Define the plate type and size, as part of the process of defining a mold configuration.
The available types of configuration are based on the initial parameters that you set while defining the Plate Set. These include the Catalog and Standard or Non-standard Plate Sets.
Each catalog has predefined settings (based on the manufacturer's catalog), however, special settings are also available for non-standard configuration.
The following dialog is displayed:
Notes:
If the selected plate set is Non-standard with components, the system sorts the sizes folder and selects the nearest configuration.
Steps 2 and 3 of the Mold-base wizard work as for the Standard configuration.
The result will be a configuration with non-standard plates. However, the additional components (leader pins, screws etc.) will be placed according to the nearest size configuration.
The locations of the additional components can be changed in the 4th step of the wizard.
A preview of the complete mold
base is displayed. This preview is only displayed for a new mold base.
Preview illustration
Ejection
Plates - Decide whether to include Ejection Plates in the configuration
definition. If the Ejection Plates are not included, they are shown as
grayed out in the configuration table.
Illustration
Insulating
Sheets - Decide whether to include Insulating Sheets from the drop-down
list. The selected Insulating Sheet is displayed in the configuration
table.
Illustration
Drill Plates while Loading - Select this option when using a Blank Plate configuration. Blank plates are plates without the predefined holes. The advantage of using this type of plate is that you can decide where to place the screws and leader pins.
In this case, a cut operation creates the required holes (and threads) for all the screws and leader pins. The cut operation operates within the sub-assembly level, which means that components that belong to a specific sub-assembly will not cut a "parent" or "brother" sub-assembly. For example, the cap screws on the Fixed side of the mold base, will not cut components on the Moveable side. However, components with an Ejector Cutting Rule will cut components from the Ejection System as well as from the Moveable side.
The plate set and picture displayed in this dialog are based on your settings when defining the mold type and size.
Set the parameter
values in the Plate Configuration Table using the relevant drop-down list:
Plate
Part
Thickness
W1
Material
Color
The default name given to plates to identify their positioning within the mold base.
A list of parts (plate names) is displayed. Select the required part.
Note: If the Part and/or Height are changed,
this is reflected in the preview of the mold base.
Illustration:
Standard and Non-standard with components
The plate names are standard, however,
in some cases you can change these names.
Illustration
Non-standard without components
The initial plate name is based on a default
non-standard configuration set. You can change these names.
Illustration
The range of plate thicknesses are displayed.
Note: If the Part and/or Thickness
are changed, this is reflected in the preview of the mold base.
Illustration:
Standard and Non-standard with components
The plate thickness
range for each plate is displayed. You can enter a plate thickness,
however, the system will jump to the standard value.
Illustration
If you key in a non-standard value, the plate will be colored orange signifying that it has a non-standard height.
Non-standard without components
The plate heights are displayed in increments
of 10mm (.5"). Set the required plate height.
Illustration
This parameter represents an additional dimension specific to each part. This dimension can be added to any plate, but it is most relevant to Clamping Plates, Raisers and Ejection Plates.
If a plate does
not have a W1 dimension, an empty cell is displayed in the Plate Configuration
Table.
Illustration
These W1 dimensions are initially defined as Primary dimensions when the plate configuration is saved to the catalog.
The range of material types are displayed.
Standard and Non-standard with components
The range of standard materials is displayed.
Select the required material.
Illustration
Non-standard without components
A predefined list is displayed. Select
the required material.
Illustration
Select a color for each plate.
Reset
to Default
Reset the Plate Configuration Table parameters to their default values.
Overall
Thickness
Displays the overall thickness of the mold base. This value is automatically
calculated and displayed each time a change is made to the thickness of
a relevant plate.
Press Next to display the next dialog in the mold configuration setup.
