PVC Collapsible Pipe Injection Mould: Design and Functionality PVC collapsible pipes are widely used in applications requiring flexible, lightweight, and space-saving fluid transport solutions, such as gardening, irrigation, and industrial drainage. The injection mould for manufacturing these pipes must meet precise design and performance criteria to ensure durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Key Features of the Mould 1. Material Selection The mould is typically made from high-grade tool steel or hardened alloys to withstand high-pressure injection cycles and resist wear over prolonged use. The material must also ensure smooth surface finishes to prevent defects in the final product. 2. Core and Cavity Design The collapsible pipe’s unique ribbed or corrugated structure requires a complex core and cavity design. The mould incorporates movable slides or collapsible cores to form the pipe’s helical grooves, allowing easy demoulding without damaging the product. 3. Cooling System Efficient cooling channels are integrated into the mould to maintain uniform temperature distribution, reducing cycle times and preventing warping or shrinkage in the PVC pipe. 4. Ejection Mechanism A reliable ejection system, such as pneumatic or hydraulic ejectors, ensures smooth removal of the formed pipe from the mould. The mechanism must operate precisely to avoid deformation of the collapsible structure. Production Process - Injection Moulding: Molten PVC is injected into the mould under high pressure, filling the cavity to form the pipe’s shape. - Cooling Phase: The mould’s cooling system solidifies the PVC while maintaining structural integrity. - Demoulding: The collapsible core retracts, and ejector pins release the finished pipe. Quality Considerations - Precision Tolerances: The mould must maintain tight tolerances to ensure consistent wall thickness and rib alignment. - Surface Finish: A polished mould surface prevents sticking and improves the pipe’s smoothness. - Durability: Regular maintenance and corrosion-resistant coatings extend the mould’s lifespan. Applications The mould produces pipes used in: - Agriculture: Drip irrigation and water transfer. - Construction: Temporary drainage systems. - Household: Expandable hoses and portable water lines. Conclusion A well-designed PVC collapsible pipe injection mould ensures high production efficiency, product consistency, and long-term reliability. By optimizing material selection, cooling, and ejection mechanisms, manufacturers can achieve cost-effective, high-quality pipe production for diverse industrial and consumer applications.