Abstract: A compression molding system and method, including a mold set and one or more hydraulic cylinders that create a self-aligning and self-activating operating unit. The hydraulic cylinders can include a combination of activation and clamping cylinders. The mold set includes a first and second mold section and a source of heat is provided to heat the mold set. The mold sections are constructed of individual plates or bar stock, and machined to define a mold cavity. Reinforcement plates can be attached to the mold sections and add structure and integrity to the system. A computer control system interprets data from the activation hydraulic cylinders and monitors and controls hydraulic fluid flow into and out of each cylinder and a pumping system pumps hydraulic fluid into and out of the chambers within the activation and clamping cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydroforming system and method eliminating the need for a solid steel die (or mold) set operated by a conventional high tonnage hydraulic press. The invention utilizes a fabricated or bar-stock die set integrated to a series of adjustably placed hydraulic cylinders to create a self-contained operating unit. The system can include a die set, a plurality of activation and clamping hydraulic cylinders, a computer control system and reinforcement and support structures. The die set can be a mounted lower die half and an adjacent movable upper die half, each constructed of individual pieces of plate or bar stock. The computer control system interprets incoming linear position data from all of the activation hydraulic cylinders and monitors and controls hydraulic fluid flow into and out of each cylinder. The system can also have a plurality of support pillars affixed to the lower die half.