Rubber Molding System provides automated mold handling.

Press Release Summary:

Hydraulic rubber molding presses, available in models from 600-2,000 tons, employ automatic mold handling system that opens and closes molds as well as self-adjusting elevator system for precise mold alignment. PLC control system eliminates manual set-ups and provides for proportional motion control. With eight 10 in. mold openings, 600 ton model utilizes 74 x 54 in. platens and features 30 in. ram. Heating can be steam, oil, or electric.

Original Press Release:

New Automated Rubber Molding System Provides Higher Production Levels and Better Part Quality

Cleveland, OH: Technical Machine Products (TMP) has recently introduced a new line of highly automated rubber hydraulic molding presses that provide higher production rates and improve part quality. The new presses are available in models from 600 to 2,000 tons. The 600 ton model employs eight mold openings and utilizes platens that are 74" x 54". This model features 30" ram and has eight 10" openings. Heating can be steam, oil, or electric and is designed as a closed loop system with accurate and programmable temperature controls. Standard Steam-heated model equipped with manifolds and valves. Heavy duty construction minimizes deflection. An important feature of the new TMP press system is a fully automatic mold handling system that opens and closes the molds. The elevator system for mold handling is self-adjusting and provides highly accurate alignment with the molds. According to Ted Soberay, president of TMP, the automated mold handling system is faster and safer. "Our system eliminates the handling of heavy molds with hoists and reduces the possibility of operator injuries and damage to molds." The mold handling is much faster, reduces press downtime when handling molds, and eliminates one step in the molding process. The machine features a system of automatically opening for 3-piece molds at various elevations. The operator, as well as the mold opening device, are able to travel to each opening (a distance of 97"). The PLC control system, developed by TMP engineers, eliminates manual set-ups, reduces set-up time, and provides more accurate set-up. Temperature control is highly accurate and the control system provides for proportional control of motions with velocity speed controls. All controls are fully programmable and user-friendly. According to Soberay, "In addition to improved safety, our new press system offer minimum deflection, faster cycle times, higher production rates, reduced scrap rates, better part quality, and less maintenance downtime." He adds that, "By fully automating the mold handling aspect of production, we have minimized the possibility of operator errors that result in lost production and downtime." For more information, contact TMP, 5500 Walworth Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Tel: 216-281-9500; Fax: 216-281- 0408. E-mail: mail@techmach.com. Visit the TMP website at techmach.com.