Heating device

Abstract

A heating apparatus for locally heating an injection mold cavity wall comprises a base plate, an actuator disposed on the base plate for performing linear motion, and a heating stamp connected to and driven by the actuator for performing linear motion to and from the injection mold cavity wall, the heating stamp being disposed below the base plate and the actuator being disposed on top of the base plate, the base plate having an opening through which a pin passes to transfer the linear motion from the actuator to the heating stamp.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to European Application No. 21184211.7, filed July 7, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17 / 650107, filed February 7, 2022, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for injection molding of injection molded parts from a material suitable for injection molding, comprising at least one first mold part, preferably installed in a fixed position, at least one second mold part, preferably movable and adjustable towards and away from the first mold part, a cavity formed between the two mold parts in the shape of the injection molded part to be generated, and a heater for locally heating the walls of the mold parts in the area of ​​the cavity where defects are expected, as well as mechanisms and processes for cooling the heated wall area of ​​the cavity. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, the injection molding machine is connected to a hot runner system, which is further connected to the mold. The molten plastic is forced from the injection molding system through the hot runner system into the mold. Generally, the hot runner system, the injection molding machine, and the mold are produced by different manufacturers. These components work together in the injection molding process based on predefined interfaces.

[0004] A hot runner system typically includes one or more manifolds with one or more nozzles connected to one or more molds with or without actuators, an inlet nozzle connected to the injection molding machine, and a heating element.

[0005] Such devices for injection molding of parts made of plastic or metal are known in the prior art. It is known, especially in the case of injection molded parts to be provided with a high gloss surface, that the corresponding wall of the cavity in which the injection molded part is formed is combined with a heater. This makes it possible to heat the corresponding wall of the cavity before or during the injection molding process in order to have a corresponding influence on the melt and thus on the surface of the molded part. In order not to overly prolong the injection cycle due to the additional heating, an additional cooling can be carried out before the molded part is removed from the cavity by opening the mold, which serves to subsequently cool the heated wall of the cavity. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the prior art, it is known that weld lines form during injection of a molded part, for example by dividing the melt and joining it behind a barrier. Such an appearance of a weld line is undesirable and should be avoided.

[0007] Based on the prior art mentioned at the beginning, the present invention is based on the task of creating a type of device in which the appearance of weld seams on the molded part is at least largely avoided with little effort and without significant impairment of the injection cycle, or where local heating is required for other reasons, for example due to narrow flow paths. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve this problem, the invention proposes that a heating device comprises a heated stamp which is applied to the cavity wall of the mould part (where the defects will later become visible) for heating purposes and which is lifted from the cavity wall of the mould part for cooling purposes, so that a cooling gap is formed between the heating element and the cavity wall according to the claims.

[0009] According to the invention, a heating element is provided that is adjustable to two positions, namely, a position where the heating element rests against the cavity wall in the corresponding area and a second position where the heating element is raised from the cavity wall. This configuration achieves that the cavity wall is heated by the heating element, since the heating element is placed against the cavity wall, especially in the area of ​​the weld line formed in the molded part, for the purpose of heating the cavity wall. After a sufficient time lapse to remove the weld line (this time lapse is preferably a few seconds), the heating element is lifted from the cavity wall, thereby ensuring that no further action of the heating element on the cavity wall occurs. Thus, the cavity wall can be cooled very quickly in the area where the heating element was applied. The spacing of the heating element alone creates a cooling gap sufficient to cool the cavity wall, so that the thermal energy is dissipated very quickly and rapid cooling is the result.

[0010] It is particularly preferred that the surface of the heating element that can be applied to the cavity wall approximately corresponds to the dimensions (length and width) of the weld line or another area of ​​the injection molded part that is to be partially heated in the cavity. This surface preferably has a rectangular shape. However, other shapes are also possible.

[0011] This design ensures that only small heating element dimensions are required, which is cost-effective and advantageous in terms of the applied heating element power.Since the cavity walls are additionally heated only in the area of ​​the weld seam or, for example, in the area of ​​the narrow flow paths, it is also possible to achieve a simple and very fast cooling of this area after lifting off the heating element, which is advantageous for the injection cycle.

[0012] In order to keep low the mass of the mold parts that are heated by the heating element to eliminate the weld seam, for example, it is preferable that the wall thickness of the cavity wall in the area of ​​the mold parts is only a few millimeters.

[0013] Due to the timed or linear heating by the heating elements associated with the small wall thickness, on the one hand rapid heating in the desired area of ​​the cavity wall is achieved and on the other hand rapid cooling of this area is promoted.

[0014] Preferably, the heating device for locally heating the injection mold cavity wall comprises a base plate. The base plate is preferably a square or rectangular metal block that is connected to it and is a stable base for all components placed on it. The base plate can include holes and connectors for cooling fluids or fluids that drive components such as actuators. It is also possible to use an area of ​​the manifold of the hot runner system, which would not need to deliver the fluid plastic to the injection nozzle, as a base plate for the heating device. In this regard, the manifold of the hot runner system does not need a flow passage in turn, but needs to be able to fit into the heating device similar to the base plate. In this embodiment, the base plate is integrated into the hot runner system or manifold.

[0015] The actuator is preferably placed on top of the base plate or hot runner to perform the linear motion. Other mounting positions are possible. This linear motion is preferably directed towards the base plate and displaces a heated stamp, which is preferably placed below the base plate. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate has holes through which the linear motion is transferred to the area below the base plate. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator is screwed directly into the base plate. To protect the actuator from heat, the base plate can be cooled by liquid circulation through the holes in the base plate. The cooling holes can be connected to a cooling pump to protect the actuator from heat.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the base plate can be an integral part of the actuator housing. However, the base plate should be strong enough to carry the heading device and to establish a link to the hot runner system by connection of the holding means, and in particular to the manifold or cable channels that hold and route the cables to operate the manifold. The heating device and hot runner system are rigidly connected, and the heating device can be installed and removed with the hot runner system from the mold cavity because it is held by the hot runner system.

[0017] Also, in possible embodiments, supplies of energy, fluids, etc. to drive the heating devices may be shared and / or the same connectors or connector plates may be used.

[0018] The invention further comprises a heating stamp connected to and driven by an actuator for linear movement towards and away from the injection mould cavity wall. The heating stamp is preferably a metal cylinder surrounded or penetrated by a heating wire to heat the heating stamp. In an alternative embodiment, the heating stamp is surrounded by a heater sleeve which can rotate around the heating stamp or on a shank on which the heating stamp moves up and down. At the lower end, the metal cylinder has a tip which can have different shapes depending on the surface to be heated.

[0019] The heated stamp is located below the base plate or hot runner and the actuator is located on top of the base plate or hot runner. To drive the heated stamp, the base plate or hot runner has openings through which pins pass to transfer linear motion from the actuator to the heated stamp.

[0020] The pins are preferably made from a material that has low thermal conductivity, such as certain titanium or stainless steel, although other metal alloys are possible. Ceramics are also possible pin materials.

[0021] In a possible embodiment, the heating device includes an adjustment means for adjusting the position of the heating device relative to the mold cavity or relative to the hot runner system.

[0022] In one embodiment, the adjustment means is one or more locking pins connected to the base plate that extend below the base plate toward the heated stamp to maintain its position relative to the injection mold cavity wall after assembly into the mold.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the actuator has a central hole in which the pin is located. The central hole extends over the entire housing of the actuator with openings on both sides. This allows the pin to be replaced from both sides of the actuator. The moving element in the actuator that moves the pin linearly also has a hole in which the pin is fixed. Fixing of the pin is preferably done by a position nut. The position nut preferably surrounds the head of the pin and holds it in a tapered area below the head. When the pin is introduced into the actuator, the position nut already surrounds the head of the pin. The nut allows fine adjustment of the heated stamp with respect to its contact pressure on the injection mould cavity. It can also be easily adjusted at a later stage.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the position nut is disposed in a threaded hole in the actuator, the threaded hole being disposed in a moving element of the actuator.

[0025] In a further embodiment, a locking nut is placed in a threaded hole in the actuator against the position nut to prevent rotation of the position nut.

[0026] In a possible embodiment, a hollow screw can be added after the locking nut is threaded into the threaded hole in the actuator. This screw can hold a switch cam to actuate a position switch / sensor. Because the screw is hollow, a locking tool can access the position nut and the locking nut.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the threaded holes in the actuator extend to and are accessible from the top surface of the actuator, allowing access to the position nuts and / or locking nuts. Access to the threaded holes may also be covered with a lid.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the pin has a pin head that is at least partially surrounded by a location nut that retains the pin. A narrower neck (tapered portion) is located between the pin head and the pin body, where a portion of the location nut extends to retain the pin. The location nut surrounds the head and reaches into the neck at its lower portion to retain the pin head.

[0029] In a possible embodiment, the heating device comprises a position switch providing information about the position of the heating stamp.

[0030] In a possible embodiment, the position switch is located in or on the actuator, preferably near the top surface of the actuator. In a possible embodiment, the position switch is located on the top of the actuator in at least one position in contact with a linear motion component of the actuator. The linear motion component (such as a stamp) moves the cam linearly to activate a switch indicating the position of the heated stamp. Optical or magnetic position sensors are also possible, detecting the pattern or changes in the pattern. Detection can also be located in other moving areas. The aim is to detect whether the heated stamp is in contact with the cavity or not.

[0031] To secure the heat stamp to the pin, a screw can be used that passes laterally through the heat stamp. To clamp the heat stamp to the pin, the screw secures a pin that extends into a hole in the heat stamp. In an alternative embodiment, the heat stamp is screwed onto the pin. In this embodiment, the heat stamp has a threaded hole along its axis into which the pin is screwed and has a screw thread. In an alternative embodiment, a locking ring or split pin is possible to hold the pin to the stamp.

[0032] In a possible embodiment of the invention, anti-rotation means are used to prevent the heated stamp from rotating relative to the base plate. Preferably, the anti-rotation means is one or more of the following: a flat surface in contact with another flat surface, any other surface geometry that also ensures that anti-rotation is possible, and a groove in which a projection or rail is guided. In a possible embodiment, parts of the pin are flat and in contact with parts of the base plate that are also flat and abut against each other, so that rotation of the pin is avoided.

[0033] According to a possible embodiment, the invention comprises a holding means enabling the heating device to be held by the hot runner system. Preferably, the holding means is fixed or attached to the base plate.

[0034] The retention means includes one or more holes and screws and / or a retention bracket that establishes a connection to the manifold of the hot runner system, to a cable channel, or to another component that is attached to the hot runner system and allows for a firm and stable connection. The retention means allows the heating device to be installed and removed with the hot runner system. The retention means can also be a structural part of the hot runner system and be incorporated into the manifold.

[0035] Also, the electrical connection of the hot runner system can be shared to drive the heating device and / or its controller. The heating device can have an independent controller or can be driven by the hot runner system and / or injection molding system controller. In a possible embodiment, the actuator of the heating device can be driven based on some sensor information of the hot runner system or the injection molding machine. It is usually driven by a timer that is started by the injection machine.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the temperature sensor is mounted on a heating device or on a stationary part of the hot runner system to measure the heat of the injection mold cavity wall in the vicinity where the heating stamp can contact the injection mold cavity wall. The vicinity is preferably defined by a distance of a few millimeters or centimeters from the tip of the heating stamp. Since the sensor does not move with the heating stamp, the sensor can always measure the temperature in the area of ​​the injection mold cavity wall that should be heated by the heating stamp. The sensor is automatically placed in the cavity by mounting the hot runner system into the mold so that the temperature sensor does not move after the mold is assembled. Furthermore, the sensor can be pressed against the mold cavity wall by pretensioning it with a spring.

[0037] In a possible embodiment, the temperature sensor is connected to the base plate or to an element connected to the base plate or to the hot runner manifold and extends, for example, inside the sleeve in the direction of the injection mold cavity wall to measure the temperature of the injection mold cavity wall in the vicinity where the heating stamp can contact the injection mold cavity. In another embodiment, the sleeve extends parallel to the direction of movement through the hole in the heating stamp in order to measure the temperature at a point as close as possible to the contact point of the tip of the heating stamp. Generally, the heating stamp tapers towards the tip, so that the sensor coming from above has to be guided around the heating stamp. It is also possible that the sensor is guided from above around the heating stamp and extends vertically to the vicinity of the contact point of the tip of the heating stamp.

[0038] In a possible embodiment, the heating part of the heating stamp can rotate around the heating stamp core, which allows for better feeding of the cable.

[0039] The heater for the heat stamp can be integrated into the heat stamp or can be designed as a separate heater around the heat stamp or a shank within which the heat stamp moves up and down. In this way, the entire heater including the leads can be rotated. This makes it easier to place the cable in the area where it belongs.

[0040] In possible embodiments, the actuators are electrically driven or fluid driven (pneumatic or hydraulic).

[0041] In a further embodiment, the invention comprises a hot runner system including a retention means for physically retaining a heating device that is an integral part of the hot runner system such that the heating device can be installed and removed by installing and removing the hot runner system or the majority of its weight is carried by the hot runner system.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the hot runner system comprises a holding means for physically holding a heating device for locally heating the injection mold cavity, where the holding means is configured such that the main or total weight of the heating device is carried by the hot runner system or the heating device can be installed and removed together with the hot runner system. In particular, the heating device does not require additional fixing means, since the fixing points of the hot runner system are also used to carry and fix the heating device. The heating device comprises an actuator for performing a linear movement, and a heated stamp connected to and driven by the actuator for performing a linear movement in a direction to and from the injection mold cavity, where the heating device is driven by the same medium or energy as that supplied to the hot runner system. Preferably, the medium is a fluid, a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid, and / or electricity.

[0043] In a possible embodiment, the heating devices can share the same sensor cables and / or cable channels and / or adapter plates and / or connector plates where the connectors are secured in the hot runner system. The connectors of the hot runner system can also be shared.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the manifold or cable retainer of the hot runner system includes brackets or posts to hold the heating system in place. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a heating device according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the top of a heating device according to the invention with focus on the actuator. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the lower part of a heating apparatus according to the invention focusing on the heated stamp and the temperature sensor. [Figure 4A] A side view of the tip of the heating device is shown. [Figure 4B] A cross-sectional bottom view of the heating system along the EE from the tip to the actuator is shown. [Figure 4C] 1 shows a pin tube with anti-rotation means. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view along FF of the heating stamp and pin. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the heating stamp from the bottom. [Figure 5C] A top view of the heating stamp and pins is shown. [Figure 6A] Shows attachment of heating devices to hot runner systems that share the same cable channel and connector plate. [Figure 6B] Shows attachment of heating devices to hot runner systems that share the same cable channel and connector plate. [Figure 7A] 1 shows the linear motion of a heated stamp turned on and off. [Figure 7B]1 shows the linear motion of a heated stamp turned on and off. [Figure 8] 1 shows the present invention mounted directly to a manifold in cross section. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a heating device mounted on a manifold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] The following examples, illustrated in the figures and discussed herein, are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a heating device 1 for locally heating an injection mold cavity wall (2). A base plate 3a / 3b is arranged between a heated stamp 5 and an actuator 4. The actuator 4 is arranged on top of the base plate (on the right side in the figure) and performs a linear movement 27 (FIG. 2). In the center of the actuator there is a hole which is at least partially threaded. The hole extends from the top to the bottom of the actuator so that a pin 7 arranged and fixed in the hole can be introduced from both sides. At the lower end of the pin the heating stamp 5 is fixed. The pin transfers the linear movement of the actuator to the heating stamp. This linear movement causes the heating stamp to be moved in the direction of the injection mold cavity wall, where it comes into contact with the injection mold cavity and locally heats the injection mold cavity wall (FIG. 7A).

[0048] The heating stamp 5 is placed below the base plate and the actuator 5 is placed on top of the base plate (although the reverse implementation is also possible). The base plate has an opening 6 through which a pin 7 passes to transfer linear motion from the actuator to the heating stamp.

[0049] The pins are surrounded by a pin tube 32 which also acts as an anti-rotation means. Different areas (top and / or bottom) of the pin tube 32 are designed with flat side walls which come into contact with the flattened areas of the heating stamp and base plate 3A, preventing the heating stamp from rotating.

[0050] The pin tube is made of a material with low thermal conductivity to reduce heat loss from the heated stamp. This part does not move relative to the base plate.

[0051] The pin tube is fixed to the base plate by a screw 20 and / or by the base plate 3b. A sliding offset into the screw groove allows for the pin tube to be pressed into the base plate. This can also be used to define the angle of the heat stamp if the rotation is adjustable (no anti-rotation flats on the pin tube and base plate).

[0052] Position nut 9 and locking nut 10 are placed in the central hole of the actuator to fix the required position of the heated stamp and set the travel limit. The nuts are screwed into the threaded holes. The position nut receives the pin head 18 and holds the pin allowing the actuator to drive the pin in both directions through the opening 6 in the base plate. The locking nut has the function of a countersunk screw.

[0053] Parallel to the pins, a temperature sensor 19 extends from the base plate to measure the temperature of the surface of the injection mold cavity in the vicinity of the contact area of ​​the heated stamp.

[0054] Located on the top surface 12 of the actuator is the position switch 13. In this area is located an anti-rotation sticking changeover cam held by a hollow screw. The hollow construction allows access to the position nut and locking nut below.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the actuator 4 on top of a base plate 3. The base plate and actuator 4 are held together with screws 23 that extend from the bottom of the base plate, through the base plate and into the bottom surface of the actuator 4. The base plate also contains fluid inlets / outlets 25 for fluids (air / hydraulic) to drive the actuator and / or for cooling purposes to cool the actuator to protect it from the heat of the surrounding components.

[0056] The inlets / outlets 25 can be located at different locations on the top, side, or bottom of the base plate. In some embodiments, the fluid inlets / outlets are located directly on the actuator housing.

[0057] Also located on the base plate are locking pin(s) 8 to define and maintain the distance between the injection mold cavity 2 and the heated stamp. The locking pins are located in holes, preferably blind holes, and pressed into those holes.

[0058] Additionally, the outlet of the temperature sensor extends below the base plate to the side of the base plate.

[0059] Arrow 27 indicates the direction of linear actuator motion. The position switch 13 is actuated by a switch cam 24 which is driven by linear actuator motion. The switch cam 24 is secured to the upper end of the threaded hole by a hollow screw 21 which extends into the threaded hole and is located above the locking nut and position nut.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the invention. The temperature sensor 19 extends through a hole / passage 15 in the heating stamp 5. A gap 30 in the hole / passage 15 prevents overheating of the temperature sensor 19 and its cable. In addition, a protective pipe 31 surrounds the temperature sensor and its cable as thermal protection. The heating stamp has a heating coil or heating element 22 on its outer surface that is wound around the core of the heating stamp. The core has a notch that surrounds the core in the shape of a coil. The valve pin is movable up and down in a pin tube 32 that has anti-rotation flats 16 at each end that prevent rotation of the heating stamp.

[0061] Figure 4A shows a side view of a heating stamp with a rotatable heating element 33 and heating element outlet 34. Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view along section line EE of Figure 4a. Figure 4b shows that the heater / heating element can be rotated to change the location of the outlet 34 so that the wiring can be adapted to the location when fixed into the hot runner system.

[0062] 5A-5C show in cross-section the heating device 33 and the outlet 34. It is also disclosed that the heating stamp 5 is secured to the pin 7 by a screw 14 that threads into a threaded hole that extends into a central hole in which the pin is located.

[0063] Figure 6A shows a top view of the heater attached by bracket 37 to hot runner system 35. The slotted bracket allows for flexible mounting to the hot runner system. In Figure 6A, the bracket is L-shaped and connects to the manifold 36 of the hot runner system 35 on one end and to the heater on the other end. In a possible embodiment, the bracket is attached to the base plate of the heater. Different shapes are possible for both the heater and the bracket (straight bracket, round bracket, etc.).

[0064] Posts for fitting brackets or retaining means provide flexible mounting on hot runner systems.

[0065] The sensor cables and actuator power supplies (oil, air, electrical) are routed through the same cable channels and / or connector plates as the hot runner system's sensors and / or actuator power supplies.

[0066] The complete system is self-contained and does not require separate assembly.

[0067] Figure 6B shows a side view of Figure 6A, revealing the slotted bracket 37. The bracket screws into the manifold and base plate, each of which has a threaded hole through which a screw extends.

[0068] This allows for flexible mounting on the hot runner as the slots on the bracket or retainer 17 provide for flexible mounting on the hot runner system. The retainer includes a screw, bracket 37, and a bushing between the bracket and the screw.

[0069] Figure 7A shows the heated stamp 5 contacting the injection mold cavity wall 2 and heating the contact area to improve the quality of the injected plastic 39. Figure 7b shows the heated stamp 5 removed from the injection mold cavity wall 2 to allow the plastic to harden (e.g., solidify and / or harden).

[0070] Figure 8 shows a cross-section through the apparatus according to figure 9. Between the manifold 36 and the actuator 4 a cooling device 40 is arranged to prevent thermal damage to the actuator. The base plate 3a is arranged directly on the manifold 36. The heating device 22 is designed as a sleeve which can rotate around the heating stamp 5.

[0071] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with their full scope of equivalents. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the art, and that the disclosed devices, kits and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is capable of modification and variation, and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Heating device 2. Injection mold cavity wall 3a / b Base Plate 4 Actuators 5 Heat stamping 6 Base plate opening 7-pin 8 Dowel pin(s) 9 Position Nut 10 Screw holes 11 Locking nut 12 Top of the actuator 13 Position Switch 14 Pin clamping screw 15 Holes / passages in heated stamp 16 Anti-rotation means 17 Retention means 18 pin head 19 Temperature Sensor 20 Setscrew 21 Hollow screw 22 Heating section 23 Screws for fastening the actuator to the base plate 24 Switch Cam 25 Fluid inlet / outlet 26 Shank 27 Path / Straight Line Motion 28 Temperature sensor outlet 30 Hole / passage gap 31 Temperature sensor protection pipe / lance 32 pin tube 33 Heat stamp or rotatable heating element around shank 34 Heating section outlet 35 Hot Runner System 36 Manifold for hot runner system 37 Slotted bracket for flexible holding of heating device 38 Connector plate 39 Plastic 40 Cooling

Claims

1. A heating apparatus for locally heating an exterior surface of a wall of an injection molding die having multiple gates, comprising: a hot runner system including a manifold having a system of channels for distributing molten plastic from an injection molding machine to said plurality of gates; A base plate; an actuator disposed on the base plate for linear motion; a heating stamp connected to the actuator, the heating stamp being driven by the actuator such that the heating stamp makes linear motion toward and into physical contact with an outer wall of the mold away from the gate to conduct heat through the wall of the mold to a mold cavity wall, and the heating stamp makes linear motion away from and out of contact with the outer wall of the mold to allow the mold cavity wall to cool; Equipped with the heat stamp is disposed below the base plate and the actuator; the base plate has an opening through which a pin passes to transfer the linear motion from the actuator to the heated stamp; A heating apparatus, wherein the base plate is integrally formed with the manifold of the hot runner system such that the base plate is a part of the manifold.

2. 2. The heating device of claim 1, further comprising one or more alignment elements for aligning the base plate with the injection mold cavity wall connected to the base plate extending below the base plate toward the heat stamp and for maintaining the position relative to the injection mold cavity wall.

3. The heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the base plate has holes connectable to a fluid for driving the actuator or a cooling pump for protecting the actuator from heat.

4. The heating device of claim 1 , further comprising a location nut holding the pin, the location nut being disposed in a threaded hole in the actuator.

5. 5. The heating device of claim 4, wherein the threaded hole in the actuator extends to a top surface of the actuator and is accessible from the top surface of the actuator, allowing access to the position nut and / or locking nut.

6. The heating device of claim 1 further comprising a position sensor for providing information on the position of the heat stamp.

7. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an anti-rotation surface that prevents the heat stamp from rotating relative to the base plate.

8. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a bracket capable of securing the heating apparatus to the hot runner system.

9. The heating apparatus of claim 8 , wherein a screw secures the bracket to the manifold of the hot runner system.

10. The heating device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is electrically or fluidically driven.

11. 2. The heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor attached to a stationary portion of the heating apparatus for measuring the heat of the injection mold cavity wall in a vicinity where the heat stamp can contact the injection mold cavity wall.

12. The heating apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a heating element around the heat stamp rotatably mounted on the heat stamp or on a shank along which the heat stamp moves up and down.

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