Case history (August 01, 2001)

A first tier manufacturer of molded polyurethane products for car interiors faced a problem when the company decided to add several new reaction injection molding (RIM) manufacturing lines to its existing facility. Floor space was very limited and left no room for a forklift truck to maneuver when changing molds and carry them to and from the presses.

The challenge for machinery supplier Gusmer Corp. was to create a system that would allow the rapid and easy changing of molds without using a forklift.

Gusmer came up with a unique design that incorporates a series of ball transfers located on the lower platen surface of the press, coupled with a specially designed hydraulic mold cart which operates efficiently in a very tight space.

The lower platen surface of the press contains a dozen ball transfer assemblies. These ball transfers are recessed until the operator positions a cam plate beneath the ball transfer stems. Molds can then be manually rolled from the press onto the top of the transfer cart. The cart has linear rollers on top and is raised and lowered by means of a hydraulic lift system.

The ball transfers allow the mold to be quickly and precisely aligned while it is resting on the platen. The press technician can accomplish this alone, by manually pushing or pulling. A mold weighing up to 4000 lb. can be handled this way.

Gusmer Corp. 800-746-1330