup prior to running the mold
  • Higher maintenance costs – more susceptible to:
    • Breakdowns
    • Leakage
    • Heating element failure
    • Wear caused by filled materials
  • Risk of thermal damage to sensitive materials
  • Elaborate temperature control required
  • The colors change is more complex than the cold runner, sometime you will spend lots of time and cost to clean up the hot runner systems, especially for transparency and white color parts.

Hot Runner Molds: Applications & Possibilities

Hot-runner systems are almost always used when large runs have to be manufactured in highly automated production. Additionally, technological advances enable us to build molds with gates positioned to yield the best quality molded parts.

Hot runner molds are sometimes connected to needle valve nozzles, which are activated with precise computer-controlled timing. This allows for a number of advanced processes, including:

  • In-Mold Decoration – lamination with a colored film coating
  • Multi-Cavity Molds – cavities with different geometries and/or volumes
    • Parts that belong together produced in one mold
    • Injection valve opening and closing can be adjusted to the conditions of each individual cavity
    • Injection pressure and holding pressure may be adjusted  independently of each other
  • Controlled Volume Balancing – a weld line can be shifted into a non-critical area of the molded part
  • Stack Molding – two or more mold bases in production simultaneously creating multiple parting lines

Partner with Sincere Tech Mould suppliers for your custom injection molding needs, and benefit from our comprehensive capabilities, unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, and our drive to exceed your expectations at every step of the process. Together, let’s bring your innovative ideas to life.

plastic injection mold

Looking for plastic injection molding service?

Contact us to get quote, we are A Custom injection mold maker in China that offers plastic injection molding services.

The excellent quality of our plastic molds and molded parts, coupled with our experience and the performance of our services give us today a high international recognition.  Indeed, the company is specialized in International Business and has customers all over the world. SINCERE TECH has very high standards of quality control and always runs long tests to make sure that our Plastic Injection Molding Service reaches all the expectations of our customers. We believe that the quality of a company and its products are seen through time and this is why we like to build strong long-term partnerships with our customer

What is plastic injection molding process?

Plastic injection molding is a manufacturing process in which melted plastic is injected into a mold and then cooled to form a solid part. The mold is created from a metal or plastic tool (1.2344, H13, NDK80, etc.) and is typically made in two halves that are clamped together. The plastic material is heated in a barrel and then forced into the mold under high pressure where it cools and solidifies into the desired shape. This process is used to produce large quantities of identical parts with high precision and repeatability.

When do you need plastic injection molding service?

You may need plastic injection molding service when you require mass production of plastic parts with consistent quality and high precision. This process is ideal for producing large quantities of the same part, as the mold can be used multiple times to produce identical pieces. Additionally, plastic injection molding is well-suited for producing complex and intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other manufacturing methods. This process is often used in various industries such as automotive, consumer goods, medical devices, and electronics.

plastic injection molding service

plastic molding services

Benefits of plastic injection molding service

The benefits of plastic injection molding service include:

  1. High volume production: Plastic injection molding is ideal for high volume production of identical parts, as the mold can be used multiple times.
  2. Consistent quality: The process is highly repeatable, which leads to consistent quality of parts produced.
  3. Complex shapes: Plastic injection molding can produce complex and intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other manufacturing methods.
  4. Material flexibility: A wide variety of plastic materials can be used in the injection molding process, including thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers.
  5. Cost-effective: The process is efficient and cost-effective for producing large quantities of parts, as the cost of the mold can be spread over many parts.
  6. Precision: The process can produce parts with high dimensional accuracy and minimal tolerance variation.
  7. Automation: Plastic injection molding machines can be automated for increased productivity and reduced labor costs.

Plastic injection molding is a versatile and reliable manufacturing process that can provide significant benefits for producing large quantities of complex and high-precision plastic parts.

Plastic Injection Molding Service in China


We are the manufacturer of our own moulds (toolmaker or plastic injection tooling) and support the production of Injection molded parts allowing reducing your numbers of suppliers. Our injection machines have clamping forces going from 60 to 1050 Tons (2000 Tons outside). Plastic injection molding is the process of producing parts from thermosetting and thermoplastic materials.

Our qualified teams of Designers, Quality controllers and our Research and Development Department allow us to complete our policy: achieving Customer Satisfaction through Improvement and Innovation. The quality of our products and organization permits us to obtain quality certifications (ISO 9001, ) and be awarded numerous times of “Quality Supplier” from different customers. We integrate constantly new resources into our process in order to anticipate any future need of the plastic injection molds market and we became one of the most innovative companies in the sector. The modernity and the organization of our facilities allow us to adapt very quickly to the customer’s needs.

SINCERE TECH has always the objective to stay one of the innovative leaders of the sector and play an important role in our customer’s development. The firm can now propose a total solution from mould design to the semi-finished product (All in-house). SINCERE TECH is always willing to integrate new processes to the solution proposed by staying aware of new technologies. If a customer has a special requirement, we will do everything to fulfill its needs.

Plastic Materials /Commodities

We are used to working with all the classic and less classic plastic materials except PVC (PP, PE, PC, ABS, PC+ABS, PA 6, PA 6.6, PBT, PMMA, TPU, PC+GF, AS, PTFE, POM, PEHD, PEEK…). Our main suppliers are Sabic, Bayer, and Chimei.
About the steel used for our moulds, for export plastic molds we work only with the best steel suppliers like Assab (Sweden), Buderus (Germany), Daido Steel (Japan) LKM( the biggest one in China). For our standard component suppliers, we work with Hasco and DME.

We are used to working with our suppliers the same way we work with our customers. It means good long-term relationships with high-quality policy.

Complex moulds: SINCERE TECH has a rich experience in difficult plastic mould and parts, complex moulds and is an expert in finding solutions to your issues. SINCERE TECH is a real specialist in difficult tooling. To give a classic example: many design companies create plastic products without thinking about mould construction. Then, when the designs are sent to toolmakers, it can be hard for them to make the exact parts (Difficult design, many sliders, many lifters, double injection with materials non-bonding well together, many details in awkward places…).

Most of the classic toolmakers will accept the parts and say that they are able to do it. And then, they will have problems with the plastic injection mould construction, the lead time will be extended and the quality of the tool will not be as expected. Often, these companies have to contact SINCERE TECH to help them to resolve their problems. If you are not sure about the complexity of your part, be sure about your mould maker’s professionalism. SINCERE TECH works closely with its customers in order to resolve any issues.Plastic Injection Molding Service

Thin Wall injection molding: it permits a precise, very accurate molding of plastics and gives better details to the product. This is the name referring to products with a wall thickness lower than 2mm. Usually, the flow is quick, permits a short cycle time and a cost-saving.

Hot runner mold: the special process of injection of plastics where the plastic is kept hot when going through cavities of the mould while the rest of the mould is getting cold to solidify the plastic part and create the molded part: this permits to save plastic material. This is mainly used for parts with medium or large sizes. We are used to working with all popular companies like Yudo, INCOE, Synventive, Husky, HRS… We also have the technology to make our own hot runner systems if the production of the parts (Molding) is made in-house. This again allows our customers to save costs.

Optical Lens Molding: precision molding for glass plastic. This is the technique to produce transparent plastic molded parts (For example Security cameras parts such as the dome cover or also phone frames).

Gas-assist Injection Molding: the plastic parts are gas-assisted molded which means that gas (Most often is nitrogen) is injected at the final stage of the part creation process. It permits to reduce the cycle time, the product weight, the risk of deformation and also the pressure tons injection needed. Moreover, it makes the part’s structure stronger with a better look.

LED/LCD frame molding: injection of plastics used for example to manufacture television screen monitors, computer back-light modules, GPS frames…

IMD, IMF, IML, IMR Molding: In-mold decoration. The decoration of the part is made inside the mould through a film. The film is printed before the molding with the designs wanted. It permits better productivity and extends the decoration’s lifetime. If the customer wants to change the design/decoration of the part, it is not necessary to make another mould but only to change the film. SINCERE TECH is experienced with In-mould forming, in-mold-labeling, and in-mold by roller.

Overmolding: this technique permits to join several components together with a thermoplastic material. This reduces assembly and labor costs. Because the parts are made together, this allows less risk of improper termination or misalignment and increases the design flexibility. Moreover, thermoplastic provides better resistance to vibration or shocks. This technique permits to increase resistance, reduce costs and weights.

Insert Molding: this is a technique where a small part (Stamping part, optical part…) is added or inserted to the Injection molded part.two shot molding

Two-Shot Molding: 2 independent injection units using 2 different materials and/or colors. The first material is injected; then, the mould rotates and the second material is injected to make 1 part. It permits a 2-colour-molding or also called double injection, 2 shot molding, two-shot injection, overmolding, 2K injection, two colour injection, bi-injection, dual shot molding or multi-component molding.

CNC Technology. CNC is an abbreviation for Computer Numerical Control. This is a machine extremely accurately controlled by computer programs permitting a CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing) through a CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Any plastic injection tool manufacturer uses it but the value-added of SINCERE TECH is the experience, professionalism, and training of the staff.

FMMS Molding or can be called RHCM (Rapid Heat Cycle Molding): excellence surface appearance: permits to take off the welding line. This process is integrated into the molding to save time. It is used for example for clear plastic parts.

US Welding: Ultrasonic Welding: process to weld/ join/ assemble plastic parts thanks to ultra-sounds.

Silk-Screen Printing:  this is to print logos or designs on parts.

Dip-Coating: this is the process of putting the component inside a liquid solution to apply a thin film on it. It permits to manage, change the hardness, the strength of the part by protecting it and expanding the lifetime of the product. Then, the excess liquid has to be drained and evaporation of the solvent is done to create the thin layer.

Laser Etching: this process is made for cutting a shape, a pattern, an image on the plastic part. It is also called laser graving.

Sputtering coating: this is the process of creating a very thin layer of conducting material on the component. It is also called Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and can be done with most metals like aluminum, stainless steel, copper…

EMI shielding: protect parts from electromagnetic interferences. It is used to protect electrical signals from the outside world. For instance, we use it with marine radars for Garmin.

Waterproof technology: SINCERE TECH has the experience to make water-resistant parts and is able to ensure in-house tests thanks to the IP68 tests.

Sub-assembly: this is the pre-assembly of a component who will be later on being assembled in a larger product.

R&D: SINCERE TECH has its own Research and Development department in order to work with the customers on their projects, advise them on designs, resolve issues and study the feasibility of those.

Quality Control: We have very high standards of quality control in order to respect any requirements from our customers. We have a 100% quality control on our plastic molded parts, it means we control any part coming out of our production.

At Sincere Tech China mold maker, our unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of the plastic mold industry drives us to embrace advancements and anticipate future trends. We continuously explore innovative materials and composites that offer enhanced performance and promote sustainability. By investing in ongoing research and development, we consistently deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our valued customers. As a trusted injection mold supplier in China, we take pride in our unwavering dedication to excellence.

Aligned with our sustainability goals, we place a high priority on environmentally friendly practices. We actively seek out sustainable alternatives, such as biodegradable polymers, and implement recycling initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of our manufacturing processes. By choosing our custom injection molding services, you can align your brand with sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to a greener future.

Ensuring quality is our topmost priority, and we maintain rigorous quality control measures throughout the entire manufacturing process. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by skilled technicians, we subject each product to thorough inspection and testing. This guarantees exceptional performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

When you choose Sincere Tech as plastic injection molding service partner in China, you can expect the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and innovation. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you bring your ideas to life, delivering superior products that excel in performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Partner with Sincere Tech Mould suppliers for your custom plastic injection molding service, and benefit from our comprehensive capabilities, unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, and our drive to exceed your expectations at every step of the process. Together, let’s bring your innovative ideas to life.