{"id":10921,"date":"2026-08-17T02:58:23","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T02:58:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/?p=10921"},"modified":"2026-08-17T02:58:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T02:58:23","slug":"lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Should the Gate Be Placed on an LSR Silicone Product?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenido<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#What_Is_a_Gate_in_LSR_Injection_Molding\" title=\"What Is a Gate in LSR Injection Molding?\">What Is a Gate in LSR Injection Molding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#Why_Does_Gate_Position_Matter\" title=\"Why Does Gate Position Matter?\">Why Does Gate Position Matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#Why_Can_Gate_Position_Cause_Flow_Marks\" title=\"Why Can Gate Position Cause Flow Marks?\">Why Can Gate Position Cause Flow Marks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#How_Can_Gate_Position_Contribute_to_Air_Traps\" title=\"How Can Gate Position Contribute to Air Traps?\">How Can Gate Position Contribute to Air Traps?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#Should_the_Gate_Be_Hidden\" title=\"Should the Gate Be Hidden?\">Should the Gate Be Hidden?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#What_Is_a_Gate_Vestige\" title=\"What Is a Gate Vestige?\">What Is a Gate Vestige?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#How_Should_Gate_Position_Be_Selected_for_a_Silicone_Baby_Spoon\" title=\"How Should Gate Position Be Selected for a Silicone Baby Spoon?\">How Should Gate Position Be Selected for a Silicone Baby Spoon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#How_Does_Wall_Thickness_Affect_Gate_Design\" title=\"How Does Wall Thickness Affect Gate Design?\">How Does Wall Thickness Affect Gate Design?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#What_About_Multi-Cavity_Molds\" title=\"What About Multi-Cavity Molds?\">What About Multi-Cavity Molds?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#Why_Can_Changing_the_Gate_After_Tooling_Be_Expensive\" title=\"Why Can Changing the Gate After Tooling Be Expensive?\">Why Can Changing the Gate After Tooling Be Expensive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#What_Should_Buyers_Check_During_Sample_Approval\" title=\"What Should Buyers Check During Sample Approval?\">What Should Buyers Check During Sample Approval?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#Gate_Design_DFM_Checklist\" title=\"Gate Design DFM Checklist\">Gate Design DFM Checklist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#How_LYA_Silicone_Supports_LSR_Gate_and_Mold_Design_Review\" title=\"How LYA Silicone Supports LSR Gate and Mold Design Review\">How LYA Silicone Supports LSR Gate and Mold Design Review<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/lsr-silicone-gate-position-design-guide\/#Review_the_Gate_Before_the_Mold_Is_Machined\" title=\"Review the Gate Before the Mold Is Machined\">Review the Gate Before the Mold Is Machined<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3>Answer Excerpt<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The gate position in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/\"><strong>LSR silicone product<\/strong><\/a> should allow the material to fill the cavity evenly while keeping the gate vestige away from critical appearance, sealing, oral-contact and high-flex areas. Gate location also affects flow length, air trapping, weld or flow-front interaction, part filling and production stability. It should therefore be reviewed during DFM before mold machining rather than selected only for tooling convenience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Liquid silicone rubber is injected into a closed heated mold and cured inside the cavity. Modern LSR systems can use cold-runner and needle shut-off systems for direct and highly controlled injection.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This means the point where silicone enters the product cavity is an important part of mold design.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A poor gate position may contribute to:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Visible gate marks<\/li>\n<li>Long flow paths<\/li>\n<li>Uneven filling<\/li>\n<li>Trapped air<\/li>\n<li>Flow marks<\/li>\n<li>Incomplete thin sections<\/li>\n<li>Different filling between cavities<\/li>\n<li>Local deformation<\/li>\n<li>Difficult gate-area finishing<\/li>\n<li>Cosmetic rejection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For B2B buyers, gate location should not be treated as an invisible mold detail.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It can directly affect how the finished silicone product looks and performs.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Gate_in_LSR_Injection_Molding\"><\/span>What Is a Gate in LSR Injection Molding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The gate is the controlled entry point through which liquid silicone enters the product cavity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">During LSR injection molding, the two-component silicone material is metered, mixed and injected into the heated mold, where it cures into the final product shape.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on mold and runner design, the gate may feed:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>One product cavity<\/li>\n<li>Several cavities<\/li>\n<li>A thick product section<\/li>\n<li>A thin product section<\/li>\n<li>A hidden product surface<\/li>\n<li>A dedicated non-cosmetic area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">After molding, the gate location may leave a small visible or tactile vestige.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Whether this is acceptable depends on where the gate is located.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A small gate mark on the hidden end of a handle may be acceptable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The same mark on a spoon bowl, sealing edge, visible logo or soft oral-contact area may be unacceptable.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Gate_Position_Matter\"><\/span>Why Does Gate Position Matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>1. Gate Position Controls the Main Flow Direction<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Silicone begins filling from the gate and moves toward the remaining cavity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If the gate is located too far from a difficult feature, the material may need to travel through:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Long thin sections<\/li>\n<li>Narrow channels<\/li>\n<li>Multiple thickness changes<\/li>\n<li>Fine textures<\/li>\n<li>Small openings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">before reaching the end of the cavity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This can make filling more difficult.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The gate should therefore support a practical flow path rather than forcing silicone through the most restrictive area first.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h3>2. A Long Flow Path Can Increase Filling Risk<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Consider a long silicone baby feeding spoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The product may contain:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>A thicker handle<\/li>\n<li>A narrow neck<\/li>\n<li>A thin spoon bowl<\/li>\n<li>Small decorative texture<\/li>\n<li>A molded logo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If silicone must travel through a long, narrow section before reaching the opposite end, the mold becomes more sensitive to flow balance and venting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The correct gate location should help the cavity fill consistently without unnecessarily increasing flow distance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is particularly important for products with thin walls or fine details.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h3>3. The Gate Should Avoid Critical Functional Surfaces<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Some areas should normally receive special attention during gate review.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Sealing lips<\/li>\n<li>Suction edges<\/li>\n<li>Drinking openings<\/li>\n<li>Spoon-contact surfaces<\/li>\n<li>Pacifier or teether oral-contact areas<\/li>\n<li>Flexible hinges<\/li>\n<li>Thin tear-sensitive edges<\/li>\n<li>Assembly interfaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A gate vestige in one of these locations may affect:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Touch<\/li>\n<li>Limpieza<\/li>\n<li>Sealing<\/li>\n<li>Comfort<\/li>\n<li>Assembly<\/li>\n<li>Appearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The buyer should identify these critical areas on the drawing before final tooling.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Can_Gate_Position_Cause_Flow_Marks\"><\/span>Why Can Gate Position Cause Flow Marks?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">When silicone enters a cavity, the material spreads outward from the gate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The appearance of the surface can be influenced by how the flow front moves through:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Large flat areas<\/li>\n<li>Thickness transitions<\/li>\n<li>Corners<\/li>\n<li>Textures<\/li>\n<li>Logos<\/li>\n<li>Multiple branches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A gate positioned directly beside a premium visible surface may make local flow patterns or gate-area appearance more noticeable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The issue becomes more important for:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Glossy silicone<\/li>\n<li>Large smooth areas<\/li>\n<li>Dark colors<\/li>\n<li>Premium consumer products<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A product does not need to hide every flow direction, but the mold should avoid placing unnecessary cosmetic risk in the most visible area.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_Gate_Position_Contribute_to_Air_Traps\"><\/span>How Can Gate Position Contribute to Air Traps?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Silicone entering the mold pushes air toward the remaining empty areas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If the gate causes several flow fronts to surround an area before air can escape, air may become trapped.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">High-risk locations can include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>End-of-fill corners<\/li>\n<li>Deep logos<\/li>\n<li>Fine textures<\/li>\n<li>Thin edges<\/li>\n<li>Closed pockets<\/li>\n<li>Small ribs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">LSR molding systems commonly use mold evacuation and controlled runner technology because air management and precise filling are important for stable molding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Gate and venting design should therefore be reviewed together.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Moving a gate can change where the final air trap appears.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_the_Gate_Be_Hidden\"><\/span>Should the Gate Be Hidden?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Often, but not always.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For consumer silicone products, a gate is commonly preferred in a location that is:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Less visible<\/li>\n<li>Non-functional<\/li>\n<li>Easy to inspect<\/li>\n<li>Easy to trim or control<\/li>\n<li>Away from high-flex areas<\/li>\n<li>Away from food-contact or oral-contact zones where practical<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">However, hiding the gate should not create a much worse flow path.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For example, placing the gate at the far end of a product only because that position is invisible may force material through a long thin section and create incomplete filling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The correct design balances:<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\"><strong>Appearance + Filling + Function + Production stability.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Gate_Vestige\"><\/span>What Is a Gate Vestige?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A gate vestige is the small remaining mark where the silicone entered the cavity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Depending on the mold system, the vestige may appear as:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>A tiny raised point<\/li>\n<li>A shallow mark<\/li>\n<li>A small circular area<\/li>\n<li>A slightly different surface texture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The acceptable condition should be defined before mass production.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Buyers should confirm:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Gate location<\/li>\n<li>Maximum visible gate mark<\/li>\n<li>Whether the area is touched by the user<\/li>\n<li>Whether the gate is on a cosmetic surface<\/li>\n<li>Whether trimming is required<\/li>\n<li>Whether the gate affects packaging or assembly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Statements such as:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Gate mark must be invisible.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">are often too vague.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A better standard defines where the gate is allowed and how the approved sample should look.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Should_Gate_Position_Be_Selected_for_a_Silicone_Baby_Spoon\"><\/span>How Should Gate Position Be Selected for a Silicone Baby Spoon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/categoria-producto\/silicone-baby-products\/silicone-feeding-bowl-spoon-set\/\"><strong>silicone baby feeding spoon<\/strong><\/a> is a useful example because it contains several different functional areas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">These may include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Spoon bowl<\/li>\n<li>Thin spoon edge<\/li>\n<li>Neck<\/li>\n<li>Mango<\/li>\n<li>Logo area<\/li>\n<li>Grip texture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The spoon bowl and edge are directly involved in feeding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A visible or rough gate vestige in this area may be undesirable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The handle end is usually less functionally sensitive, but the final gate location must still be evaluated according to:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Material flow<\/li>\n<li>Product length<\/li>\n<li>Wall thickness<\/li>\n<li>Mold structure<\/li>\n<li>Logo location<\/li>\n<li>Surface finish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This does not mean every silicone spoon should automatically be gated at the handle end.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The final position should be confirmed during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/custom-silicone-mold-development-checklist\/\"><strong>custom silicone mold development<\/strong><\/a> based on the actual 3D design.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10926\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Silicone baby spoon gate location comparison\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/silicone-baby-spoon-gate-location-comparison.jpg.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Wall_Thickness_Affect_Gate_Design\"><\/span>How Does Wall Thickness Affect Gate Design?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The gate should not be reviewed independently from wall thickness.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A product may contain:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Thick sections<\/li>\n<li>Thin sections<\/li>\n<li>Reinforcement ribs<\/li>\n<li>Flexible edges<\/li>\n<li>Local textures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Material generally fills different geometries differently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">If the product transitions from a thick area into an extremely thin area, gate location may influence whether the thin feature fills consistently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Important questions include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Does the material reach thin areas early enough?<\/li>\n<li>Are there unnecessary long thin flow paths?<\/li>\n<li>Will air become trapped at the end?<\/li>\n<li>Will one side fill before another?<\/li>\n<li>Does the gate create excessive pressure around a cosmetic surface?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The engineering team should review the full product cross-section.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_About_Multi-Cavity_Molds\"><\/span>What About Multi-Cavity Molds?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A multi-cavity mold produces several products during one cycle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The runner and gate system must deliver controlled material filling to each cavity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">ENGEL has demonstrated multi-cavity LSR systems where fill quantity can be individually controlled through cold-runner needle shut-off technology, showing how important precise cavity filling becomes in larger production molds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">During sample approval, buyers should compare:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Product weight<\/li>\n<li>Gate appearance<\/li>\n<li>Filling completeness<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions<\/li>\n<li>Flow marks<\/li>\n<li>Flash<\/li>\n<li>Functional performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">across all active cavities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">One good cavity does not prove that the entire production mold is balanced.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Can_Changing_the_Gate_After_Tooling_Be_Expensive\"><\/span>Why Can Changing the Gate After Tooling Be Expensive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The gate is part of the mold-flow and runner strategy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Moving it after the mold is finished may affect:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Runner design<\/li>\n<li>Mold inserts<\/li>\n<li>Cavity machining<\/li>\n<li>Venting<\/li>\n<li>Product appearance<\/li>\n<li>Filling balance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The modification may require:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Mold rework<\/li>\n<li>New sample trials<\/li>\n<li>New dimensional inspection<\/li>\n<li>New cosmetic approval<\/li>\n<li>Functional retesting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This is why gate position should be included in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/custom-silicone-mold-development-checklist\/\"><strong>DFM review<\/strong><\/a> before mold machining.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_Buyers_Check_During_Sample_Approval\"><\/span>What Should Buyers Check During Sample Approval?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>Gate Appearance<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Inspect:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Gate height<\/li>\n<li>Surface mark<\/li>\n<li>Roughness<\/li>\n<li>Trimming<\/li>\n<li>Local deformation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Product Filling<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Check:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Thin edges<\/li>\n<li>Spoon tips<\/li>\n<li>Logos<\/li>\n<li>Textures<\/li>\n<li>Ribs<\/li>\n<li>End-of-fill locations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Flow Marks<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Inspect visible surfaces under consistent lighting.<\/p>\n<h3>Air Traps<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Look for:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Bubbles<\/li>\n<li>Burn marks<\/li>\n<li>Missing material<\/li>\n<li>Incomplete corners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Functional Performance<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The finished product must still pass the real use test.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For a feeding spoon, inspect:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Spoon edge<\/li>\n<li>Handle stability<\/li>\n<li>Product flexibility<\/li>\n<li>Surface comfort<\/li>\n<li>Shape recovery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Mold-Cavity Consistency<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Compare samples from every cavity.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-10927\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"LSR gate mark and filling quality inspection\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/lsr-gate-mark-sample-quality-inspection.jpg.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gate_Design_DFM_Checklist\"><\/span>Gate Design DFM Checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Art\u00edculo<\/td>\n<td>What Buyers Should Confirm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Gate position<\/td>\n<td>Located in a practical functional and cosmetic area<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Flow path<\/td>\n<td>Not unnecessarily long<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Thin areas<\/td>\n<td>Can fill consistently<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Visible surfaces<\/td>\n<td>Gate vestige does not create unacceptable appearance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Functional areas<\/td>\n<td>Gate avoids critical sealing, oral-contact or fit surfaces where practical<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Air traps<\/td>\n<td>Gate and venting are reviewed together<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wall thickness<\/td>\n<td>Flow path matches thickness transitions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Logo and texture<\/td>\n<td>Filling remains complete<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mold cavities<\/td>\n<td>Gate system fills cavities consistently<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Gate vestige<\/td>\n<td>Appearance limit is approved<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Muestras<\/td>\n<td>Gate area inspected after molding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pilot production<\/td>\n<td>Filling remains stable during longer production<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_LYA_Silicone_Supports_LSR_Gate_and_Mold_Design_Review\"><\/span>How LYA Silicone Supports LSR Gate and Mold Design Review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">LYA Silicone currently provides <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/oem-service\/\"><strong>OEM and ODM development<\/strong><\/a> for baby, pet, outdoor and educational silicone products, and its current factory information lists both liquid silicone injection molding and solid silicone molding equipment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">For LSR projects, engineering review may include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Product drawing review<\/li>\n<li>Gate-position evaluation<\/li>\n<li>Flow-path review<\/li>\n<li>Wall-thickness analysis<\/li>\n<li>Venting review<\/li>\n<li>Surface-finish review<\/li>\n<li>Mold-cavity planning<\/li>\n<li>Sample production<\/li>\n<li>Gate-area inspection<\/li>\n<li>Filling validation<\/li>\n<li>Pilot production<\/li>\n<li>Mass-production quality control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Gate position should be selected as part of the complete product and mold system, not as an isolated tooling decision.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>Does Every Silicone Product Have an Injection Gate?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">No.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">This article mainly applies to injection-molded LSR products.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Compression-molded silicone products use a different material-loading and molding approach. LYA&#8217;s current OEM information lists both liquid molding and compression molding among its processing routes.<\/p>\n<h3>Should the Gate Always Be Put on a Hidden Surface?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Not necessarily.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A hidden gate location is useful only when it still supports stable filling and product function.<\/p>\n<h3>Can Gate Position Cause Incomplete Filling?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It can contribute to filling problems when the resulting flow path is too long, restrictive or poorly balanced.<\/p>\n<h3>Can Gate Position Cause Air Traps?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Yes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Changing the direction of material flow can change where air becomes trapped, so gate and venting design should be reviewed together.<\/p>\n<h3>Can the Gate Be Put on a Logo Area?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">It is usually better to avoid creating unnecessary gate marks on important branding surfaces when another technically suitable location is available.<\/p>\n<h3>Should Buyers Approve the Gate Mark?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Yes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">The final molded sample should establish the acceptable gate location and appearance before mass production.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\">\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_the_Gate_Before_the_Mold_Is_Machined\"><\/span>Review the Gate Before the Mold Is Machined<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">A gate may occupy only a very small area of the final silicone product, but its influence can extend across the entire cavity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Gate position can affect:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Filling<\/li>\n<li>Flow direction<\/li>\n<li>Air trapping<\/li>\n<li>Surface appearance<\/li>\n<li>Gate vestige<\/li>\n<li>Thin features<\/li>\n<li>Product consistency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"isSelectedEnd\">Before tooling an LSR silicone product, buyers should review the gate together with wall thickness, venting, cosmetic surfaces and critical functional zones.<\/p>\n<p>To review the gate and mold design of your custom LSR project, send <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyasilicone.com\/es\/contact\/\"><strong>Silicona LYA<\/strong><\/a> your 3D drawing, product dimensions, material requirement, target hardness, cosmetic requirements and estimated production quantity.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Answer Excerpt The gate position in an LSR silicone product should allow the material to fill the cavity evenly while [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10925,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"LSR Silicone Gate Position Design Guide | LYA","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn how gate position affects flow marks, filling, air traps, gate vestige, appearance and function in custom LSR silicone products.","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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