IMM 11/00

When we clean or repair a mold, we put it on a bench, use die bars, and pull it apart manually. This method has caused several injuries, including strained backs, pinched hands, and pulled shoulders. Does anyone know of a product that a mold can be put into that can be used to open the tool on a workbench?

We made a benchtop machine that has a blank rack to open the mold. We have two pins that enter two holes drilled in the bottom of the mold. We then set the mold over these pins, turn the crank, and the mold opens. Reverse the crank to close. For bigger molds you can use a hydraulic cylinder- D. Helvig, Delphi Delco Electronics, Kokomo, IN, (965) 451-7899, d.r.helvig@delphauto.com.(IMM 1/01)

At PTA Corp. we build many large molds, up to 4 by 6 ft. Smaller molds are not a problem, until you get up to about 16 by 20 inches, or smaller if the parts are deep and the plates are thick. For larger molds we use an overhead crane with a T-bar and a chain and hook at each end. With swivel eyebolts on opposite sides of the mold one person can safely open a mold of virtually any size. Once the top half is free of the bottom, simply turn it over under the T-bar and set it on the table. Make sure the eyebolt holes are in the center of the mass of the top half so the mold doesn't tend to flip by itself.
-T. Harding, PTA Corp., Longmont, CO. (303) 652-2500, tharding@ptacorp.com

I am not a moldmaker but I have been in the toolroom enough to offer a couple of tips. A flat steel table should be used. Use steel parallels because the mold halves will slide apart more easily if everything is level. You have been taking apart the mold horizontally and that is your biggest problem. In our mold room we take apart the molds vertically.

For example, we have a 2-ton electric overhead crane. We also have a 3000-lb-capacity magnet that attaches to the overhead crane. We take the magnet off the locating ring on the stationary side of the mold, lock the magnet in, and separate both mold halves. We also have what I call a scissors that we attach to the overhead crane. This attaches to the clamp slots on both sides of the mold and separates both halves of the mold.

We also have long steel rods with one end threaded for the eye bolt hole. Once the stationary half is sitting on its leader pins, one man can easily upright the mold half to work on it vertically.

There are a lot of suppliers for the above equipment, but I do not want to endorse one over another in a major publication. Give me a call if you need more information.
-B. Kurps, Advanced Molding Technologies, Schaumburg, IL, (847) 895-4450, ext. 176.

Try using a product by Die-Sep LLC, which specializes in mold handling machines. Call (608) 756-4470 for more information.
-J. Domacher, Sta-Rite Industries Inc., Delavan, WI, (262) 728-7479, jdornach@staritemail.com

The Bermer Built Lift Tong is used to simulate mold openings, prevent bodily injury, and eliminate costly mold damage. Contact us for more information.
-P. Grudzien, Bermer Tool & Die Inc., Southbridge, MA, (508) 764-2521.