Oerlikon Expanded Hot-Runner Resin Compatibility
The STARgate system now supports diverse polymers, enabling lighter parts and faster cycles in industrial molding.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Materials Science
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In September 2026, Oerlikon HRSflow announced that its STARgate hot-runner technology now supports a broader range of resins, including PMMA, ABS, PS, and HDPE. This system is designed for components weighing between 40 grams and 2.5 kilograms.
Why it matters
By expanding compatibility to include filled polymers and varied resin types, the technology increases the versatility of high-speed injection molding lines. The system allows manufacturers to optimize material usage and throughput simultaneously.
The system utilizes a diaphragm-based gate shut-off and free-flow nozzle design to minimize melt stagnation. It supports parts from 40g to 2.5kg, achieving a cycle time of 4.7 seconds for a 41g component.
The players
Oerlikon HRSflow
A developer of hot-runner systems and injection molding technologies focused on polymer flow control and system integration.
The details
The STARgate technology uses a diaphragm gate shut-off system to precisely control melt flow, the molten plastic material injected into a mold, into the mold cavity. This architecture removes the need for axial actuator space, which is the physical room typically required for the mechanical components that open and close the mold valve pins. The free-flow nozzle ensures a consistent melt velocity to prevent material degradation during the molding process.
Timeline
September 2026: The STARgate technology was demonstrated at the Flow Beyond 2026 summit in Italy.
The Tech Race
This development positions Oerlikon to capture more market share in high-precision molding by addressing a wider variety of industrial resin types. It follows a industry trend toward optimizing throughput and material efficiency in standardized production cells.
Manufacturers can now apply the system to a broader array of plastic components ranging from 40g to 2.5kg. This allows for faster production cycles and lower raw material requirements compared to previous iterations.
The takeaway
The expansion of the STARgate system indicates a push toward universal hot-runner solutions that handle both standard and filled polymers with improved mechanical efficiency. Watch for future production benchmarks comparing the diaphragm design against conventional valve-gating in high-volume, multi-cavity runs.
Further reading
For broader trends in production efficiency, explore our coverage of Materials Science.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Industry Europe.
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