Injection molding apparatus with insulated integrated actuator electronic drive

An injection molding apparatus comprising:

• a heated manifold that receives injection fluid from an injection molding machine and distributes the injection fluid to a flow channel that delivers the injection fluid to a gate of a mold cavity,
• an actuator controllably drivable by electric power having a drive axis and a driver adapted to controllably drive a valve pin along a linear path of travel, the valve pin being adapted to vary rate of flow of the injection material to and through the gate,
• the driver receiving electrical energy or power from an electrical drive,
• the electrical drive comprising an interface that receives and controllably distributes electrical energy or power in controllably varied amounts during the course of an injection cycle to the driver,
• the actuator having a housing,
• the electrical drive being housed within or by the housing or being mounted on or to the housing,
• the housing and the electrical drive being mounted on, to or in close proximity to the heated manifold,
• the apparatus including a cooling device disposed between the heated manifold and the housing,
• the cooling device being adapted to substantially isolate or insulate at least the electrical drive from substantial communication with heat emanating or emitted from the heated manifold.