Method of taking a nozzle of a valve gated hot runner apparatus out of service

A method for taking a nozzle of a valve gated hot runner apparatus out of service, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a force holding a valve pin in a direction of a closed position of the valve pin, wherein the valve pin is releasably attached to a movable part of an actuator to move the valve pin between an open position and the closed position;
• and
• while the force is being applied, operating the actuator to move the movable part of the actuator towards the open position, thereby detaching the valve pin from the actuator.

A method for taking a nozzle of a plurality of nozzles of a valve gated hot runner apparatus out of service, the method comprising the steps of:

• immobilizing a valve pin of the nozzle, wherein the valve pin is releasably attached to a valve pin plate coupled to a movable part of an actuator to move the valve pin and valve pins of other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles between an open position and a closed position;
• and
• while the valve pin is immobilized, detaching the valve pin from the valve pin plate by operating the actuator to move the movable part of the actuator towards the open position.