Buyer Guide
Gate Location Guide for Injection Molded Parts
Gate location affects filling, weld lines, visible marks, pressure, warpage and sample appearance.
Why this matters
Gate location affects filling, weld lines, visible marks, pressure, warpage and sample appearance. Gate location decides where material enters the part, so it affects appearance, weld lines, packing, warpage and whether defects land on visible surfaces.
Buyer checks
Mark cosmetic and hidden surfacesReview likely weld-line locationsConsider filling distance and pressure lossConfirm gate vestige acceptabilityCheck whether the gate interferes with assembly or sealing
Quote variables
| Quote variable | Why it changes the mold route |
|---|---|
| Visible surface | Gate marks and flow lines must avoid buyer-facing areas. |
| Flow length | Long or thin sections may need different gate strategy. |
| Weld line | Weld location can affect strength and appearance. |
| Automation | Degating, runner handling and cycle targets affect the best choice. |
Common mistakes
Letting the supplier choose gate location without cosmetic notesIgnoring weld lines until transparent or painted parts fail reviewChoosing a gate only for tooling convenience
How to apply it
Send cosmetic-zone screenshots and ask for gate-location options before mold design approval. If the project is early, the guide can show whether the next move is CAD cleanup, DFM review, prototype tooling, production mold planning, export mold handoff or repair review.