Insert molding system incorporating insert detection system

摘要

A system for detecting the presence and absence of inserts at various stages in a molding system which includes at least a first insert loading station, an insert shuttle plate, an insert relocation device and a molding station including mold cores. The system comprises a device for detecting the presence and absence of the inserts on the insert shuttle plate while the inserts are being moved from the first station to the insert relocation device via the insert shuttle plate. If one of the inserts is detected as absent an indicator thereof is actuated. The device is further for detecting the presence and absence of the inserts on the insert shuttle plate after the inserts have been removed from the insert shuttle plate via the relocation device. If one of the inserts is detected as present, an indicator thereof is actuated.