Wrapped SMC charge method and apparatus
US6264454A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C70/545
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transfer/injection molding apparatus and process is defined that includes a charge forming unit. The charge is formed so that the fibers therein are randomly oriented in substantially parallel horizontal planes such that they are always substantially parallel to the direction of initial flow into the cavity of the molding unit. The charge forming unit includes a cutter for cutting sheet material into strips and a wind-up fork for rolling the strips into wrapped charges. The wrapped charges are formed by winding the strips around prongs extending from the wind-up fork. Further, the fork is attached to a robotic arm which loads the wrapped charge into the molding die.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.