V-Mold

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V-Mold

How does the self-clamping “V” Mold Work?

  • Mini-Jector machines use a Mechanical Advantage to generate large clamping forces
    • Mechanical Advantage: when a small input force creates a large output force
  • The Mechanical Advantage (MA) generated by the “V” mold is calculated by the equation: MA = S/T
  • All Mini-Jector molds possess an MA=3.83
  • Clamping force (C) is equal to the mechanical advantage (MA) times the effort force (E) generated by the pressure in the carriage cylinder: C=MA*E
  • C = 3.83*6283 lbs = 24,063 lbs = 12 Tons
Self-Clamping V Mold

The unique and smart design of the Mini-Jector represents a much more cost-effective way of producing injection molded parts. The “wedge” design eliminates the need that a much larger machine normally requires to generate higher clamping forces. And using a single hydraulic cylinder to perform both clamping and carriage duties helps to make the Mini-Jector a cost effective solution for plastic injection molding.

The Mechanical Advantage explains how the large clamping force is generated, but maintaining that force throughout the injection cycle is accomplished by the tie rods that connect the side plates (shown at right). When the carriage cylinder forces the mold in the clamping shoes, it forces the shoes apart slightly (WHITE vector forces). This stretches the tie rods, creating a tension much like a spring, which presses back against the mold (RED vector forces). After the injection cycle is finished, the carriage (or plunger) retracts and pulls the ejector rods up, fully ejecting the mold from the “V” slot.