Why Is Mold Plate Control Important?
Cycle time is often wasted waiting for the press ejector rod to function. Being able to control plate action can shorten cycle time and increase production.
Stripper plate action, floating plates, locking plates, and actuation of the ejector assembly can all be achieved without the aid of the press ejector rod.
Mold Plate Control General Information
The most common way to apply plate control is outside the mold base. There is usually more room, less machining, easier adjustment, and assembly. When this is not possible because of other external hardware, then mounting inside the mold base may be considered. The method of mold plate control discussed here is an external latch lock.
Mold Plate Control Application
The typical application of the Latch-Lock assembly is for stripper plate control without using the press ejector rod. This can save time and increase production. Latch-Lock can also be used to control plates on two opening molds such as a 3 plate mold, or to control the ejector plate assembly. This system provides the freedom to mechanically float or lock plates in a safe and positive manner. The system comes in regular or heavy duty sizes, as well as right angle design.
Mold Plate Control Actuation
The mold opens at the parting line with TCP Plate, “AX” Plate, and latch bar fixed to the press stationary platen. Since the rocker is spring loaded clockwise, it will catch in the latch bar after the ejector half of the mold has traveled the latch set amount. Because the mold is still opening, the locked plate will stop, stripping the molded part/parts off their core/cores. Still opening, the release bar will open the rocker. The “X” plate will release, while the ejector half travels to its full open position, allowing the molded parts to fall out of the mold.
Mold Plate Control Summary
Being able to control plate action can shorten cycle time, and increase production. Mold plate control devices eliminate the cycle time that is often wasted waiting for the press ejector rod to function. A few plate control variation are:
- Stripper plate action
- Floating plates
- Locking plates
- Ejector assembly actuation
The External Latch-Lock system is capable of all the variations mentioned above.
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