Oil vs. Water Mold Temperature Controller Machine for Rubber Injection Molding

Hengde Company, a renowned enterprise in the industrial temperature control field, has been committed to the research, development, and production of high performance mold temperature controller equipment. Our products, including both water mold temperature controller machines and oil mold temperature controller machines, have been widely used in various plastic and rubber processing industries, providing reliable temperature control solutions for our customers. When it comes to the rubber injection molding process, the choice between an oil mold temperature controller machine and a water mold temperature controller machine is a common concern. In fact, both oil mold temperature controller machines and water mold temperature controller machines belong to the category of mold temperature machines, and the fundamental difference between them lies in the heat transfer media they use. Water mold temperature controller machines use water, while oil mold temperature controller machines use heat conducting oil. In the rubber injection molding process, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which equipment to use mainly depends on specific production requirements and conditions.

1.Operating Temperature

Oil mold temperature controller machine: Oil mold temperature controller machines can provide a much higher operating temperature, usually reaching 300℃, 350℃ or even higher. For some rubber materials that require high temperature injection molding, such as certain special type rubbers, oil mold temperature controller machines can meet their processing temperature requirements. This ensures that the rubber materials are fully melted, achieving good fluidity, which is convenient for filling the mold cavity and thus obtaining high quality rubber products.

Water mold temperature controller machine: The operating temperature of water mold temperature controller machines is generally below 180℃. If the temperature required for the rubber injection molding process is within this range, water mold temperature controller machines can be applied. For the injection molding of ordinary rubber materials, water mold temperature controller machines can provide stable temperature control to ensure product quality.

For example, a customer's PP material has a molding temperature range of 160℃ - 220℃, and the mold temperature needs to be kept constant within this range during the molding process.Since the heating range exceeds 180℃, a water mold temperature controller machine is unsuitable. An oil mold temperature controller machine is recommended.

2.Heat Transfer Efficiency

Oil mold temperature controller Machine: The specific heat capacity of oil is relatively smaller than that of water. However, at high temperatures, the heat transfer performance of oil is stable, and it will not generate a large amount of steam like water at high temperatures, which could lead to pressure problems. In injection molding processes that require rapid heating or cooling, oil mold temperature controller machines can transfer heat to the mold more quickly, improving production efficiency.

Water mold temperature controller machine: Water has a large specific heat capacity. Under the same temperature change, it can absorb or release more heat. In injection molding processes with a small temperature variation range, water mold temperature controller machines can utilize this characteristic to control the mold temperature more stably, with relatively small temperature fluctuations.

3.Safety

Oil mold temperature controller machine: Oil is a flammable substance. When using an oil mold temperature controller machine, fire prevention measures need to be taken. Open flames should be avoided around the equipment, and corresponding fire extinguishing equipment should be equipped. At the same time, the sealing requirements of oil mold temperature controller machines are relatively high to prevent oil leakage from triggering safety accidents.

Water mold temperature controller machine: Water is non flammable. Compared with oil - temperature machines, water mold temperature controller machines are safer. In some production environments with strict fire prevention requirements, water mold temperature controller machines are a more suitable choice.

4.Cost

Oil mold temperature controller machine: The price of oil is relatively high, and it needs to be replaced after a period of use, increasing the operating cost. In addition, the maintenance cost of oil temperature machines is also relatively high. The heating system, circulation system, and other components need to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

Water mold temperature controller machine: Water is low cost and easily accessible. The maintenance of water mold temperature controller machines is relatively simple, mainly inspecting and maintaining components such as pipelines and water pumps, and the operating cost is low.

In summary, if the rubber injection molding process requires high temperatures, has requirements for heating speed, and can meet the safe use conditions of oil temperature machines, then an oil mold temperature controller machine may be more suitable. Because heat conducting oil is used as the heat transfer medium, it has excellent thermal stability, and the temperature control range is from room temperature to 400℃, which can meet the heating needs of various high temperature materials. If the molding temperature is within the operating temperature range of a water mold temperature controller machine, and there are strict cost  control requirements while pursuing high safety, a water mold temperature controller machine is a better choice. Because the temperature control range of a water mold temperature controller machine is from room temperature to 180℃, and it uses clean water resources as the heat transfer medium, which is clean, environmentally friendly, and pollution free. Coupled with the excellent heat conduction performance of water, it can heat the mold very quickly. Equipped with a PID ± 1℃ intelligent temperature controller, it can fully meet the requirements of the injection molding process.

In actual injection molding process production, since the heat required temperature of most injection molding materials is below 180℃, many manufacturers choose to use water mold temperature controller machines as auxiliary temperature control equipment for the injection molding process, and relatively fewer use oil mold temperature controller machines. Overall, whether to choose an oil mold temperature controller machine or a water mold temperature controller machine should be compared according to the actual situation. Hengde Company always provides professional advice and high quality products to help customers make the most suitable choice for their production processes.

Choose Hengde, Choose Perfect Mold Temperature Controller!