Collapsible Pipe Injection Mould: Design and Functionality A collapsible pipe injection mould is a specialized tool used in plastic injection molding to produce flexible, collapsible pipes or tubes. These pipes are commonly used in applications requiring compact storage, easy transport, or dynamic movement, such as in medical devices, automotive systems, or portable fluid transfer solutions. The mould must be precisely engineered to ensure consistent product quality, durability, and efficient production. Key Design Features 1. Core and Cavity Design The mould consists of a core (male part) and cavity (female part) that define the pipe’s shape. The core typically includes a collapsible mechanism, such as a retractable or segmented design, allowing the pipe to fold or expand. The cavity forms the outer surface, ensuring smooth walls and precise dimensions. 2. Collapsible Mechanism To create a pipe that can compress or expand, the mould may incorporate sliding cores, hydraulic/pneumatic actuators, or collapsing inserts. These components move during or after molding to form the pipe’s flexible structure, such as bellows or accordion-style folds. 3. Cooling System Efficient cooling channels are critical to maintain uniform temperature distribution, preventing warping or shrinkage. Proper cooling ensures the pipe retains its collapsible properties without deformation. 4. Ejection System Given the pipe’s flexible nature, ejection must be carefully designed to avoid damage. Options include stripper plates, air ejection, or gentle mechanical ejectors to release the part smoothly. 5. Material Considerations The mould is typically made from hardened steel or aluminum to withstand high-pressure injection cycles. The plastic material (e.g., PP, PE, or TPE) must be selected for flexibility, durability, and resistance to repeated folding. Manufacturing Process The injection moulding process involves melting plastic pellets and injecting them into the mould under high pressure. After cooling, the mould opens, and the collapsible pipe is ejected. Post-processing (e.g., trimming or annealing) may be required to enhance flexibility. Applications Collapsible pipes are used in: - Medical tubing (e.g., IV lines, ventilators) - Automotive hoses (e.g., coolant or air ducts) - Consumer products (e.g., foldable water carriers) Conclusion A well-designed collapsible pipe injection mould ensures high precision, repeatability, and efficiency. By integrating advanced mechanisms for flexibility, cooling, and ejection, manufacturers can produce reliable, high-performance pipes for diverse industries.