METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPRESSION MOLDING PLASTIC ARTICLES

摘要

A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tool s of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed duri ng motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair and opened to release an article formed between the mold sectio ns. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mo ld sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for c losing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools t o hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selective ly unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-mol ded between the mold halves.