Abstract: A core shooting machine (1) for producing cores by a process of shooting a core sand mixture (21) into a at least one cavity (19) in a core box (18), the core shooting machine (1) having a source of compressed air (10) at an adjustable initial machine pressure (P0), a shooting head (13) fluidically coupled to the source of compressed air (10) by at least one conduit (12) that includes an electronically controlled shot valve (11), the shooting head (13) being configured for containing an amount of the core sand mixture (21), resulting in a filling degree of the shoot head (13), and a computing device (50,60) associated with the core shooting machine (1) and being configured to perform a simulation of the process.

Abstract: A core blowing device includes a hopper, a fluidizer, a shooting head, and a robotic arm fitting. The core blowing device is configured to removeably couple to a free end of a robotic arm and is configurable to implement a variety of core casting processes using different aggregate materials, binders, catalysts, and/or curing processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eco-mold apparatus for manufacturing a piston, a mold apparatus for manufacturing a piston, and a piston manufacturing method, which mold each part of a piston while decreasing the weight of the piston, and the apparatus may comprise: a first eco-mold part which may move forward or backward in a first direction to shape a portion of an eco-part of a piston; a second eco-mold part which may shape-match with the first eco-mold part to mold another portion of the eco-part of the piston; and a piston pickup part which picks up the piston over the second eco-mold part, so that the piston pickup part can separate the piston from the second eco-mold part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a venturi effect in a food product molding machine. The venturi effect accelerates food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: A core molding machine which can be made smaller while having a favorable core sand filling property is provided. The machine comprises a core box having a pair of laterally separable dies and a sand filling device, having a blow head disposed under the core box, for filling the core box with core sand directed upward from the blow head; the blow head having a sand blow chamber for guiding the core sand to the core box while being connected to the core box and a sand storage chamber communicating with the sand blow chamber; the sand filling device having a compressed air supply unit for supplying a compressed air for blowing the core sand into the core box and an aeration air supply unit for supplying an aeration air for floating and fluidizing the core sand within the sand blow chamber.

Abstract: A method of pulsed-air compacting of mold-sand in combination with compacting by compression supplements the pulsed-air compacting of the mold-sand by an operation of re-compacting the mold-sand by pressing which is performed with the pattern plate containing the patterns by the plate moving inside the cavity of the filling frame in the direction of the latticed pressing element which is subjected to a counter-pressure force corresponding in its value to the prescribed level of the half mold compaction. The method is realized with a device in which the pattern plate containing the patterns is mounted with the possibility of a reciprocal motion inside the cavity of the filling frame, and the pressing cylinder is mounted with the possibility to apply a force against the movable pattern plate.

Abstract: The core sand filling device includes the core box, a blow head which is placed below the core box so as to move up and down in a relative manner to the core box and divided into a sand blowing chamber and a sand storage chamber that are communicatively connected to each other, a compressed air supply unit which is communicatively connected to the sand storage chamber and supplies compressed air into the sand storage chamber, an aeration air supply unit which is communicatively connected to the sand blowing chamber and supplies into the sand blowing chamber aeration air for suspending and fluidizing core sand inside the sand blowing chamber, and an exhaust valve which is communicatively connected to the sand blowing chamber and exhausts compressed air remaining in the sand blowing chamber.

Abstract: A flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold that provides support for quickly restoring the stopped equipment to a normal operation. The control circuit monitors the movements of the movable members, the cylinders, and the mechanisms for driving a cylinder, and if the period of the operation of each step of the flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold from the start of the operation to the point where the operation of the flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold reaches the predetermined position exceeds the predetermined period that is set to be abnormal, then the control circuit provides support for restoring the stopped equipment to a normal operation, following the instructions displayed on the screen and following the operator's input by means of an input switch.

Abstract: The core sand filling device includes the core box, a blow head which is placed below the core box so as to move up and down in a relative manner to the core box and divided into a sand blowing chamber and a sand storage chamber that are communicatively connected to each other, a compressed air supply unit which is communicatively connected to the sand storage chamber and supplies compressed air into the sand storage chamber, an aeration air supply unit which is communicatively connected to the sand blowing chamber and supplies into the sand blowing chamber aeration air for suspending and fluidizing core sand inside the sand blowing chamber, and an exhaust valve which is communicatively connected to the sand blowing chamber and exhausts compressed air remaining in the sand blowing chamber.

Abstract: A molding machine which allows a simplification of a sand filling operation, and the prevention of the formation of a bridge and an air channel in the sand tank, so that the sand filling operation of the molding machine is able to be performed steadily. The molding machine of the present invention includes: a sand tank for storing molding sand to be introduced to a molding flask; a pair of upper and lower sand filling nozzles to guide the molding sand in a horizontal direction, where the molding sand is supplied from a pair of upper and lower sand introducing parts which are located at the lower part of the sand tank; and at least one filter part with a plurality of air-injecting apertures on its entire body, which is attached to at least the entire inner surfaces of the pair of sand introducing parts; wherein the molding sand is fluidized by air injected through the air-injecting apertures of the filter part, and introduced to the molding flask through the sand filling nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a machine and a method for suctioning and exhausting air from a storage tank for sand in a molding machine that has less on-off valves and prevents sand from adhering to the interior of the valve for exhausting air while the air is being exhausted.

Abstract: For saving of time and effort during replacement of soiled filter plate locked onto a seal cover of a core shooter, the filter plate is placed on a gas chamber after releasing the lock and by its lateral outward motion from the core shooter is engaged with a receptacle of a tilting plate holder. A subsequent retraction of the gas chamber without the filter plate into the core shooter clears the path for tilting of the plate holder and with it positioning of a second receptacle carrying a cleaned filter plate into the vacant position. A renewed to-and-fro motion of the gas chamber serves the acceptance of the cleaned filter plate and its retraction to the seal cover of the core shooter, in order to lock the plate to the cover.

Abstract: A process and machine for simultaneously making an upper and lower flaskless mold, the process including defining a lower molding space by a drag flask that can enter or leave a molding space in which the molds are made, a match plate having patterns on the upper and lower surfaces and mounted on an upper surface of the drag flask, a lower filling frame provided with molding-sand introducing ports and connectable to the lower end of the drag flask to allow the lower filling frame to ascend and descend, and an ascendable and descendable lower squeeze board, and defining an upper molding space by a cope flask provided with molding-sand introducing ports and being mountable on the match plate to allow the cope flask to ascend and descend, and an upper squeeze board that is opposed to and fixedly provided above the match plate; simultaneously introducing molding sand into the upper and lower molding spaces; squeezing the molding sand by raising the lower squeeze board to make the upper mold and a lower mold; draw

Abstract: A sand-forming apparatus (10) comprising a box (20), a blow tube assembly (50) and a bonnet (90). The box (20) has a cope (30) and a drag (40) which together define a cavity (21) having a shape corresponding to a desired sand-shape. The blow tube assembly (50) comprises a blowplate (55), and at least one tube (50). The bonnet (90) may be fixed to and movable with the blowplate (55). Relative movement between the cope (30), the blowplate (55) and/or the bonnet (90) converts the apparatus (10) between a sand-blowing state and a catalyst-introducing state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flaskless molding machine that can use a matching plate of different thicknesses. The flaskless molding machine has two molding flasks that have a matching plate sandwiched between them, the two molding flasks being positioned in a way such that one of opening ends of the molding flasks is opposed to each other and each of the other opening ends of the molding flasks is engaged with a squeezing board, and a pair of spaces is formed, into which spaces molding sand is filled by air through each of the openings for introducing the molding sand, disposed on a wall of each of the two molding flasks that are opposed to each other, the flaskless molding machine thus constituted being able to mold two molds by squeezing the molding sand with the squeezing boards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flaskless molding machine that can use a matching plate of different thicknesses. The flaskless molding machine has two molding flasks that have a matching plate sandwiched between them, the two molding flasks being positioned in a way such that one of opening ends of the molding flasks is opposed to each other and each of the other opening ends of the molding flasks is engaged with a squeezing board, and a pair of spaces is formed, into which spaces molding sand is filled by air through each of the openings for introducing the molding sand, disposed on a wall of each of the two molding flasks that are opposed to each other, the flaskless molding machine thus constituted being able to mold two molds by squeezing the molding sand with the squeezing boards.

Abstract: A hybrid ceramic/sand casting method of manufacturing a metal part. The method is especially suitable for parts having one or more very small internal gaps, such as might occur with a linear passage or round opening. These parts are formed using a hybrid core having at least one ceramic section and at least one sand section, with the ceramic section being used to create the internal gap. A mold cavity is created for the part, and the hybrid core is positioned in the mold. Molten metal is introduced into the mold, and after the metal cools, the core is removed, thereby forming the part with the internal gap.

Abstract: A method to efficiently make flaskless upper and lower molds that are stacked, to efficiently spray a release agent in a closed space, and to promptly place a core. The method includes the steps of holding a match-plate between one pair of cope and drag flasks that are horizontally positioned, each of them having a sand-filling port for supplying molding sand at its side wall, defining upper and lower molding spaces by inserting upper and lower squeeze-plates in respective openings of the pair of cope and drag flasks which openings are opposed to the match-plate, putting the pair of cope and drag flasks and the match-plate in a vertical position, and causing the sand-filling ports to be placed in an upper position, spraying a release agent into the two upper and lower molding spaces, supplying molding sand through the sand-filling ports to the two upper and lower molding spaces, and squeezing the molding sand in the two upper and lower molding spaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for the forming of sand cores adapted to convey sand, tamp a sand core, and militate against an undesirable exposure of uncured sand to catalyst gases, while providing a non-tortuous flow path for sand. The apparatus for the forming of sand cores comprises a core box, a gassing manifold, a blow tube, a sand magazine, a connector tube, and a tamping pin.

Abstract: A method to efficiently make flaskless upper and lower molds that are stacked, to efficiently spray a release agent in a closed space, and to promptly place a core. The method includes the steps of holding a match-plate between one pair of cope and drag flasks that are horizontally positioned, each of them having a sand-filling port for supplying molding sand at its side wall, defining upper and lower molding spaces by inserting upper and lower squeeze-plates in respective openings of the pair of cope and drag flasks which openings are opposed to the match-plate, putting the pair of cope and drag flasks and the match-plate in a vertical position, and causing the sand-filling ports to be placed in an upper position, spraying a release agent into the two upper and lower molding spaces, supplying molding sand through the sand-filling ports to the two upper and lower molding spaces, and squeezing the molding sand in the two upper and lower molding spaces.

Abstract: An air amplifier apparatus and method for transferring or filling sand particles into a flask of a molding machine. A plurality of nozzles are each mounted with respect to the molding machine. A pressurized fluid, such as discharged from an air compressor or other pressure forming device, delivers pressurized fluid into each nozzle. The pressurized fluid flows through a passageway of each nozzle and can follow a Coanda profile as it accelerates the particles through the passageways. The accelerated particles are then discharged into a void formed by the flask of and pattern in the molding machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sand casting molding machine for double indexing molds in a mold string. The machine can include a shot chamber having sand, a swingable squeeze head, a lateral squeeze head, a core setter, a mold hold down, a mold retention device and a mold string conveyor.

Abstract: A method of producing a sand mold, comprising: after defining a mold space at least by a pattern plate, a flask, and a squeeze means, and after blow-charging molding sand held in a sand blowing device located above the mold space into the mold space by ejecting a first compressed air near sand ejecting ports of the sand blowing device thereby fluidizing the molding sand near the sand ejecting ports, while supplying a second compressed air to a surface of the molding sand held in the sand blowing device, moving the squeeze means toward the pattern plate, where in the pressure of the first compressed air and the period of time for supplying the first compressed air are adjusted to produce a good sand mold.

Abstract: A foundry core or mold comprised of sand admixed with an inorganic binder is hardened by passing a treatment gas through a first heater and heating it therein to a relatively low temperature and, in a first hardening stage, passing the gas at the low temperature from the first heater through a second heater and heating it therein to a relatively high temperature and thereafter passing the gas at the high temperature from the second heater to and through a core box holding the core or mold to harden same. Thereafter in an after-treatment stage passing the gas at the low temperature from the first heater substantially directly to and through the core box holding the core or mold to after treat same.

Abstract: A flask unit for producing a cope and a drag that are stacked, comprising at least two uprightly disposed connecting rods (4), a cope flask slidably fitted on the connecting rods and formed with a molding sand blowing-in port in one of its sides, and a drag flask slidably fitted on the connecting rods so that it is located under the cope flask to mate it, the drag flask being formed with a molding sand blowing-in port in one of the sides thereof.

Abstract: A sand-forming apparatus (10) comprising a sand magazine (12), a manifold (14), a core box (16) defining a cavity (18), a clamp table (20), and a blow tube assembly (22). The apparatus (10) is convertible from a sand-blowing state to a catalyst-introducing state without removal of the blow tube assembly (22) and/or un-clamping of the tool package (e.g., the manifold (14) and the cope/drag halves of the core box (16)). In the sand-blowing state, sand is blown from the magazine (12) into the cavity (18) and, in the catalyst-introducing state, the catalyst is introduced into the blown sand in the cavity (18) to solidify the sand into a sand-shape. Molten metal can be poured into or around the sand-shape formed by the apparatus (10) and, upon completion of casting the metal part, the sand-shape can be removed.

Abstract: An air amplifier apparatus and method for transferring or filling sand particles into a flask of a molding machine. A plurality of nozzles are each mounted with respect to the molding machine. A pressurized fluid, such as discharged from an air compressor or other pressure forming device, delivers pressurized fluid into each nozzle. The pressurized fluid flows through a passageway of each nozzle and can follow a Coanda profile as it accelerates the particles through the passageways. The accelerated particles are then discharged into a void formed by the flask of and pattern in the molding machine.

Abstract: A sand-forming apparatus (10) comprising a sand magazine (12), a manifold (14), a core box (16) defining a cavity (18), a clamp table (20), and a blow tube assembly (22). The apparatus (10) is convertible from a sand-blowing state to a catalyst-introducing state without removal of the blow tube assembly (22) and/or unclamping of the tool package (e.g., the manifold (14) and the cope/drag halves of the core box (16)). In the sand-blowing state, sand is blown from the magazine (12) into the cavity (18) and, in the catalyst-introducing state, the catalyst is introduced into the blown sand in the cavity (18) to solidify the sand into a sand-shape. Molten metal can be poured into or around the sand-shape formed by the apparatus (10) and, upon completion of casting the metal part, the sand-shape can be removed.

Abstract: In blowing gas-curing casting sand, which is accommodated in a receiver of a blow head, into a cavity in molding dies and thereby packing it into the cavity, prior to the blowing and packing of the casting sand into the cavity, the casting sand in the receiver is stirred by a stirrer until the stirring resistance of the stirrer enters a predetermined range (a range corresponding to an optimum bulk density range of casting sand within which casting sand can efficiently blow out through blow nozzles).

Abstract: In a casting mold making system for blowing and packing casting sand accommodated in a receiver of a blow head into a cavity in molding dies by feeding pressurized gas into the receiver, the pressure of pressurized gas to be fed into the receiver is discontinuously raised at least once in the course of feeding of pressurized gas into the receiver.

Abstract: In a molding machine, foundry sand thrown into a molding space defined by a pattern plate and flask members is compressed in two steps. Namely, in the first step a lower subsidiary flask is stationary while in the second step the flask is movable. The pattern carrier molding machine comprises a molding base, flask-setting cylinders, a lift-support frame, and a segment-squeeze sand hopper. The auxiliary flask 62 of the compact pattern-plate carrier is installed movably up and down through a plurality of upward oil cylinders 63,63 that are expanded/contracted via special oil cylinders 64,65 operated by outside cylinders 68,69.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and tools for producing a braking band (2) of a disk-brake disk (1) by casting, in which the disk comprises at least two plates (3, 3?) connected to one another by connecting elements (4) forming an internal air-duct (7) for the cooling of the braking band (2). With the method and the tools, a disk is produced in which at least one of the plates (3, 3?) has, in its surface (8, 8?) defining the air-ducts (7), at least one groove (10, 10?) having a cross-section which becomes wider towards the air-duct.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a casting mold for an engine block, the casting mold includes a mold seat for a cast-in-place cylinder bore liner, the seat having a surface disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder bore liner, wherein the cylinder bore liner becomes slightly unseated upon thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hardening foundry cores from sand-containing molding materials. The core, for the purpose of hardening it, is subjected to a catalyst vapor/gas mixture in a core molding tool (20). and then to a pressurized air flow, at a predetermined pressure and predetermined temperature, via a gassing plate (30) that can be coupled to the core molding tool in a gas-tight manner. The amine is, preferably during core injection, supplied to a heating and mixing stage (17) in liquid form and in a dosed manner and converted to its gaseous state. Once the gassing plate has been coupled to the core molding tool in a gas-tight manner, heated pressurized air is guided through the heating and mixing stage (17) charged with the amine gas within a predetermined time interval and with proportional pressure increase for gassing the tool in a time-controlled manner. From there, the gas is guided as a catalyst vapor/gas mixture through the sand-containing molding material in the core molding tool.

Abstract: Moulding machine (1) for the moulding of sand moulds (4, 5) by blowing sand in through slitshaped openings (14, 15) extending across each side plate (16, 17) of a moulding box (6, 7). Into the boxes (6, 7) extend moulding patterns (12, 13). At least one of the end parts (18, 19) of the slitshaped openings has a greater width than the central part (20, 21) thereof. When the sand is blown in through the openings (14, 15) a greater amount of sand is achieved at the peripheral region of the boxes (6, 7) than when the end parts has no greater width than the central part of the opening. Consequently, by the present solution is achieved a greater hardness of the squeezed sand moulds at the peripheral region than by the prior art solutions.

Abstract: A sand-forming apparatus (10) comprising a sand magazine (12), a manifold (14), a core box (16) defining a cavity (18), a clamp table (20), and a blow tube assembly (22). The apparatus (10) is convertible from a sand-blowing state to a catalyst-introducing state without removal of the blow tube assembly (22) and/or unclamping of the tool package (e.g., the manifold (14) and the cope/drag halves of the core box (16)). In the sand-blowing state, sand is blown from the magazine (12) into the cavity (18) and, in the catalyst-introducing state, the catalyst is introduced into the blown sand in the cavity (18) to solidify the sand into a sand-shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of mould parts, in particular of casting cores, for casting moulds for the casting of molten metal heats, wherein, in a shoot-moulding machine (1), with the aid of filling elements, such as shooting nozzles (8) and a shooting hood (6), material mould (F) containing an inorganic binding agent is filled into a cavity (12) of a mould tool (10) which determines the shape of the mould part (K) which is to be manufactured, wherein, heat is supplied to the mould material (F) filled into the mould tool (10), over a hardening period, in order for the mould material (F) to solidify due to the extraction of moisture, and wherein, during the hardening period, at least the filling elements (6,8) of the shoot-moulding machine (1), which contains mould material (F), and which are in a stand-by position during this hardening period, and are heated concomitantly by the radiant heat emitted by the mould tool (10), are kept at a moisture content level which prevents the soli

Abstract: A pattern carrier for a flask molding machine including a mount on which a pattern plate is mounted and a flask-shaped, molding flask-removing frame adapted to make contact with a lower end of a molding flask of a flask molding machine and moveable up and down around said pattern plate for removing a finished mold.

Abstract: A method and automated matchplate molding machine for blowing sand horizontally into the horizontally spaced open ends of the cope and drag flasks with a perpendicular trajectory relative to a vertically aligned matchplate between the cope and drag flasks. Sand is pneumatically blown horizontally from sand magazines through opposing ends of the cope and drag flasks toward the matchplate. The cope and drag flask can be turned between the upright and rotated positions. The machine disassembles the mold flask and removes the mold in the upright position and fills the mold with sand horizontally when in the rotated position. The molding machine includes a rotating turret that carries two mold flasks between a mold forming station and a draw station. The mold flasks may also be rotated about a horizontal axis relative to the turret to facilitate turning of the mold flasks between upright and rotated positions.

Abstract: A sand-forming apparatus (10) comprising a sand magazine (12), a manifold (14), a core box (16) defining a cavity (18), a clamp table (20), and a blow tube assembly (22). The apparatus (10) is convertible from a sand-blowing state to a catalyst-introducing state without removal of the blow tube assembly (22) and/or unclamping of the tool package (e.g., the manifold (14) and the cope/drag halves of the core box (16)). In the sand-blowing state, sand is blown from the magazine (12) into the cavity (18) and, in the catalyst-introducing state, the catalyst is introduced into the blown sand in the cavity (18) to solidify the sand into a sand-shape.

Abstract: A sand-blowing apparatus for a molding machine having a sand-storing tank for storing foundry sand disposed so as to be movable vertically and having an opening in an upper part of the sand-storing tank for supplying sand thereto, a nozzle in a bottom part of the sand-storing tank, a chamber in a central part of the sand-storing tank, and an exhaust valve that communicates with the chamber, a compressed air tank for storing compressed air that is movable vertically located above the sand-storing tank, and having an opening in a bottom part of the compressed air tank for blowing compressed air, a device for moving the compressed air tank toward and away from the sand-storing tank, a valve for controlling the opening and closing of the opening in the bottom part of the compressed air tank, a piston rod connected to said valve that passes through an upper part of the compressed air tank, and a device for raising and lowering the piston rod to thereby open and close the valve, wherein when the compressed air tank

Abstract: A temperature control unit for raw molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold according to the present invention comprises a heat exchanger (A) consisting of a spiral hollow tube allowing heat carrier to flow, and a gas distribution tube assembly for making powder flow (B) for supplying gas to cause the flow of molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold. Furthermore, a temperature control apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reservoir for raw molding sand or resin-coated sand for a shell mold, and said temperature control unit provided in said reservoir.

Abstract: A blow tube for delivering particulate material from a container thereof to a mold to form a core has a unitary, elongate body formed of resiliently elastic material which enables the body to adjust and compensate for misalignment of the container and the mold. The blow tube body has a bore having a plurality of axially spaced sections so that when the particulate material is blown through the body by compressed gas, the density of the particulate material is increased and the velocity of the gas and particle stream is increased. The elasticity of the blow tube body enables the latter to expand in the event the particulate material clogs the blow tube, thereby enabling the clog to disaglomerate.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for and a method of reclaiming molding sand capable of increasing a recycling efficiency of used molding sand and of highly enhancing the purity of a reclaimed molding sand. By crushing a lump of molding sand segregated from a molding box, used molding sand can be formed. In order to remove coking agents sticking on a surface of the used molding sand, an impeller disposed in a rotatable grinding drum is rotated after charging the used molding sand into a casing in which the rotatable grinding drum is disposed. The coking agents sticking on the surface of the used molding sand are removed due to collision and a mutual frictional rolling contact between the used molding sand and the rotatable grinding drum with the aid of rotational force of the impeller after having accomplished charging the used molding sand toward the impeller.

Abstract: Moulding machine (1) for the moulding of sand moulds (4, 5) by blowing sand in through slitshaped openings (14, 15) extending across each side plate (16, 17) of a moulding box (6, 7). Into the boxes (6, 7) extend moulding patterns (12, 13). At least one of the end parts (18, 19) of the slitshaped openings has a greater width than the central part (20, 21) thereof. When the sand is blown in through the openings (14, 15) a greater amount of sand is achieved at the peripheral region of the boxes (6, 7) than when the end parts has no greater width than the central part of the opening. Consequently, by the present solution is achieved a greater hardness of the squeezed sand moulds at the peripheral region than by the prior art solutions.

Abstract: The method of improving the mould quality of a mould-forming machine comprising at least one moulding chamber with oppositely positioned and movable squeeze plates, in which the mould-forming process comprises the steps of a) filling the at least one moulding chamber with compressible mould material, b) pressing the mould material between the squeeze plates, c) opening the moulding chambers(s) by moving at least one of the squeeze plates, d) removing the produced mould or mould parts from the moulding chamber(s) and e) reclosing the moulding chambers(s) by moving at least one of the squeeze plates, ready for a new cycle starting from step (a), by moving at least one squeeze plate in a direction reducing the volume of the moulding chambers(s) during at least part of the filling step a), an improved filling of mould cavities is achieved, which compensates for the reduced filling velocity during start-up of the filling.

Abstract: In a mould forming machine comprising a moulding chamber, a movable squeeze plate and a pattern, the filling of selected parts of the pattern with compressible mould material is improved by applying vacuum to said selected parts. By applying the vacuum separately to different parts of the pattern at different periods, of time during the filling step, the vacuum application can be applied during shorter periods only when needed, thereby reducing the drying out of the mould material and reducing the amounts of air to be removed by the vacuum system.

Abstract: A sand hopper (28) is provided at its lower position (40) with a plurality of nozzles (42) and a plurality of squeeze feet (46), the pressure of which is controlled, and which are located adjacent to a side of each squeeze foot. The sand hopper (28) is supported by supporting means (22, 26) such that it can move vertically. A mold space is defined by a pattern plate having a pattern (74a), a flask (4), a filling frame (52), and a sand hopper (28) having a plurality of squeeze feet (46) disposed above the filling frame (52). By discharging molding sand from the nozzles (42), it is introduced into the mold space. The mold sand (S2) in the mold space is compacted by the squeeze feet by lowering the sand hopper toward the mold space. Since the molding machine is so arranged, both introducing molding sand into a mold space and compacting the introduced molding sand are performed at one station (a molding-sand introducing and compacting station).

Abstract: A method and automated matchplate molding machine for blowing sand horizontally into the horizontally spaced open ends of the cope and drag flasks with a perpendicular trajectory relative to a vertically aligned matchplate between the cope and drag flasks. Sand is pneumatically blown horizontally from sand magazines through opposing ends of the cope and drag flasks toward the matchplate. The cope and drag flask can be turned between upright and rotated positions. The machine disassembles the mold flask and removes the mold in the upright position and fills the mold with sand horizontally when in the rotated position. The molding machine includes a rotating turret that carries two mold flasks between a mold forming station and a draw station. The mold flasks may also be rotated about a horizontal axis relative to the turret to facilitate turning of the mold flasks between upright and rotated positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a sand mold (112) utilizing reverse purge air through a core box (100 and 100′) to harden the binder in the sand mold (112) proximate the ejection pins (106 and 106′). The sand mold (112) may be removed from the core box (100 and 100′) prior to drying the binder completely.