Abstract: A system includes a mold having a receptacle. The mold is configured to form a body panel of a vehicle. Alternating inserts are each configured to be selectively retained by and released from the receptacle. Each respective alternating insert, when selectively retained by the receptacle, is configured to form a labeling region on a body panel formed in the mold. A method for forming a body panel of a vehicle includes providing a mold having a receptacle. A first insert is selectively retained within the receptacle, and a first body panel is formed in the mold to have a first labeling region provided by the first insert. The first insert is released from the receptacle and a second insert is selectively retained within the receptacle. A second body panel is formed in the mold to have a second labeling region provided by the second insert.

Abstract: A tool and method adapted to facilitate access to a hot runner system in an injection molding system wherein the hot runner system includes one or more injection nozzles projecting away from a hot runner surface. The tool includes a first plate structure having one or more nozzle acceptance openings adapted to engage the injection nozzles. A second plate structure is disposed in opposing, spaced apart relation from the first plate structure. One or more elongate spacers are disposed in connective spacing relation between the first plate structure and the second plate structure.

Abstract: A die assembly and a process for using the die assembly is disclosed. The die plate is made of a material that is somewhat resistant to cracking when subjected to pressure of an extrudate material from behind the die assembly. A series of recesses are arranged about the circumference of the die plate, into which dies of a more hardened material are secured. Holes conforming to the shape of the desired extrudate are drilled through the die plate and dies. The surface of the dies is ground smooth so that there is consistent, even contact between the dies and the mechanism used for cutting the extrudate as it is pushed out of the holes in the dies.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for manufacturing moldable materials including various types of natural and synthetic clays, edible materials such as cookie dough, and modeling compound by forming a moldable billet through various techniques, and reducing the cross section of said moldable billet such that features in the moldable billet appear in a similar arrangement in the resulting extruded product.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus for demounting a mold block includes a main body, a pivot, and an engaging member. The main body includes a hold portion and a load portion. The pivot is connected to the main body for providing a fulcrum for the main body. The hold portion and the load portion are disposed at two sides of the fulcrum. The engaging member is mounted to the load portion for fixing the mold block to the engaging member. The load portion swings about the fulcrum in a first direction and drives the engaging member to demount the mold block when the hold portion is pressed by a force in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An injection molding die for a mold for fabricating a plastic filter component including a net, at least one supporting rib, and a frame. The molding die includes a plurality of net grooves including a first set of net grooves and a second set of net grooves intersecting at least some of the first set of net grooves. The plurality of net grooves are for receiving plastic for forming the net of the plastic filter component. At least one rib groove is contiguous and in flow communication with at least some of the net grooves. The at least one rib groove is deeper than the net grooves and is for forming the at least one supporting rib subdividing the net into at least two portions. A frame cavity around the net grooves is in flow communication therewith, for receiving plastic for forming the frame. At least one damming device extending into the mold and located to act as a restriction for controlling plastic flow therepast and into at least some of the net grooves.

Abstract: A hardware configuration and related method for straight injection molding of ophthalmic lenses using thermal control fluid circulating within a closed channel located interior of the insert. The channel is closed by a no-leak valve. The adjusting body is equipped with a mating no leak valve. The valves seal over an operational distance L before the valves are opened to admit the thermal circulating fluid into the insert. The insert can be easily changed or shimmed without leaking and without having to change the insert configuration.

Abstract: A clamp actuator of a molding system is provided. The clamp actuator includes a first actuator configured to be interactable with a rod; and a second actuator configured to be interactable with the first actuator. The first actuator is configured to apply a clamping force to the rod; and the second actuator is configured to apply a force opposing the clamping force to the first actuator. Responsive to actuating the first actuator, the rod is drivable between (i) a home position in which a clamping force is not applicable to the rod, and (ii) a force application position in which the clamping force is applicable to the rod. Responsive to a mold flash occurring which exceeds the clamping force, the rod is moveable into a mold flash position beyond the home position.

Abstract: An extrusion head comprising at least one drive wheel and an assembly positionable between at least a first state and a second state. The assembly comprises a first extrusion line configured to engage the at least one drive wheel while the assembly is positioned in the first state, and a second extrusion line configured to engage the at least one drive wheel while the assembly is positioned in the second state.

Abstract: Die opening-closing means includes a servo motor and a movement conversion mechanism and is disposed between a support plate and a base stand. A movable plate is mounted on the support plate that is disposed on the base stand via a linear movement guide. In a forging cycle, die opening and closing is performed by activation of the die opening-closing means and tie bar fixing means at a rear surface side of the movable plate, and clamping force is obtained using a die clamping cylinder provided in the movable plate. When it is necessary to change over exclusive dies and change over is performed by: extending tie bar removal cylinders provided in a frame behind the movable plate so as to remove tie bars from a fixed plate; and moving a movable rail of internal rails to an open position and moving the change over carriage in along the internal rails from the outside.

Abstract: An injection molding machine to prevent a molded piece from being separated from a mold after molds are disassembled from each other includes a first mold, a second mold assembled with the first mold to form a cavity, and a binding device or a pressing device to get a molded piece held in the first mold when the first mold and the second mold are disassembled from each other.

Abstract: The two-sides in-mold decoration molding die includes a first mold on which the first decoration film is lengthwise movably disposed, and a second mold on which the second decoration film is laterally movably disposed and provided with a sprue and a runner, and a protruding section set higher than a region where the second decoration film passes is provided in a portion surrounding at least the runner, in an area directly confronting the first decoration film when the molds are clamped.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compensating retaining member for use with a molding system and the molding system incorporating same. A retaining structure for use in a molding system, the retaining structure configured to cooperate with a slide that is configured to receive, in use, a split mold insert coupled to the slide, is provided. The retaining structure comprises a body defining a relief element configured to provide a degree of flexibility to the body.

Abstract: A mould for injection compression moulding of an article includes two mould parts mounted on two relatively movable platens of an injection moulding machine and defining between them a cavity. A first mould part is supported on a first of the two platens in such a manner that it is capable of tilting out of parallel with the first platen. The first mould part is rigidly connected to at least one axially extending support bar which engages at its first end with a guide surface mounted in fixed relation to the first platen and which slidably engages at its second end with a guide surface mounted in fixed relation to the second platen, whereby in the closing stages of the mould, the weight of the first mould part is carried by the support bar while resting on both platens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for injection molding an ophthalmic lens mold section having an optical surface and a non-optical surface opposite the optical surface. The apparatus includes a non-optical tool assembly for forming the non-optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section. An optical tool assembly is in opposed relation to the non-optical tool assembly and together therewith forms a mold cavity for forming the ophthalmic lens mold section. In the preferred embodiment, the optical tool assembly includes a rotatably mounted core member and an optical insert removably secured the core member. The optical insert has an optical molding surface for forming an optical surface of the ophthalmic lens mold section opposite the non-optical surface thereof. A locking mechanism having, in a preferred embodiment, a locking pin selectively movable between a first position wherein the pin allows rotation of the core member and a second position wherein the pin prevents the core member from rotation.

Abstract: Die opening-closing means 10 includes a servo motor 11 and a movement conversion mechanism and is disposed between a support plate 8 and a base stand 1. A movable plate 4 is mounted on the support plate 8 that is disposed on the base stand 1 via a linear movement guide 7. In a forging cycle, die opening and closing is performed by activation of the die opening-closing means 10 and tie bar fixing means 21 at a rear surface side of the movable plate 4, and clamping force is obtained using a die clamping cylinder 30 provided in the movable plate 2. When it is necessary to change over exclusive dies 3b and 5b, change over is performed by: extending tie bar removal cylinders 41 provided in a frame 40 behind the movable plate 4 so as to remove tie bars 6 from a fixed plate 2; and moving a movable rail 52b of internal rails 52 to an open position and moving the change over carriage in along the internal rails 52 from the outside.

Abstract: A hot runner nozzle system (500) comprising a nozzle tip (100) adjacent to a nozzle (405) in series, and a retainer (400) adjoining both the nozzle tip (100) and the nozzle (405) in parallel, the retainer (400) having a first retainer thread (435), for connection to a nozzle thread (420) to form a first seal (450) between the nozzle end (440) of the retainer (400) and a nozzle shoulder (430), a second retainer thread (460), for connection to a tip thread (455) to form a second seal (470) between the inlet end (475) of the nozzle tip (100) and the gate end (425) of the nozzle (405), a seal ring (115) for creating a gate seal (496) with a gate insert (120), and a plurality of flats (410) thereon to facilitate torquing of the retainer (400) to the nozzle (405), the torque value applied to the retainer (400) being about two to four times of that applied to the nozzle tip (100) to facilitate removal of the nozzle tip (100) independent of the retainer (400).

Abstract: Apparatus including a collar for aligning opposing first and second tool sections such as mold halves during closing of the tool sections and a tool utilizing same are provided. Each apparatus includes a projection such as a solid pin integrally including a frustum-shaped tapered portion and a cylindrically-shaped guide portion. The apparatus further includes a bushing having an upper surface and a central opening with internal contours which are complementary to outer contours of the guide portion. The collar has a lower surface and a central opening which is aligned with the central opening of the bushing when the collar is mounted at a predetermined position on the bushing with the upper and lower surfaces in abutting engagement. The collar opening has internal contours which are complementary to outer contours of the tapered portion. The tapered portion of the projection and the collar guide and direct the tool sections into alignment as the tool sections close.

Abstract: A stationary platen unit and a movable platen unit each include a platen body, a load transmission portion, a die fixing plate, and a backup member. The backup member is located between the platen body and the die fixing plate. The backup member is movable between a first position in which it is in contact with both the die fixing plate and the platen body and a second position in which it is separate from the die fixing plate and/or the platen body. When a large die set is attached to the die fixing plate, the backup member is situated in the first position. When a small die set is attached to the die fixing plate, the backup member is moved to the second position.

Abstract: A stack mold carrier (200) for use in a stack mold system (500) is provided. The stack mold system includes a pair of rails (600), the stack mold carrier, a mold (not labeled) and a cooling assembly (40). The stack mold carrier includes a carrier portion (20) and a pair of bridge portions (22) extending from opposite ends of the carrier portion. The stack mold carrier strides over the rails with each of the bridge portions slidably mounted on a corresponding one of the rails. The mold includes a middle mold plate (504), a stationary portion (506) and a movable portion (502). The middle mold plate is supported on the carrier portion and is movable with the stack mold carrier relative to the stationary portion and the movable portion along the rails. The cooling assembly is configured for the mold installed on the carrier portion.

Abstract: A mold transfer assembly is described that upon placement or construction along a region of an injection molding press, readily receives and retains mold(s) used in the press, and when not in use can be stored below the floor. The mold transfer assembly includes a mold receiving member that is positionable between an extended or raised state, at which the member is at a position, orientation, and height suitable for receiving a mold or set of molds from the press, and a retracted position at which the member is positioned under the floor. This configuration and positioning ability enables greater amounts of floor space to be used when the mold transfer assembly is not in use. Also described is a molding platen having a selectively positionable mold support ledge that enables molds of different sizes to be used in a single press.

Abstract: An apparatus for injection molding using a stack mold comprising first and second mold assemblies interposed between a movable platen and a stationary platen comprises at least one centering device for coupling movement of the movable platen to intermediate mold members of the mold assemblies, the centering device comprising first and second helical gear mechanisms and a transmission coupling rotation of helical gear segments of the first and second helical gear mechanisms. Effective pitch of the helical gear mechanisms and the ratio of rotation coupled by the transmission are chosen to maintain the intermediate mold members centered in or offset from center in the separation between the movable platen and stationary platen.

Abstract: A mold clamping system using mold opening and closing mechanisms to move a movable platen toward a fixed platen, engaging half nuts with engagement parts formed at tie bars, and using clamping cylinders to pull tie bars and clamp the mold, provided with position adjustment rods arranged on the opposite sides from the mold attachment surfaces of pistons of the clamping cylinders, a plurality of adjustment cylinders arranged, in parallel with the position adjustment rods, on the fixed platen or movable platen at the side where the clamping cylinders are arranged, and connection members connecting rods of the adjustment cylinders and the position adjustment rods, whereby the mold clamping system is shortened in overall length and simple mechanisms are used to control the position adjustment of the tie bars with a high precision.

Abstract: A machine-side ejector assembly for an injection molding machine having a mold mounting plate includes an ejector plate which is movable relative to the mold mounting plate, and a rotatable shaft having one end received by the ejector plate. An indexing plate is connectable to the rotatable shaft, with a rotary drive, disposed on or in the ejector plate, for rotating the indexing plate via the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An injection molding device (100) includes an upper mold (30), a core insert (50), and a lower mold (70). The upper mold defines a main flow passage (311) and a cylindrical receiving cavity (331) communicating with the main flow passage. The core insert is rotatably received in the cylindrical receiving cavity and defines a secondary flow passage (57) communicating with the main flow passage and at least one upper half molding cavity (531). The lower mold defines at least one lower half molding cavity (711) cooperating with the upper half molding cavity to form a full molding cavity.

Abstract: Molding system for use with a mold having stationary mold portion and movable mold portion, molding system comprising: stationary platen configured to support stationary mold portion; movable platen configured to be movable relative to stationary platen, and movable platen configured to support movable mold portion; and extruder, including: barrel defining channel extending through barrel; liner received in channel, liner defining first conically-shaped end; machine nozzle connecting with the mold; and barrel head fixedly connected with barrel, barrel head fixedly connected with machine nozzle so that molten molding material is conveyable from barrel to cavity defined by the mold, barrel head defining passageway extending through barrel head, barrel head defining second conically-shaped end exiting the passageway, second conically-shaped end mated with the first conically-shaped end of the liner so that channel and passageway are aligned with each other.

Abstract: A tri-plate injection die with changeable male and female die cores, it has a movable-side die plate having therein a receiving space for changeably assembling in the space a male die core and a supporting plate, a movable-side mounting plate having two spaced blocks being respectively abutted on a junction between a supporting plate and the movable-side die plate to form contact areas to bear the injection pressure. And a fixed-side die plate with a receiving space for changeably assembling in the space a female die core and a changeable casting channel die core. The casting channel die core has therein a substituting casting channel that can change position deviation; thereby an injection point of hot molten plastics injected into the die can be changed in pursuance of the shape of the cavity of the female die core.

Abstract: A gas-exhausting marking device that is easily attached to the molding device in an appropriate position where the marking device exhibit sufficient gas-exhausting effect. The upper surface and the bottom surface of the marking device according to the present invention are configured to be breathable to allow gas to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A mold for molding an optical element, in particular using a reaction injection molding method (RIM). The mold comprises a generally circular shaped, mold cavity having a geometrical center and a main plane, a sprue base with a longitudinal axis and a feed connection that makes the sprue base communicate with a feed sill of the mold cavity, the longitudinal axis of the sprue base and the geometrical center of the mold cavity defining a mold symmetry plane orthogonal to the main plane of the mold cavity, which intersection with said main plane defines a mold main axis, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the sprue base together with a line perpendicular to the main plane of the mold cavity forms an angle ranging from 0 to 30°, preferably from 0 to 15°. Methods of using the mold and objects made thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-positioning clamp piston assembly (300) provides clamp-up, mold break and position reset function through the provision of distinct clamp-up (329), mold break (366) and reset (368) chambers. A position reference shoulder (337) on a piston front ring (330) fixed into a platen (12), permits positioning of a tie bar (12) to ensure clearance (102) between teeth (100) on the tie bar (12) and teeth (98) on a related but separate locking assembly (94). With the tie bar (12) coupled to a clamp piston (304) through a tie bar end plate (340), movement of the tie bar under clamp pressure displaces an independently moveable reset piston (360) from alignment with the tie bar end plate (340). Pressurization of the mold break chamber (366) causes displacement of the reset piston (360) from the shoulder (337), but re-alignment of the reset piston with the tie bar end plate (340).

Abstract: A mold can be receive mold inserts or submolds for customized configuration of the mold. In addition, the submolds can be specially configured for use. The same submold can be changed for a different use. Also, the submold can be reconfigured for use after the submold has been reconditioned. Moreover, the submolds make efficient use of materials within the mold by having many parts that are capable of reuse.

Abstract: A system for conveying fluids, particularly molten polymer in an extrusion melt train. The system has a first element having a first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interface surface thereon, such that the first interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the first fluid passage. The first element also has a first interlocking feature. The system also has a second element having a second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interface surface thereon, such that the second interface surface is non-orthogonal to the axis of the second fluid passage. The second element also has a second interlocking feature. In use, the first element and the second element are placed in a linking position adjacent each other such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage.

Abstract: The mold assembly (100) is provided including a mold plate (20), a mold core (30), an elastic member (40) and an adjusting member (50). The mold plate has a receiving cavity (25) and a receiving aperture (27) defined therein. The mold core is received in the receiving cavity. The elastic member, configured to restore the mold core to its previous position, is disposed between the mold plate and the mold core. The adjusting member is received in the receiving aperture, engaging with the mold core to drive the mold core to move relative to the mold plate.

Abstract: Provided is a mold clamping apparatus of a mold having a side wall portion of cantilever shape, by which deformation of the mold side wall portion can be efficiently suppressed. An injection molding machine and injection molding method both using the mold clamping apparatus are also provided. Thereby, molded articles with high quality having no flash generation can be obtained. The mold clamping apparatus comprises a side pusher comprising a pair of supports respectively arranged between adjacent two tie bars out of a plurality of tie bars at positions symmetrical to each other and slidably supported to the tie bars, a moving and positioning means linking the supports to a fixed platen or movable platen and moving the supports to be positioned at a predetermined position and a lateral clamping means provided on each of the pair of supports to push a side face of a fixed mold or movable mold.

Abstract: A mold clamping unit includes a mold height adjustment system having a length-adjustable threaded connection, comprised of a threaded spindle and a spindle nut which supports a platen of a molding tool, for stroke transmission and transmitting a locking force in clamping position. A clamping mechanism, which locks the spindle nut in relation to the threaded spindle and is selectively releasable for length adjustment of the threaded connection, includes a clamping nut, connected in fixed rotative engagement with and coupled for slight axial displacement in relation to the spindle nut, and an actuator, switchable between an active position, in which the spindle nut is braced with the clamping nut by a tightening force so that the platen is urged against the spindle nut, and an idle position, in which the actuator is released and which can be implemented irrespective of a stroke position of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A closing unit for an injection molding machine includes first and second platens, of which at least one is movable, and an intermediate plate disposed between the first and second platens. A molding tool is disposed between one of the first and second platens and the intermediate plate. In order to allow operation of the closing unit with intermediate plate also as a single-face mold for molding a single-component product, the molding operation between the other one of the first and second platens and the intermediate plate is disabled by a dummy tool or by securely fixing the intermediate plate to the other one of the first and second platens. Removal of an end product from the molding tool is realized by at least one ejector which is arranged in or on the intermediate plate.

Abstract: A configurable die detachment apparatus is provided that can be used to handle a wide range of die sizes. The apparatus comprises a pin mounting assembly having a plurality of pin sites for selectively mounting ejector pins in a desired configuration on some of the pin sites and a vacuum enclosure enclosing the pin mounting assembly. The vacuum enclosure has a support platform comprising a plurality of openings that are sized and arranged to accommodate different configurations of ejector pins mounted on the pin mounting assembly, the ejector pins being drivable to project through the openings towards a die to be detached.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is: an injection molding runner system, an injection molding method for operation of a runner system, and an injection molding machine amongst other things. The runner system includes a geometrically unbalanced melt distribution network and a means for pre-pressurizing of the molding material within the melt distribution network.

Abstract: A mold for in-mold decorating that includes a stationary mold member and a movable mold member through which a decorating film can be passed. At least one of the mold members includes a cavity-forming block with molding cavity configured to receive a design pattern of the decorating film, a dieset, and engaging portions for mounting the cavity-forming block on the dieset. Clamping-force receiving portions are located around the cavity-forming block such that a clamping force is not applied to the decorating film when the mold members are joined.

Abstract: A fall-prevention leg portion is provided projecting rearward from the central bottom portion of a stationary platen. This leg portion is formed with a pin hole, which receives a pivot pin that fixes the stationary platen for angular motion around a vertical axis, and bolt holes, which receive tilt adjusting bolts for adjusting a longitudinal tilt of a mold mounting surface of the stationary platen with respect to the vertical axis. The parallelism between the stationary platen and the movable platen can be easily adjusted by regulating the angular motion of the stationary platen around the pivot pin and the longitudinal tilt of the stationary platen by the adjusting bolts.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting melt in stack mold arrangements comprises at least one tubular body having a passage there through for conveying melt, an interface member mounted to at least one tubular body at a terminus of the passage for conducting melt between the tubular body and a mating mold member engaged by the interface member, and a length adjusting device interposed between the interface member and the tubular body and having a wedge member and means for setting the transverse position of the wedge member relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body whereby the overall length of the combined tubular body and interface member is established. A sprue bar assembly comprises a sprue bar segment, a nozzle and a length adjusting device interposed between the nozzle and the sprue bar segment having an adjustable wedge member for establishing the overall length of the sprue bar assembly.

Abstract: To provide a cotton candy machine that is useful especially when using candy balls as a cotton candy material. A horizontal pedestal 28 is disposed at the upper end 11a of a rotary shaft 11. Threaded levers 30 are provided on the horizontal pedestal 28 eccentrically from the axis of the rotary shaft 11. The threaded levers 30 are passed through respective engagement holes 25a, 36a, 40a, 45a, 50a of a bobbin receiving pedestal 25, a bobbin 36, a melting plate 40, a lid member 45, and a protective cover member 50 so as to rigidly secure the bobbin receiving pedestal 25, the bobbin 36, the melting plate 40, the lid member 45, and the protective cover member 50 on top of each other.

Abstract: A clamping unit includes two fixed platens, kept at a distance by tie bars, a platen which can be displaced in relation to the fixed platens, part of an injection mold respectively being arranged on one of the fixed platens and on the displaceable platen, a force generating element to be arranged between the one fixed platen and the displaceable platen, and the tie bars being arranged in vertical alignment. The force generating element is fastened to the displaceable platen and that on the one fixed platen there is arranged a locking element which forms a stop for the force generating element on the one fixed platen or exposes an opening for at least part of the force generating element to enter or pass through the one fixed platen.

Abstract: An exemplary mold for forming a workpiece includes a first core holer, a first core member, a second core holer, a second core member, a mounting member, and an adjusting member. The first core member is mounted in the first core holer, the second core holer is configured for attachment to the first core holer, the second core member is mounted in the second core holer, the first core member and the second core member are configured for cooperatively defining a mold chamber. The mounting member is coupled to the first core holer, the adjusting member has a threaded portion in threaded engagement with the mounting member and a distal portion coupled to the first core member, the adjusting member is configured for adjustably moving the first core member relative to the second core member, thus adjusting a size of the mold chamber.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus having a simple configuration and capable of opening and closing dies and clamping the dies, which includes a base frame; a fixed die plate; a movable die plate; a rack fixed with respect to the base frame and extending in a die opening and closing direction; a pinion pivotally supported by the movable die plate and meshing with the rack; a motor provided in the movable die plate, driving and rotating the pinion, and moving the movable die plate toward the die opening and closing direction; a tie bar having a jointed portion; a joint portion provided on the movable die plate and capable of engaging and disengaging the jointed portion of the tie bar; and a clamping cylinder provided on the fixed die plate and imparting tension to the tie bar with the joint portion and the jointed portion jointed to generate clamping force.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of modify a reciprocating mold plate patty-forming machine such that a mold plate for a smaller machine can be fit into a larger forming machine. A tooling set for the modification includes a dedicated drawbar configured to mount the smaller mold plate and modified wider spacers to closely meet the smaller mold plate within the forming machine. An adapter system selectively mounts either a first mold plate having a first set of keyholes or a second mold plate having a second set of keyholes, different than the first set of keyholes to a single reciprocating mold plate patty-forming machine. The adapter system can include first and second sets of adapters and a drawbar having provision for connection at opposite ends to driving rods of the drive system.

Abstract: A patty-forming machine using linear displacement sensors to sense and report the position of hydraulic cylinder rods. The machine enclosure includes double sealed door openings. Mold cover lift rods are cylindrical and utilize annular seals on a top skin of the mechanical compartment. The machine comprises removable floor panels and has an easily accessible swing out electrical enclosure. The machine uses modular I/O blocks for the control solenoids, which are signal connected to a bus block. The bus block communicates between machine control and the solenoids with a single serial cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a molding-system valve, (ii) a molding system having a molding-system valve, and/or (iii) a method of a molding-system valve, amongst other things.

Abstract: A mold apparatus (200) includes an upper mold (40) and a lower mold (50). The upper mold includes an upper guide sleeve (42), an upper mold seat (44), and an upper mold core (46). The lower mold includes a lower guide sleeve (52), a lower mold seat (54) and a lower mold core (56). The upper guide sleeve has a hole (422) defined thereof. The upper seat has an aperture (442) defined thereof. The upper mold seat is fixed below the upper guide sleeve. The lower guide sleeve has a hole (522) defined thereof. The lower seat has an aperture (542) defined thereof. The lower mold seat is fixed on the lower guide sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating up extrusion dies prior to their installation in an extruder, whereby the dies are heated up to a prescribed temperature and kept at this temperature. The device is characterized in that it comprises a gas-tight and thermally insulated oven housing (50) that has at least one charging and discharging opening (70) with an oven cover (40) and, inside the oven housing, there is an impact nozzle field (20) into which a die (90) can be placed, and in that the device (10) is provided with a heating means (100) that heats up a fluid that flows through the openings (110) of the impact nozzle field (20). The invention also relates to a method for heating up extrusion dies prior to their installation in an extruder.