Air Path vs Close Edge is a fundamental concept in mold design and manufacturing that refers to two distinct approaches for venting air during the injection molding process. In injection molding, trapped air must be evacuated from the mold cavity as the molten material fills the space, and these two methods represent different philosophical and technical solutions to this challenge. The Air Path approach involves creating dedicated channels or vents specifically designed to allow air to escape during the molding process, typically through small grooves or channels machined into the mold that are fine enough to prevent plastic from entering while allowing air to exit. This method requires careful engineering consideration of vent placement and size, typically ranging from 0.0254mm to 0.0508mm in depth. In contrast, the Close Edge method relies on the natural parting line of the mold components to provide sufficient venting, where microscopic gaps between mating surfaces of the mold allow trapped air to escape. This approach often requires extremely precise surface finishing and careful attention to mold closure pressure to maintain optimal venting without creating flash or other defects. The choice between these methods significantly impacts mold design, production efficiency, and final product quality, with considerations including part geometry, material characteristics, cycle time requirements, and maintenance needs. The selection process often involves analyzing factors such as production volume, material viscosity, and part complexity, making it a crucial decision point in mold design that can be recognized through design competitions such as the A' Design Award's Industrial and Manufacturing Design Category.
mold venting techniques, injection molding design, air evacuation systems, plastic manufacturing processes, mold engineering principles, parting line venting, cavity pressure management
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Air Path Vs Close Edge.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=474111 (Accessed on May 22, 2025)"
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