Modular rotary molding machine

Abstract

This machine has a turret which rotates about a horizontal axis on a frame that is movable into and out of a loading position adjacent a rotary extruder. The turret comprises a tubular shaft, a plurality of axially spaced, circular plates secured to the shaft coaxially thereof, and a plurality of identical, radially projecting panels that are secured in registering radial slots in the circular plates. A separate mold is mounted in the angular space between each pair of adjacent panels, and comprises a stationary section fixed to one of the circular plates for rotation therewith, and a movable section mounted for reciprocation by a collapsible linkage into and out of a closed position against the associated stationary section. As each mold rotates past the loading station the associated linkage closes the movable mold section, a supply of molten molding material is then fed by the extruder to an axial bore in the stationary section of the mold, a hydraulically actuated ram then enters the now-loaded bore and forces the molding material into a cavity in the mold, the ram is then withdrawn, and thereafter the mold sections are separated and the molded part is ejected from the turret. The size of the turret can readily be increased or decreased merely by changing the overall sizes of the panels and the associated supporting plates.