Collapsible Injection Pipe Fitting Mould: Design and Functionality A collapsible injection pipe fitting mould is a specialized tool used in the plastic injection moulding process to produce pipe fittings with collapsible or removable cores. These moulds are engineered to create complex geometries, such as threaded or grooved pipe connectors, elbows, tees, and couplings, which require internal undercuts or cavities that cannot be ejected using conventional mould designs. Key Features and Design Considerations 1. Collapsible Core Mechanism The defining feature of this mould is its collapsible core system, which allows the mould to form internal undercuts or threads in the pipe fitting. Once the plastic part cools and solidifies, the core collapses inward or disassembles, enabling easy ejection without damaging the part. This mechanism is particularly useful for threaded fittings where a rigid core would otherwise get stuck. 2. High-Precision Machining The mould must be manufactured with tight tolerances to ensure dimensional accuracy in the final product. CNC machining and EDM (electrical discharge machining) are commonly used to achieve the required precision in core and cavity components. 3. Material Selection Mould components are typically made from hardened tool steels (e.g., H13 or P20) to withstand high injection pressures and abrasive wear from reinforced plastics. The collapsible core mechanism may incorporate wear-resistant coatings to extend service life. 4. Cooling System Optimization Efficient cooling channels are integrated into the mould design to reduce cycle times and prevent warping or sink marks in the finished fittings. Conformal cooling techniques may be employed for complex geometries. 5. Ejection System In addition to the collapsible core, the mould includes ejector pins or sleeves to push the part out smoothly after mould opening. The ejection sequence must be carefully synchronized to avoid part deformation. Applications Collapsible injection pipe fitting moulds are widely used in producing plumbing, irrigation, and industrial piping systems. Common materials for the fittings include PVC, PP, ABS, and PEX, chosen for their durability and chemical resistance. Advantages - Enables production of complex internal geometries without secondary machining. - Reduces manual labor by automating core retraction and part ejection. - Improves part consistency and reduces scrap rates compared to traditional methods. Challenges - Higher initial cost due to intricate mould design. - Requires skilled maintenance to ensure collapsible mechanisms function smoothly over time. In summary, collapsible injection pipe fitting moulds are essential for manufacturing high-quality, precision plastic fittings efficiently. Their innovative core design and robust construction make them indispensable in modern plastic injection moulding.