Abstract: Relatively simple modifications of an existing three-deck vulcanizing press make it possible to greatly improve press productivity with a small investment in new equipment. The press is modified by providing a manually or automatically controlled wedge lock assembly including separate power locking means located adjacent the upper and lower platens, respectively, and having releasable wedge means for locking each pair of mold halves together.In a typical cycle for manufacture of rubber articles, each vulcanizing mold is held open for a period of time, such as 30 to 60 seconds, to permit unloading of the vulcanized rubber pieces, cleaning and/or coating of the mold surfaces, and reloading of the mold cavities as required while the other mold is locked in a closed position and heated to continue the curing of the rubber.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for greatly improving the productivity of three-deck injection and compression and/or transfer molding presses used for making vulcanized rubber articles in which pressures are applied to both the upper and lower sets of vulcanizing molds for only short periods of time and one set of molds is locked together and continues to vulcanize the rubber parts while the other set is held open to permit unloading and reloading.During each cycle each vulcanizing mold is held open for a period of time, such as 30 to 60 seconds, to permit unloading of the vulcanized rubber pieces, cleaning and/or coating of the mold surfaces, and reloading of the mold cavities as required while the other mold is locked in a closed position and heated to continue the curing of the rubber.