StackTeck announced unconventional application for big stack mold

StackTeck announced an unconventional application for a big stack mold with Quick Product Change (QPC) features. This mold runs 2000 tons of production in a 1000-ton injection molding machine, in a 2x4 format enabling molding of eight large, flat panels per cycle of the machine.

StackTeck's client selected the QPC approach with manufacturing flexibility in mind. According to Angelo Morra, business development manager at StackTeck, "This customer was looking for a way to mold multiple part types using the same machine and they have achieved a change-over time of less than one hour using StackTeck's proved Quick Product Change technology. They are using high performance Husky 1000-ton injection molding machines, and with stack mold technology they have reduced the number of machines needed for the program by half."

A QPC mold is designed with two major components: frame and modules. The frame is designed to remain in the machine with all water, air, and electrical hookups remaining in place. The modules consist of core/cavity assemblies and p0late systems. Every QPC mold can be converted from single fact to a stack mold configuration. The QPC approach has built-in features for the alignment of modules to the frame, as well as plate-to-plate connections for services. This dramatically reduces change-over time, Morra explained.

Some of the advantages of the QPC technology include the ability to fulfill last-minute demand changes from customers; only one hot runner and frame needed per machine; reducing produce change-over times and maximizing production times. Additionally, growth of capital investment can be "cascaded" with "module-only" purchases as the market demand increases; and identical modules can be moved between multiple frames including a single face frame and stack mold frames up to four levels. Standard QPC modules heights and part pitches facilitate the use of robotic standards.

StackTeck, located just outside Toronto, Canada, manufactures a wide range of injection molds for plastic parts such as closures, personal care, medical, thin-wall packaging as well as mold bases. StackTeck has dedicated R&D testing and part sampling facilities, in addition to plastic part design and prototyping capabilities.