SL Series – Single-Level Pouring Systems

SINGLE LEVEL POURING LOOP

The mold is pushed out of the molding machine onto a self-storing automatic accumulating mold conveyor, providing unpoured mold storage and quick mold transport to the pouring line. The length of this pouring line conveyor, and corresponding number of mold positions, can be varied to suit individual customer requirements.

At the end of the mold storage conveyor, the molds are pushed off the aluminum bottom board onto a special cast iron pouring pallet. The bottom boards are then returned automatically to the molding machine. One board is returned each time a mold is pushed onto the pouring line. The bottom board return conveyor is elevated to provide unrestricted access to the molding machine, and so the machine can easily be operated from either side.

After the mold is pushed onto the pouring line, the weight and jacket are automatically set. The weight is set first, then the jacket, ensuring that setting the jacket does not cause mold shift. The molds are then gently indexed forward, one station at a time, to the pouring zone using a unique controlled acceleration / deceleration system for smooth motion from start to stop.

Two pouring modes are standard with this system:

1. Select a pouring position and pour the molds in one spot. Molds are poured at rest as they index on command through the designated pouring position. This mode is used when pouring automatically.
2. Walk forward along the pouring line pouring molds as you go. This system can be provided with a large number of molds or positions available for pouring, based on the customer’s requirements. 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 is a combination lateral transfer pusher device.

This unit transfers the pallets and molds with weights and jackets to the return line, where they are then indexed in the opposite direction, one position at a time. Molds continue to index and cool as required.

The weight and jacket is then stripped and transferred onto an optional weight and transfer cleaning device. This completes the mold cooling cycle under weights and jackets.

The mold indexes one final position to a mold dump conveyor.

The empty pallet continues to the lateral transfer pusher device and indexes across to the loading position on the pouring line where a new mold is loaded. The cycle then restarts.

Key Components:

• Self-Storing Automatic Accumulating Mold Conveyor
• Cast Iron Pouring Pallet
• Weight and Jacket Adjustment Mechanism
• Controlled Acceleration / Deceleration System
• Lateral Transfer Pusher Device
• Weight and Transfer Cleaning Device (Optional)
• Mold Dump Conveyor

Key Features:

• Single-Level Pouring and Cooling Loop: The TYPE SL-I system is designed as a single-level pouring loop, with a conveyor system that transports molds to the pouring line, where they continue to cool under weights and jackets.
• Mold Transport System: Molds are pushed from the molding machine onto an automatic accumulating mold conveyor, which stores and transports unpoured molds to the pouring line. The length of the conveyor and the number of mold positions can be customized based on the customer’s requirements.
• Efficient Bottom Board Handling: After the mold is pushed onto the pouring line, the aluminum bottom board is returned automatically to the molding machine, ensuring smooth and efficient mold handling.
• Automatic Weight and Jacket Setting: The system automatically sets the weight first, followed by the jacket, ensuring the mold stays stable and does not shift during the pouring process.
• Controlled Mold Indexing: Molds are indexed gently through the pouring line with a unique controlled acceleration/deceleration system, allowing for smooth transitions from one station to the next.
• Pouring Modes: The TYPE SL-I system offers two standard pouring modes:
  • Fixed Pouring Position: Molds are poured at rest as they pass through a designated pouring position. This mode is ideal for automatic pouring.
  • Walk-Forward Pouring: The operator walks forward along the pouring line and pours molds as they go. This mode can be adapted to accommodate a large number of molds or pouring positions based on customer needs.
• Cooling Process: After pouring, molds continue to cool under weights and jackets as they move along the pouring line. At the end of the line, a lateral transfer pusher device moves the molds to the return line, where they are indexed in the opposite direction.
• Cleaning and Cooling Completion: The weight and jacket are stripped off and transferred to an optional cleaning device, completing the mold cooling cycle under weights and jackets.
• Mold Dumping: The mold is then indexed to a mold dump conveyor, where it is discharged for further processing.

Benefits:

• Customizable Conveyor and Pouring Line: The length of the pouring line conveyor and the number of positions can be adjusted to meet specific production needs, offering flexibility for different mold sizes and configurations.
• Smooth Mold Handling: The controlled acceleration/deceleration system ensures that molds are handled gently, reducing the risk of damage during the pouring and cooling process.
• Flexible Pouring Options: The dual pouring modes provide flexibility in pouring methods, catering to both automatic and operator-controlled processes.
• Efficient Cooling and Transfer: The lateral transfer pusher device and the weight and jacket stripping system ensure that molds cool efficiently while maintaining smooth transport throughout the system.
• Cycle Restart: Once the mold is discharged, the pallet is returned to the pouring line loading position, allowing for continuous operation without downtime.

Applications:

• Foundries requiring single-level pouring and cooling systems for efficient mold handling
• Molding processes where flexible pouring options and cooling are critical
• High-volume casting operations where mold indexing and efficient cooling are essential
• Industries needing precise, automated pouring and cooling for quality mold production

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