SPM123: New Two-Pump Technology for Cleaning Cooling Channels in Die Casting and Injection Molding Tools
by Fimro GmbH
Efficient cooling channel cleaning for stable temperature control in casting and molding processes
With the new SPM123, Fimro GmbH introduces an innovative mobile system for the cleaning, flushing and testing of cooling channels in die casting and injection molding tools. The system has been specifically developed for modern tooling technologies and combines cleaning, flushing and measurement functions within a single integrated unit.
Reliable tool temperature control is a key factor for stable and repeatable production processes in both die casting and plastic injection molding. Contaminated or partially blocked cooling channels can significantly reduce heat transfer within the tool. Deposits such as lime scale, corrosion residues or process-related contamination may lead to:
- reduced flow rates in cooling channels
- unstable tool temperatures
- longer cycle times
- increased energy consumption
- variations in part quality
Regular cleaning and inspection of cooling circuits therefore plays an important role in modern tool maintenance.
Two-Pump Technology for Conventional and Conformal Cooling Channels
The key innovation of the new SPM123 is a specially developed two-pump architecture, designed to address different cooling channel geometries.
While many cleaning systems rely on a single universal pump, the SPM123 integrates two dedicated pump systems, each optimized for specific channel structures.
Variable-speed pump for conventional cooling channels
A powerful frequency-controlled pump is responsible for flushing and cleaning conventional cooling channels in die casting and injection molding tools. The pump automatically adjusts its performance to the number of connected circuits and their respective cross sections.
This ensures a stable flushing process and efficient removal of deposits while maintaining energy-efficient operation.
Dedicated pump for conformal cooling and micro-channels
As a major technological extension, a second pump has been integrated specifically for additively manufactured tool inserts with conformal cooling channels.
Modern die casting and injection molding tools increasingly use 3D-printed cores with complex internal cooling structures. These channels are often extremely small and geometrically complex.
Conventional flushing systems frequently fail to generate sufficient flow velocity in such micro-channels to remove deposits effectively.
The specially designed pump in the SPM123 enables a stable and controlled flushing flow even in very small channel diameters, allowing reliable cleaning of delicate cooling structures.
With this two-pump technology, both traditional cooling channels and highly complex micro-channels in additively manufactured tool inserts can be cleaned and tested within a single system.
Cleaning and Testing of Cooling Circuits
In addition to the innovative pump technology, the SPM123 provides comprehensive functionality for maintenance and inspection of cooling systems in die casting and injection molding tools.
Key features include:
- chemical-assisted cleaning of cooling channels
- targeted flushing of cooling circuits
- flow measurement for each cooling channel
- pressure and leak testing
- digital documentation of measurement results
By combining cleaning and measurement technology, users gain objective data on the condition of cooling circuits, supporting both preventive maintenance and quality assurance.
Mobile Maintenance of Tool Cooling Systems
The SPM123 is designed as a mobile system that can be used directly at the tool. This significantly reduces transport effort, maintenance time and machine downtime.
The system is available as:
- a manual version for flexible service applications
- or a fully automated version with PLC control
In the automated version, cleaning and testing programs can be stored and reproduced, allowing standardized maintenance procedures with minimal operator influence.
Cleaning Technology for Modern Tooling Concepts
With the increasing use of additively manufactured tool inserts and conformal cooling, the requirements for cleaning and maintenance technologies continue to grow.
The SPM123 has been specifically developed to address these new challenges. Its combination of mobile design, integrated measurement technology and innovative two-pump system enables reliable cleaning and testing of complex cooling channels in both die casting and injection molding tools.
This helps ensure stable tool temperature control, improved process stability and efficient high-volume production.
