In structures involving secondary parting, secondary ejection, and front mold ejection, locking mechanisms are frequently used to control the opening sequence and stroke of each mold plate.
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Locking mechanisms serve a similar function but come in various structures. It is essential to select the appropriate locking mechanism for different situations based on its characteristics. Below, we explain several commonly used locking mechanism structures.
I. Datong Locking Mechanism
1. Advantages: The Datong locking mechanism has a simple and compact structure, requires minimal machining of the mold blank, can be easily installed on the mold, occupies little installation space, thus reducing the chance of interference with other components on the mold blank. The Datong locking mechanism offers flexible control of the mold opening stroke, achieved by adding limit blocks to the mold blank. Additionally, it is relatively inexpensive.
2. Disadvantages: The Datong locking mechanism relies on a spring-loaded spring pressing down on a steel ball to engage with the control rod for locking. Therefore, the locking force is difficult to control, and there is a possibility of disengagement before the required stroke is reached. Reliability is not high, and it is also difficult to adjust.
3. Applicable Scenarios: This type of locking mechanism is used for small to medium-sized molds where the required locking force is not high and reliability requirements are not stringent. Due to its low reliability, this type is generally not used. As shown in Figure 1, it is used for secondary ejection of the ejector plate.
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Precautions: The Datong locking mechanism relies on a spring to press a steel ball into the control rod to achieve locking. Therefore, the locking force is difficult to control and it is only suitable for small to medium-sized molds with low locking force requirements.
II. HASCO Locking Mechanism:
1. Advantages: HASCO locking mechanisms have many specifications, offering a wide range of choices; mechanical locking ensures safe and reliable locking; installation is convenient; minimal machining of the mold blank is required; the length of the control rod and hook can be adjusted according to actual conditions; and the price is moderate.
2. Disadvantages: The positions of the mounting pin holes and screw holes need to be further machined after determination; the mold opening stroke is not easily changed after design is determined, and the mold opening stroke range is limited by the length of the control rod.
3. Applicable Scenarios: Mechanical locking ensures safe and reliable locking and is suitable for various molds of all sizes.
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Notes: Once the mold opening stroke is determined by the design, the control stroke is difficult to change after machining the pin hole and screw hole positions, and the mold opening stroke range is limited by the length of the control rod.
III. STRACK Locking Mechanism:
1. Advantages: Mechanical locking, safe and reliable locking; changing the relative position between the control rod and the hook can meet the requirements of a large stroke range; after installation, the mold opening stroke can still be adjusted by moving the adjusting block on the control rod.
2. Disadvantages: Large space occupation, complex installation, large mold blank machining volume, and high price.
3. Applicable occasions: Suitable for larger molds, can meet the requirements of a large mold opening stroke. Due to the high price, it is generally not used unless specifically requested by the customer.
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Notes: After installation, the mold opening stroke can still be adjusted by moving the adjusting block on the control rod.
IV. RABOURDIN Locking Mechanism:
1. Advantages: Mechanical locking, strong clamping force, safe and reliable. The biggest advantage is that after installation, the mold opening stroke can be adjusted by the adjusting block, which can meet the requirements of a large stroke range.
2. Disadvantages: Large space occupation, large amount of mold blank machining, complex installation, and relatively high price.
3. Applicable occasions: Suitable for larger molds requiring a large mold opening stroke. Due to the high price, it is generally not used unless specifically requested by the customer.
[Image] Note: The mold opening stroke can still be adjusted using the adjusting block on the control lever after installation.
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