Mold Design Consideration for Automated Molding

Injection molders today are using sophisticated, automated equipment aimed at molding high quality products with lean processes.  Automated auxiliary equipment is used to provide consistency in a process while reducing cycle times.  Each injection molder’s shop environment is different, and some equipment must be custom designed to work together.

An injection mold designer must be aware of the molding environment in which the mold will run, which includes the type of press, any auxiliary equipment used in the molding process and the location of tie bars and cooling lines.  This information is vital to a proper mold design to ensure that nothing will interfere with installation or operation of the mold.

Some Automated equipment that injection molders use are vacuum conveying systems, sprue pickers, robotic arms and conveyors, computerized quality inspection and rejection procedures, and automated packing procedures.

As any molder knows, reducing cycle time provides cost saving efficiencies that equate to increased profits to the bottom line.  Be sure to share with your mold designer any custom design requirements unique to your molding situation.  

Michiana Global Mold is experienced with the most challenging of mold designs requiring tight geometric tolerances with critical dimensions.  We construct molds used for any environment, with custom designed solutions provided with Unigraphics CAD/CAM Software, and Mold Flow Analysis if required.  

We are an ISO Registered mold making facility following a strict quality policy in all aspects of injection mold design and construction.  Michiana Global Mold has been a valuable supplier to many supply chains including to the Automotive industry for over 50 years.  We employ a highly knowledgeable and experienced staff, with skilled designers and journeyman mold makers.

Michiana Global Mold has in-depth knowledge designing and manufacturing injection molds that meet tight geometric tolerances.  Contact us today for a FREE design consultation and to learn how we can assist with all of your injection mold requirements.  

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.