摘要 |
A mold vent and method. The vent has expanding passages. A preferred vent comprises an insert that has a plurality of passages. One insert comprises a grate formed of a plurality of portions that interleave fingers forming vent passages therebetween that preferably are vent slots. Supports can be disposed between fingers. The grate preferably is discharge-machined from a blank cut from stock made material that preferably is non-porous and smooth. The grate can be mounted in a pocket in the mold cavity or carried by a movable pin. The grate can be used in a system that includes valving, a source of fluid, and, if needed, a source of vacuum to help facilitate venting by drawing atmosphere out of the cavity during molding. The grate can also be used to introduce fluid into the mold that can be foaming moldable material or a heat transfer medium.
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