Thermoforming mold trimming system and process
AssigneeDevlinks, Ltd.
InventorsRobert Devlin, Scott Jackson, David Findlay, Adin Kay Goings
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A thermoforming mold trimming system, apparatus, and method of use are disclosed. The thermoforming mold trimming apparatus includes a robot support structure with at least one robot secured to the robot support structure. The apparatus also includes a contact probe removably secured to the robot, the contact probe being configured to generate a trim path for a thermoformed molded part. The robot is programmed to follow the trim path generated by the contact probe. The robot then uses a blade to trim excess material of a finished molded part within the housing by following the trim path.
Claims12
A method of molding a part comprising:
- providing an apparatus comprising a thermoforming mold, a robot support structure surrounding the mold, and a robot secured to the robot support structure, the robot including a contact probe;
- forming a molded part from the thermoforming mold;
- cooling the molded part within the apparatus;
- trimming the molded part within the apparatus during the cooling step, wherein the trimming includes:
- generating a trim path by moving the contact probe along a trench machined in the mold, wherein generating the trim path comprises:
- moving the contact probe along a theoretical trim path for the part;
- modifying the theoretical trim path by adjusting the probe to move within the trench boundaries;
- and
- generating a correct trim path;
- removing the contact probe from the robot;
- securing a blade to the robot;
- and
- trimming the mold of excess material using the blade, according to the generated trim path, to form a finished molded part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.