초록 ▼

Molding apparatus for producing non-planar parts using compaction molding compounds (CMC) comprises a mold having a cavity which receives CMC therein, the mold including a movable platen assembly having at least two plates movable in substantially parallel directions to compact CMC placed in the cav

Molding apparatus for producing non-planar parts using compaction molding compounds (CMC) comprises a mold having a cavity which receives CMC therein, the mold including a movable platen assembly having at least two plates movable in substantially parallel directions to compact CMC placed in the cavity, and an actuating mechanism which moves the plates simultaneously at different respective velocities such that the CMC is substantially uniformly compacted into a non-planar shape with a predetermined, substantially uniform density.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A molding apparatus for producing non-planar parts using compaction molding compound (CMC), the apparatus comprising:a mold having a cavity which receives CMC therein; the mold including a movable platen assembly having at least two plates movable in substantially parallel directions to compact C

1. A molding apparatus for producing non-planar parts using compaction molding compound (CMC), the apparatus comprising:a mold having a cavity which receives CMC therein; the mold including a movable platen assembly having at least two plates movable in substantially parallel directions to compact CMC placed in the cavity; and an actuating mechanism which moves the plates substantially simultaneously at different respective velocities such that the CMC is substantially uniformly compacted into a non-planar shape with a predetermined, substantially uniform density; wherein said actuator comprises a rotatable lead screw having multiple threaded sections with different thread pitches, said sections operatively moving the plates, respectively, when the lead screw is rotated. 2. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a loose molding insert disposable with the CMC in the mold cavity during a molding operation to define a surface of a part molded with the apparatus.3. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said actuating mechanism moves the plates at a constant velocity ratio relative to each other during a molding operation.4. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:at least one cavity surface which remains stationary during a molding operation; and guide members operatively associated with at least one of said cavity surface and said movable platen assembly. 5. The molding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said guide members include a wear plate connected to one of said cavity surface and said movable platen assembly, and a gib connected to the other of said cavity surface and said movable platen assembly, and operatively engaging said wear plate.6. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said CMC comprises a mixture including grain hulls and a binder.7. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said actuating mechanism is operable to move the plates such that a rate of compaction is substantially the same for all portions of the CMC at any given time during a molding operation.8. The molding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mold comprises a plurality of linear displacement transducers for dynamically measuring the respective positions of the movable plates.9. The molding apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a movable cover plate having holes formed therein in selected areas thereof, wherein movement of the movable cover plate is guided on a plurality of parallel tie bars, which extend through the respective holes formed therein.