Method and apparatus for producing sheet molding compound parts by compression
US4557889A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 1984 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/201
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Coated sheet molding compound (SMC) parts are produced by transferring mold devices between a main press and at least one auxiliary press and by completing the compressing and curing of the coated SMC parts during the transfer of the molds. In the main press the SMC sheet is compressed and cured to be formed into a desired shape, and the formed SMC part is coated in the mold, and in the auxiliary presses the other operation such as charging the SMC sheet, closing and opening the mold, removing the part, and the like are performed. Between the adjacent main press and auxiliary presses are means for transferring the molds between the respective presses. Levelling devices are provided associated with the molds for supporting the upper mold parallel to the lower mold, and during the transfer the coated SMC part is further compressed and cured in the mold by suitably controlling the levelling devices. This method can be sufficiently applied to mass production systems such as automobiles or the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.