A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING INJECTION MOLDED TABLETS

摘要

A rotary injection molding apparatus including a mold support block (10) rotatably mounted on a drive shaft (15). The drive shaft (15) is coupled with a motor for rotating the shaft (15) about a central axis of rotation. The mold support block (10) includes a plurality of bores (17) uniformly spaced about a circumferential edge region thereof. A cavity plate (50) is mounted on the mold support block (10) so that a plurality of cavities (55) formed thereon are both in alignment with and communicate with the bores (17) defined on the mold support block (10). An ejector pin (18) having a first end (18a) and second end (18b) is slidably mounted in each bore so that actuation of the first end (18a) of the pin forces the second end (18b) of the pin to extend outwardly and into an associated cavity (55). While the mold support block (10) and cavity plate (55) mounted thereon are controlled to rotate, a plasticizing screw (80) is positioned in close proximity to the cavities (55) for continuously ejecting a reactive epoxy compound into each cavity (55) as it rotates past the screw. The compound contained in each cavity (55) is thereafter compressed by a clamping plate (90) and permitted to cool to solidify the compound. After the compound solidifies, an ejector pin actuation device (100) cooperates with each ejector pin (18) to eject the solidified compound or tablet from each cavity (55).