The Value of a Well Engineered Mold Base
High-quality mold bases can help moldmakers maximize output and uptime.
MMT Article
Molders are constantly looking for ways to produce consistent, high-quality parts while maximizing output and uptime. One of the best ways to achieve this is through the use of an effectively engineered mold base.
From simple stripped closures to complex multimaterial and unscrewing applications, a reliable mold base can improve output by incorporating well-engineered cooling circuits and rapid, smooth plate actuation systems to minimize cycle times and ensure consistent part quality.
Molders can also maximize uptime with a mold base that features durable components, accurate alignment mechanisms for minimal wear and maintenance, easy access to components and ease of set up.
Key components of an effectively engineered mold base include:
- Manifolded water channels—Custom-sized to each application to ensure optimal cooling, minimal connections and simple installation.
- Robust ejection systems—Sized to meet the requirements of the application, and configured to the molder's machine and facility requirements. Key components of a robust ejection system include:
- Hydraulic cylinders with manifolded hydraulic lines, and standard cylinder sub-assemblies for easy replacement;
- Pneumatic cylinders with internally balanced air lines for even actuation;
- Rocker arms that are fully hardened to provide extended life and configured to meet the stroke and dwell requirements of the application.
- Oversized Alignment Components—These provide long-term durability of mold surface components and require less maintenance, specifically:
- Large tight-toleranced leader pins and bushings assist in providing smooth mold plate actuation, and ensure rigidity of the complete system;
- Hardened taper locks and straight-side interlocks ensure accurate parting line alignment, longer life of the mold surface components and consistent molded parts.
Additionally, mold base plate material and manufacturing can ensure long-term durability. Stainless steel mold base plates extend plate life and reduce cleaning and maintenance requirements. Precision jig boring ensures all critical machining is accurately positioned and sized, even on the largest mold base plates.
Providing engineering resources throughout each project, and working closely with molders and moldmakers, ensures that mold base integration is fast and simple.
A complete mold base project should include:
- Reviewing specific application and proposed insert concepts;
- Evaluating machine and facilities that will accept the mold base;
- Design assessment of the final mold base system: it's functionality and installation requirements;
- Assembly and test of the mold base;
- Shipment of the mold base to the moldmaker for installation of inserts;
- Field assistance with start up, preventative maintenance and global spare parts support.
Innovative design, tight tolerance machining and robust componentry are crucial for the demanding, high-output environments of today's molding operations.
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