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Degating

Degating is a crucial process in the production of injection molded plastic components, widely used in the automotive and other manufacturing industries. It involves the careful removal of excess plastic material, known as a "gate" or injection point, which remains attached to the part after molding. Degating is essential to achieve high-quality finished parts, improving both appearance and dimensional accuracy. Effective degating ensures that parts meet required specifications, facilitating assembly and ensuring optimal functionality of the final product.

From manual cutting to laser precision

The removal of excess plastic material (gates) from injection molded components has for years been done with the use of a heated blade in manual or semiautomatic stations or, in more complex cases, with robotic solutions to follow the geometry to be cut. In addition to the continuous maintenance of the blades used for cutting and poor accuracy, traditional techniques pose a major limitation to the geometries of molded parts. In particular, the Automotive sector has required the development of new technologies to perform Degating with high precision on increasingly complex geometries, where very often the cut area is exposed. The development of dedicated laser solutions ensure precise and finished gate removal even from complex parts.

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Benefits of Laser Degating

Ecology

Eliminates the need for manual trimming or chemical processes, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Accuracy

Laser degating allows selective gate removal, leaving the main part intact.

Uniformity

The process ensures uniform results over large production runs, reducing variability.

Efficiency

Laser degating is faster and more automated than manual methods, increasing productivity.

Talk to a LASIT expert

Let’s evaluate together how to improve the productivity and efficiency of your line. Fill out the form: one of our specialists will contact you back to analyze your need and define the best steps, with no obligation.

How we will help you

First Discussion: one of our experts will contact you back (via phone or email, as you prefer) for an initial chat and to fully understand your need.
Tailored analysis: Based on your need, we will decide together on the next step. We can arrange an in-house visit, analyze your process in videocall, or conduct free marking tests on your samples.
Your solution: We will study and present you with a customized solution designed to integrate seamlessly into your current production process.
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Applications of Laser Degating in the Automotive Industry

Internal Parts

It is used to remove gates from dashboard components, decorative elements and control panels, ensuring a smooth finish.

External Components

Laser degating helps achieve clean edges on body panels, headlight housings, and grilles, improving both aesthetics and functionality.

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Key factors in choosing a laser source for degating

Wavelength

The wavelength of the laser is selected according to the specific plastic material. Different polymers react differently at specific wavelengths, ensuring efficient and selective gate removal.

Laser Parameters

The laser source allows control of parameters such as power and frequency, so parts with different plastic thicknesses and gate sizes can be processed.

Laser spot size

For degating, a balance between accuracy and speed is crucial. Lower Laser spot size values allow for more precise gate removal, while higher values can increase processing speed for larger and thinner components.