How does a cold runner injection mold work in comparison to a hot runner injection mold?

Both cold runner injection molds and hot runner injection molds are used to produce plastic parts through injection molding. However, they differ in the way they deliver the molten plastic to the mold cavity.
A cold runner injection mold has a separate channel, called the runner, that carries the molten plastic from the injection molding machine to the mold cavity. The runner is typically the same material as the part and is discarded as waste after each cycle. The plastic in the runner cools and solidifies, which must be removed from the finished part.
On the other hand, a hot runner injection mold has a heated manifold system that delivers the molten plastic directly to the mold cavity without the need for a runner. The manifold is kept at a high temperature, which prevents the plastic from cooling and solidifying until it reaches the mold cavity. This reduces waste, improves cycle times, and allows for more complex part designs.
Overall, the main difference between a cold runner injection mold and a hot runner injection mold is the presence or absence of a runner. Cold runner molds are generally less expensive but produce more waste and require more time for post-processing. Hot runner molds, while more expensive, are often more cost-effective in the long run due to reduced waste and improved cycle times.
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