Linear Mold Handling Systems

Single row pouring plus triple row cooling line

Cooling times in excess of 1 hour

With the Type IV molds can pass through the system a second, third or fourth time without weights and jackets for additional cooling before they are discharged.

The mold is pushed out of the molding machine onto a self storing automatic mold conveyor. This conveyor provides unpoured mold storage and quickly transports molds on demand to the pouring line.

The mold is then pushed off the aluminum bottom board onto a graphite lined cast iron pouring pallet. Bottom board is returned automatically to the molding machine.

After the mold is pushed onto the pouring line, the weight and jacket are automatically set. The weight is set first and then the jacket, insuring that setting the jacket does not cause mold shift.

Molds are gently indexed forward to the pouring zone. Molds can be automatically indexed to the pourer for single station pouring or the pourer can move up the line to pour at multiple positions.

After pouring, the molds continue to cool under weights and jackets until they reach the end of the pouring line. At the end of the line a combination lowering and transfer device lowers the pallet and mold (with the weight and jacket in place) from the top to the bottom level. It then pushes the line of pallets on the bottom level forward one position in the opposite direction.

The molds continue to cool on the bottom level as they move toward the lift transfer device on the other end of the system. This unit lifts the pallet from the bottom to the top level, and then pushes the line of pallets on the top level forward one position in the opposite direction.

The weight and jacket are then stripped and the cooled mold is pushed laterally onto the mold cooling line. The weight and jacket are then set down on the empty pouring pallet and the pallet is indexed forward one position to the mold loading station. The weight and jacket are picked up and the sequence repeats as a new unpoured mold is pushed onto the pouring pallet and the weight and jacket are precisely set on the incoming mold.

Each cooling tray can carry up to three molds. A first mold is pushed to the far end of the empty cooling tray, then a second mold is pushed to the middle of the cooling tray, and the third is pushed to the near end of the tray.

When a cooling tray is loaded, the line of trays on the top level are indexed forward one position, bringing the empty tray to the loading position. Molds continue to cool without weight and jacket until they reach the end of the line on the upper level.

At the end of the line is a combination lowering and transfer device. This unit lowers the cooling tray from the top to the bottom level, and then pushes the line of trays on the bottom level forward one position in the opposite direction. The molds continue to cool on the bottom level as they move toward the lift transfer transfer device on the other end of the system.

The unit lifts the cooling tray from the bottom to the top level, and then pushes the line of trays on the top level forward one position to the mold discharge station, where the molds are dumped onto a vibrating pan or shakeout conveyor.

Molds are discharged one at a time, or at the same rate they are loaded onto the cooling system.

The operator can select single, double or triple row cooling based on a particular casting’s cooling requirements.

Key Components:

• Self-Storing Automatic Mold Conveyor
• Graphite Lined Cast Iron Pouring Pallet
• Weight and Jacket Adjustment Mechanism
• Combination Lowering and Transfer Device
• Lift Transfer Device
• Vibrating Pan or Shake-out Conveyor (Provided by Others)
• Multi-Mold Cooling System (Single, Double, or Triple Row)

Key Features:

• Single Row Pouring and Triple Row Cooling: The HLH TYPE IV System features a single row pouring line combined with a triple row cooling line. This configuration allows molds to pass through the system multiple times for additional cooling before discharge.
• Extended Cooling Time: The cooling process is designed to handle molds that require cooling times in excess of one hour, ensuring thorough mold cooling and high-quality end products.
• Multi-Pass Cooling: Molds can pass through the system up to four times without weights and jackets for additional cooling before they are discharged, providing maximum control over cooling duration.
• Automatic Mold Handling: Molds are automatically moved through the system via a self-storing automatic mold conveyor, which ensures quick transport and storage, optimizing workflow efficiency.
• Weight and Jacket Handling: The system automatically sets the weight first and the jacket second, ensuring precise mold stability and preventing mold shift during the pouring process.
• Flexible Pouring Options: Molds can be indexed automatically to a single station for pouring or moved along the line to pour at multiple positions, providing flexibility for different production needs.
• Advanced Cooling Process: After pouring, molds continue to cool under weights and jackets until they reach the end of the pouring line, ensuring a controlled cooling cycle.
• Efficient Mold Transfer: The combination lowering and transfer device moves molds from top to bottom levels, while the lift transfer device moves molds back to the top, facilitating efficient cooling and mold handling.
• Cooling Tray Configuration: Each cooling tray can hold up to three molds, arranged in a sequential layout to optimize cooling in multiple rows.
• Customizable Cooling: The system allows operators to select between single, double, or triple row cooling depending on the specific cooling needs of the molds.

Benefits:

• Customizable Cooling Requirements: The HLH TYPE IV System allows for tailored cooling solutions, offering flexibility in cooling methods based on casting requirements, improving process efficiency.
• Extended Cooling Capability: With cooling times exceeding one hour, this system is ideal for molds requiring extended cooling, ensuring the molds are cooled uniformly and to the correct temperature.
• Multi-Pass Cooling for Enhanced Quality: The ability to pass molds through the system multiple times provides more controlled cooling, enhancing mold quality and reducing the risk of defects.
• Automated Operation for Efficiency: The automated system minimizes manual labor and speeds up mold processing, improving overall productivity.
• Versatile Pouring and Cooling Options: The system allows for single or multi-position pouring and flexible cooling configurations, providing enhanced adaptability for different casting types and production needs.
• High Capacity and Efficiency: The system’s ability to handle multiple molds per tray and multiple passes through the cooling line increases mold throughput while maintaining consistent cooling and high-quality results.

Applications:

• Foundries requiring extended cooling times for molds
• Custom mold cooling for high-volume casting processes
• Industrial mold handling systems where flexibility and automation are key
• High-precision casting applications with stringent cooling requirements

Details