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Quick Mold Change System Basic Guide : Overview, Tips, and Case Study

What is a Quick Mold Change System?


The Quick Mold Change System (QMCS), also known in the automotive industry as the Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED), is a rapid and efficient method to switch from one mold being used in production to another mold, in a very short period of time. This automatic mold changing system delivers speed, precision, and increased productivity to your injection mold and die casting mold operations. So, let’s take an overview look at the mold-changing system, some buying tips, and a case study. At the end of this article, it should be very clear how easy and efficient this system really is. 

Read More : A Detailed Look into Quick Mold Change Systems

 

Why You Should Invest in a Quick Mold Change System for Your Production Line?


The Plastic Injection Molding Industry is continuously changing and growing. Manufacturers are investing in automation to improve productivity and increase capacity and efficiency. The Quick Mold Change System is one of the keys to maximizing profits by reducing mold changeover time! Product quality is improved and overall product value is increased. Using Quick Mold Change Technology, you will enjoy the following 8 benefits :

  • Reduce production downtime for mold change-over

  • Easy changeovers allow for small batches of runs

  • Faster product delivery to customers

  • Reduced inventory carrying cost

  • Improved product quality

  • Reduce labor costs

  • Increase safety

 

Read also : 3 Efficient Ways to Reduce Injection Molding Cost

 

Most Common Injection Mold Handling Equipment


There are standard and custom quick-change mold handling equipment, including manual or electric-powered work carts, single or double station mold change tables, etc. The most common equipment used to speed up the change over time of molds are :

  • Mold clamps

    Mold clamps lock the mold securely in place in the machine, using a hydraulic or pneumatic powered pump. The clamping is carried out by independently operated clamps, which are synchronized to provide the correct clamping pressure and angle.

 

Read also : Everything You Need to Know About Mold Clamping Systems

 

 

  • Power unit

    The Power Unit is a pressure control system which controls and maintains clamping pressure on the mold, even during power outages.

  • Mold cart

    With the addition of the mod cart system, you can deliver fully automated mold changing.

 

How to Select a Successful Quick Mold Change System?


The injection molding marketplace is dynamic and fast-changing. The demands for molded products are constantly shifting as needed. As a result, today’s production demands require the ability to react to frequent product changes. 

If you have decided that a quick mold change system is the solution to improve your plastic injection molding productivity, and is the efficient way to reduce cost in your plastic injection molding process, an experienced supplier can successfully manage the process from concept to finished products. They can guide and assist your team to make the right decisions to effectively implement a cost-effective solution for your production line.

Here are 3 simple steps when selecting a quick mold change system : 

  1. Injection Molding Machine Type

    Ensure to communicate what kinds of injection molding machines you are using currently. The quick molds are completely custom based on different specifications and production needs. To best fit your existing layout and equipment, you will need to advise as much detail as possible about your machines.

  2. T Slot Dimensions and Mold Dimensions

    Whether your machine has the movable side or stationary side T-slot, be sure to specify the dimensions and clamping height when ordering. Safety stroke and clamping stroke will be changed according to the dimensions of the mold and T-slot.

  3. Ways of Mold Loading

    Vertical loading and horizontal loading are totally different from the quick mold implementation. Vertical loading is the most common method of quick molds. In that case, the hydraulic clamps are positioned vertically.
 
 

Become an Expert on Quick Mold Change by Watching These 2 Videos


Implementing a Quick Mold Change System is a straightforward and simple process. Take a look at these 2 videos and you will realize how easy and efficient this system is.
 
 

Case Study: Mold Change Within Minute Instead of Hours


Foxconn, an Apple and Samsung supplier, is one of the Forwell’s clients. Their production lines in Mexico, Brazil, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and India have invested heavily in quick mold change systems. More than 1000 units were used for their metal working processes. Forwell’s quick mold change turnkey solution plays an important role toward achieving the goal of making their lines fully automated.   


 

The Next Big Thing in Automation Injection Molding


If you haven’t yet taken the time to consider automation for your injection molding line, now is the perfect time to do so. The longer you delay in acting, the further along your competitors are maximizing their profits through automation. If you have decided to automate your injection molding process, the next step is to determine how to best implement automation. Generally speaking, implementing a QMCS quick mold change is an effective process resulting in reduced cost and improved ROI! For more information, please contact us today!
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Author：FORWELL PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD.

Forwell Machinery Co. Ltd., was established in 1987 and specializes in the production of quick die/mold change systems, die/mold cart systems, PCB fine piercing systems and automatic die clamping systems. The wide range of customizable quick change systems and automatic clamping systems can be used for many different types of machines such as: press machines (mechanical and hydraulic types), plastic injection molding machines and die casting machines. Forwell has been a market leader for many years and has been widely acknowledged for the high quality and functionality of their products. With a strong emphasis on research and development, the core principles of quality, service and innovation are strongly enforced, fostering the development of innovative customized products in line with customer requirements. Thanks to a strong performance and an increasing customer base, Forwell has a strong global presence and is the leading manufacturer of quick die/mold change systems both in Taiwan and mainland China. Furthermore a gigantic 12,000 square meter factory is under construction, and is due for completion in 2015 in Jiangsu, China. This plant will focus on strengthening Forwell’s R&D capabilities and driving substantial business growth in the years to come.

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