In this lesson, we will review the orientation of the plates to each other in the mold stack. The differences in mold design (style) will also be presented. This information will make the various mold types easier to recognize.
A-Series Mold
The A-series is the most widely used injection mold base. It has a simple design and is not well suited for automated operation.
B-Series Mold
The B-series mold has only one parting line. This mold base is not well suited for automatic operation. The B-series mold is less expensive than the A series mold.
T-Series Mold
The T-series mold base is a three plate mold with two parting lines. This mold base allows for fully automated operation. A common application for the T-series mold is the production of round, thin-walled parts.
Shuttle Mold
The Shuttle Mold is composed of two B halves and one A half. In operation, the B side slides back and forth allowing the machine operator to remove one part while the other B side is being injected with plastic. Since the A side receives double duty, it will wear more quickly.
Unit Dies And Inserts
The Unit Die has been developed for quick mold changes. A common mold frame stays in place while interchangeable A and B plates can be rapidly removed and new A and B plates inserted.
Stack Molds
Stack Molds are multiple cavity mold bases that require less clamp tonnage than normal due to the method of filling the molds. These two (or more) parting line molds are typically used with hot runner systems and high volume, automated production operations.’
X-Series Molds
The X-series molds are A series molds with a stripper plate added for part ejection on the B side of the mold.
AX-Series Molds
The AX-series molds are A-series molds with a stripper plate added for part ejection on the A side of the mold.
Summary
This lesson illustrated and described the differences between the mold stack series. This was achieved by displaying a basic mold and then adding plates to the mold to change the style. This information should make the various mold types easier to recognize.
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