Mold Design and Automated Injection Molding

When an injection mold designer begins a development of the mold design, they must be aware of the environment in which the mold will run.  This includes the size and type of press the mold will run in, the material used for molding, and any auxiliary equipment used for automation as the location of tie bars and cooling lines must not interfere with setting and running the mold.

Vacuum Conveying System

A vacuum conveying system is an automated way to get the material into the press, with the right suction and force.  Vacuum conveying systems suck the material while still in pellet from the gaylord or drum into the hopper of the press, providing a steady flow of material for continuous production.   Vacuum conveying systems pull in a steady flow of material, and control the amount of material in flow to the press, and are also helpful with controlling the moisture content in the material.  

Sprue Pickers Aid Automation

Sprue pickers are robotic arms that reach into the press and grab the runner when the mold ejects, instantly separating from it the parts which can then fall into a bucket or onto a conveyor belt.  Some robotic sprue pickers reach in and pick up the runner then drop it either into a separate bin, or directly into a grinder where it can be ground up and reused as regrind material.  

Process Monitoring

Injection molders use process monitoring systems to constantly monitor the press settings such as temperature and pressure, alerting an operator if the job begins to run out of specification.  Some monitoring systems also provide material resource planning functions, tracking job due dates and material inventory for scheduling of jobs.  

All of the additional auxiliary equipment must function properly and work in conjunction with the mold when it opens and closes and operates on the tie bar.

Michiana Global Mold has vast experience designing and manufacturing molds adhering to customer specifications and each unique environment.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to learn how we can assist.