Mold types Automatic

All these type assembly methods usually require the same time to perform as placing inserts in the mold, but they also lower IMM time. There are several other means of accomplishing the desired result that depend on the circumstances at hand. In any event, conventional molded-in inserts usually prove costlier. There are highly automatic injection molding machines available designed just for insert molding that will reverse the cost. 

The EZ-Track system can also be used to count good parts, diverted parts, packed cases, etc. Downtime is measured automatically and can be classified into an unlimited number of causes. Once production data is collected, there is an extensive set of Web-based reports that can incorporate trend charts, tabular reports, pie charts, and Pareto charts. Finally, it is possible to interface the EZ-Track system to ERP/MRP systems via an advanced SQL database that is open, fully documented, and ODBC-compliant. Not only is the EZ-Track system scalable from small to large numbers of molding machines and other types of cyclical manufacturing equipment, it also can play an important role in sending real-time production data to company-wide ERP/MRP systems. 

Automatic strippers have included many combinations of air blow-off, metal combs, and catch trays or chutes. Programmable robots are used for this type of work. These sophisticated units are also used to add inserts before loading the mold. 

The injection molding process consists of individual phases or stages which follow one another, overlapping to some extent, and are continuously repeated. We refer to a process of this type as a cycle and therefore speak of a repeating injection molding cycle. Nowadays, it is customary for the injection molding cycle to proceed automatically from phase to phase. 

When designing molds for HIPS, and GPPS, the principles are very similar but these materials do tend to flow more easily. This results in smaller runner systems, e.g. 2.5 to 5.0mm (0.098 to 0.197in) in diameter, and thinner wall sectioned components. It can also withstand being flexed without cracking. Due to the flexible nature of HIPS, submarine type gates and reverse tapered sprue pullers are widely used for cold runner molds which are intended to cycle automatically. Small undercuts can be jumped or bumped off during ejection of the component. 

The major types of layup configuration include hand layup, automatic tape laydown, filament winding, resin transfer molding, and pultrusion. The configuration will depend on the type of reinforcement that is used (i.e., tape, tow, fabric, preform, chopped fiber, etc.) and whether or not it is impregnated with resin at the time of laying in the mold. 

There are many types of nozzles—ranging from the simplest, smoothly tapered nozzles to valved types which include automatic, hydraulically actuated shutoff and check valves. They are as individualistic in design as the molds which are used in injection molding. Figs. 4-6 and 4-7 illustrate some typical nozzles. 

In automatic molding, parts either fall directly into a container or are removed fi om under the mold by specialized belt type conveyors. From the conveyor they can be routed to sorting, inspection, packing, or another operation. Automatic handling of small parts is not unique to the molding industry. Extensive systems have been developed and are readily available commercially. 

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