Mould tool having moving parts
AssigneeSurface Generation Limited
InventorBen HALFORD
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mould tool (100) has a first part (102) defining a first area (114) of a mould profile, an actuated part (130) defining a second, adjacent area (132) of the mould profile, which actuated part is configured to move from a moulding position to an actuated position at the end of each mould cycle to facilitate removal of a moulded component. The actuated part (130) comprises a temperature control apparatus (108) configured to control the temperature of the actuated part to influence a clearance (C) between the first part and the actuated part by thermal expansion and/or contraction of the actuated part.
Claims22
A mould tool comprising:
- a first part defining a first area of a mould profile;
- an actuated part defining a second, adjacent area of the mould profile, which actuated part is configured to move from a moulding position to an actuated position at the end of each mould cycle to facilitate removal of a moulded component;
- wherein the actuated part comprises a temperature control apparatus configured to control a temperature of the actuated part to influence a clearance between the first part and the actuated part by thermal expansion and/or contraction of the actuated part.
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method of manufacturing a moulded component comprising the steps of:
- providing a mould tool having a first part defining a first area, and an actuated part defining a second, adjacent area;
- moving the actuated part to a moulding position where the first and second areas form a continuous mould profile;
- independently heating the actuated part to close a gap between the actuated part and the first part;
- curing a moulded component in the mould tool;
- independently cooling the actuated part to open a gap between the actuated part and the first part;
- and,
- moving the actuated part to facilitate removal of the moulded component from the mould tool.
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.