Presses, Rotary Curing

Special rotary curing units are designed for continuous vulcanisation of V-belts. This method eliminates any areas of overcure and moulded in stresses, which result from methods using presses vulcanising belts in sections. Belt and tension roller pressure release mechanisms allow for easy unloading and loading of the belts. 

Add wood furnish (384 g, moisture content 6.02%) to the bowl of a rotary blade paddle mixer (such as a Kitchen-Aid KSM90) and agitate at the lowest speed setting. Add Mondur 541 (7.39 g, 1.9% w/w, a polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate of 31.5% NCO, Bayer) dropwise over a 5-min period using a disposable syringe. Continue blending for an additional 10 min and then transfer the blend to an 8 x 8 x 2 -in. metal form at the bottom of which is a metal plate which fits inside. The resin-coated furnish is evenly spread inside the form and another metal plate is placed on top. All parts of the form and plates are presprayed with mold release. The completed form assembly is placed into a hydraulic press (such as a model PW-22 manufactured by Pasadena Hydraulics) with platens heated at 350°F. The furnish is then pressed between the two form plates to a thickness of j in. Press controls are used to ensure consistency of board thickness. The assembly is heated for 4 min. before demolding the cured wood panel. 

---