|
Issues concerns
Definition: Mold: 1) A hallow form or matrix into which a plastic material is placed and which imparts to the material its final shape as a finished article. 2) To impart shape to a plastic mass by means of confining cavity or matrix. Fluid Hook up: a connection to an external source or supply, typically made up of fittings, disconnects and hoses which allow connection to a mold.
One issue which typically comes up within the process industries with molds is the coolant hook up location and their relationship to clamping the mold to the platens. The number one concern with a mold and a machine is to be able to clamp it properly to the machine platens. While there are numerous clamp systems, meaning mechanical clamps, there are also those whom may use oversized top clamp plates and then just bolt the mold directly to the platen and then also there is the use of magnetic platens to hold the mold in place.
If one is using magnetic platens than all is free around the mold so hooking up the coolant lines is not an issue, as nothing is in the way. If one is bolting through an oversized or additional top clamp plate than the pattern should be one that allows for clearance from where the bolt is placed.
Those that use clamps may have a concern especially when the coolant lines and clamps try to occupy the same area of the mold. To be honest it should not be an issue, as the mold is being designed a press and bolt hole pattern should be consulted. In current days these could possibly be in a cad file as templates so one could place mold over template and see that where placement goes. But when the press that is always used is not available, or the pattern changed on the platen, and or the designer, tool maker did not think about it or maybe it was too costly to move the connection area, than issues arise on the floor as to how many and where clamps can be placed.
This issue is brought up from a safety standpoint, as needing proper clamping to hold the mold in the press, and also as to placement of cooling lines so they can be accessed.
In many coolant patterns most shall run though the A or B plates and on rare occasion in the Top Clamp plates. If in the top Clamp plates than one must consider the thickness of these plates so as to allow room for the inlet fitting and then fitting and hoses to be attached to the fitting in the plate. Many times the author has run into a situation where hoses could not be attached due to fittings being of a design and plate being thin. In these cases an additional top clamp plate was added, most often by the processer.
The other issue with coolant lines is that they should be marked, as to show an in and out for that line. Thus on the side of the mold there would be stamped either in /out, and a number or letter. This marking than allows the process or to hook up the fluid lines correctly without the need to trace them out. Though on the initial setup to check that they are marked correctly it may be wise to check that they are in fact marked correctly, by use of airline or other such procedure as is in place at your facilities.
If in fact there are ins and outs stamped on the mold it is important to use the flow in that direction. This possibly could be because of a baffle, or design within the tool as to how the fluid flows within the coolant channels.
While coolant fittings may be placed around the mold for optimum placement it is important to remember that the mold must be stored. Thus it is not recommended to have fittings protrude on the bottom of the mold, as these shall have to be removed and replaced each time the mold is used. If in fact this is to be done and they cannot be recessed than standoffs must be incorporated into the bottom of the mold so as to be able to protect the fittings from damage.
**NOTE while many do the procedure of removing fittings from the bottom and replacing with setting up, this is costing time and time is money. It only takes a few minor calculation to see from a costing standpoint which way is more economical. If in fact one charges the customer for this service so be, but in most cases it is a cost picked up by the processor.
Recessing of the water fittings is done more and more, which now protects the fitting in storage and transport. The issue that sometimes comes up is they may be too deep, thus making it hard to work the quick disconnects and or too narrow, not allowing for access to release.
In using quick disconnects the male fitting attached to the mold should have an ID as large as possible in relation to the coolant line supplying. This than from the processors stand point should further relate to the hoses used in that they upsize to the fitting and water channel. This than minimizes restriction from the processors standpoint, and maximizes coolant flow, if the supply is there.
SLSILVEY
04022014.02
Visit our website
| 
