Molding Machines
Textile

Semi-Automatic foam molding Machine.

• Hand fed on the cold end, automatically unloaded on the hot end.

• Digital temperature controllers regulate heating elements.

• Automatic Unloading Manipulator makes for safe unloading.  No need for workers to handle hot materials.

• One machine operator can easily work at a three machine station for maximum productivity.

 

The objective of the project was to build a machine that was "optimally automatic".  Although the machine was slated to be installed in countries with low wage levels, the idea was to make a safe, semiautomatic foam molding machine which would free the machine operator from the hazards of unloading hot, formed foam products.

 

The machines are compact, safe and easy to operate.  Three machines can be serviced on the loading end by one machine operator/loader working in a seated position.  The machine operator loads precut foam sheets into the bottom of the molding die.  Two handed operation ensures that the operator's hands are out of the way when the die closes.

The machines cycle consists of a locking cycle, followed by a heating cycle, and culminates with a release cycle.

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During the heating cycle digital temperature controllers reliably maintain temperature gradients for each of the heating elements implanted in the molding die.

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At the end of the heating cycle the mold opens automatically.  A gripper/manipulator fixture on the back side of the machine moves into the work area, picks up the molded foam part and moves it out of the work area.  Once out of the work area the molded foam article is placed on a cooling rack for the duration of an additional work cycle.  From there it is moved onto the finished parts stack.