Removing excess resin from the manifold plate

Excess resin can weep out of the valve stem area into the manifold plate during production. This can inhibit valve stem performance, create manifold thermal control issues, and damage electrical wiring.

CAUTION:

Mechanical hazard – risk of damage to the hot runner. Weepage must be cleaned before it completely fills the back side of the manifold pocket or covers any electrical wiring.

Important:

Do not extend the cleaning interval beyond the interval recommended in the maintenance schedule. If the rate of weepage increases significantly, valve stem and manifold bushings should be inspected for wear and replaced, if needed.

The manifold plate should be cleaned at the interval specified in the maintenance schedule. However, based on observations made during an inspection, an earlier interval may be required.

To remove resin from the manifold plate, do the following:

  1. Remove the hot runner from the machine. Refer to Removing the Hot Runner for more information.
  2. Remove the backing plate. Refer to Removing and Installing the Backing Plate for more information.
  3. If equipped, remove the center plate. Refer to Removing the Center Plate (If Equipped) for more information.
  4. Remove the valve stem assemblies. Refer to Removing and Installing Valve Stems for more information.
  5. Remove the backup pads or cylinders from the manifold. Refer to Removing and Installing VG-LX and EX Backup Pads for information about removing backup pads or Removing and Installing VG-SX Cylinders for information about removing cylinders.
    Warning:

    Burn, fire and gas hazard – risk of death or serious injury, and property damage. Use of an open flame to remove resin can produce harmful gases (depending on the resin type), damage components and increase the risk of fire. Only use open flames sparingly and in a controlled environment.

    Warning:

    Burn hazard – risk of serious injury. To avoid serious burns, wear personal protective equipment consisting of a heat-resistant coat, heat-resistant gloves, and a full face shield over safety glasses. Use adequate ventilation for fumes.

    CAUTION:

    Mechanical hazard – risk of damage to the hot runner. Only use a soft brass or hardwood chisel to remove resin from the hot runner.

  6. Remove the resin deposits or dust from the outside of the backup pads and manifold pocket area. If required, carefully heat the resin deposits with a propane torch and then wipe the deposits away with a clean, soft cloth. This may have to be repeated several times.
  7. If required, use a brass rod to clean the inside of the backup pads. Do not scratch or score the backup pad surface.
  8. Remove the resin deposits or dust from the sealing insert on the backup pad.
  9. Check all manifold and nozzle heater wiring using an ohmmeter. Refer to the electrical schematic for specific wire and heater resistances.
  10. Install the backup pads or cylinders on the manifold.

    • For information about installing backup pads, refer to Removing and Installing VG-LX and EX Backup Pads

    • For information about installing cylinders, refer to Removing and Installing VG-SX Cylinders

  11. If equipped, install the center plate. Refer to Installing the Center Plate (If Equipped) for more information.
  12. Install the backing plate. Refer to Removing and Installing the Backing Plate for more information.
  13. Install the hot runner into the machine. Refer to Removing and Installing the Hot Runner for more information.
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