Mold Handling Equipment for Different Molds and Dies

Mold handling equipment is essential in industries such as automotive, plastics, rubber, and metalworking, where molds and dies are critical to production. Molds and dies come in various sizes, weights, and configurations, and choosing the right lifting equipment is vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and precision in mold handling. Below is a more detailed explanation of the main types of molds and dies that require specialized lifting equipment, including typical weight ranges, dimensions, and specifications for efficient mold handling.

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Injection Molds Handling

Description: Injection molds are used in the plastic injection molding process to form plastic parts. These molds can vary significantly in size and complexity, often consisting of two halves that fit together to form the desired part.

Typical Weight Range:

• Small molds: 50 kg to 500 kg (110 lbs to 1100 lbs)
• Large molds: 500 kg to 15,000 kg (1100 lbs to 33,000 lbs)

Dimensions:

• Small molds: 400 mm × 400 mm × 400 mm (16" × 16" × 16")
• Large molds: 2,500 mm × 2,500 mm × 1,000 mm (98" × 98" × 39")

Key Specifications for Efficient Handling:

• Lifting capacity: Overhead cranes or gantry cranes with lifting capacities ranging from 500 kg to 15 tons.
• Precision: Lifting systems like electric hoists provide precision in mold placement.
• Rigidity: The lifting equipment should be sturdy and capable of supporting high static loads without flexing.

Lifting Equipment Needs:

• Overhead Cranes (with adjustable speeds for precision).
• Vacuum Lifters (for small or fragile molds).
• Electric Hoists (for vertical lifting and accurate positioning).

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Die Casting Molds Handling

Description: Die casting molds are primarily used in the metalworking industry to produce high-precision metal parts by injecting molten metal into molds. These molds are typically made from high-strength steel.

Typical Weight Range:

• Small molds: 200 kg to 1,500 kg (440 lbs to 3,300 lbs)
• Large molds: 1,500 kg to 25,000 kg (3,300 lbs to 55,000 lbs)

Dimensions:

• Small molds: 500 mm × 500 mm × 400 mm (20" × 20" × 16")
• Large molds: 3,000 mm × 3,000 mm × 1,500 mm (118" × 118" × 59")

Key Specifications for Efficient Handling:

• Lifting capacity: Gantry cranes or overhead cranes for larger molds with capacities of up to 25 tons.
• Stability: Strong lifting equipment with minimal sway to avoid damage during transport.
• Temperature Resistance: The lifting equipment should be capable of withstanding high temperatures, especially when handling freshly cast metal.

Lifting Equipment Needs:

• Overhead Cranes (with high lifting capacities for large molds).
• Jib Cranes (for more confined spaces).
• Forklifts (for short-distance transport).

Stamping DiesHandling

Description: Stamping dies are used in the sheet metal industry to cut, shape, and form metal sheets or plates. These dies can be heavy and come in many different configurations, such as progressive or compound dies.

Typical Weight Range:

• Small dies: 500 kg to 5,000 kg (1,100 lbs to 11,000 lbs)
• Large dies: 5,000 kg to 30,000 kg (11,000 lbs to 66,000 lbs)

Dimensions:

• Small dies: 1,000 mm × 800 mm × 300 mm (39" × 31" × 12")
• Large dies: 3,000 mm × 3,000 mm × 1,500 mm (118" × 118" × 59")

Key Specifications for Efficient Handling:

• Lifting capacity: Overhead or gantry cranes are often required for dies weighing over 5 tons.
• Precision: Jib cranes or turntables are ideal for precise positioning during stamping.
• Handling Complexity: Dies may require a specialized lifting configuration, including hooks or special grips, for safe lifting.

Lifting Equipment Needs:

• Overhead Cranes (for large and heavy dies).
• Jib Cranes (for precise positioning and frequent mold changes).
• Turntables (for rotating or aligning dies in the stamping press).

Blow Molding Dies Handling

Description: Blow molding dies are used to create hollow plastic parts such as bottles and containers. These molds are typically larger than injection molds and need precise handling due to their shape and size.

Typical Weight Range:

• Small molds: 300 kg to 2,000 kg (660 lbs to 4,400 lbs)
• Large molds: 2,000 kg to 10,000 kg (4,400 lbs to 22,000 lbs)

Dimensions:

• Small molds: 1,000 mm × 1,000 mm × 500 mm (39" × 39" × 20")
• Large molds: 2,500 mm × 2,500 mm × 1,000 mm (98" × 98" × 39")

Key Specifications for Efficient Handling:

• Lifting capacity: Overhead cranes or gantry cranes are ideal for handling molds over 2,000 kg.
• Precision: The molds may require delicate handling, making electric hoists and vacuum lifters essential.
• Handling Shape: The cylindrical shape of the molds often requires special lifting accessories like spreader bars or lifting beams.

Lifting Equipment Needs:

• Overhead Cranes (with high lifting capacities for large molds).
• Vacuum Lifters (for delicate mold handling and to prevent damage).
• Jib Cranes (for confined areas).

Compression Molds Handling

Description: Compression molds are used in the molding of thermosetting plastics or rubber parts. These molds are typically very heavy, especially when used for large parts such as automotive components.

Typical Weight Range:

• Small molds: 500 kg to 3,000 kg (1,100 lbs to 6,600 lbs)
• Large molds: 3,000 kg to 15,000 kg (6,600 lbs to 33,000 lbs)

Dimensions:

• Small molds: 800 mm × 800 mm × 500 mm (31" × 31" × 20")
• Large molds: 2,500 mm × 2,500 mm × 1,500 mm (98" × 98" × 59")

Key Specifications for Efficient Handling:

• Lifting capacity: Overhead or gantry cranes are required for larger compression molds.
• Safety Features: Molds must be handled with care to avoid deformation or damage.
• Temperature Resistance: Molds must often be moved at high temperatures, requiring heat-resistant lifting equipment.

Lifting Equipment Needs:

• Overhead Cranes (for large and heavy molds).
• Jib Cranes (for smaller molds and tight spaces).
• Electric Hoists (for precise lifting).

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Extrusion Dies Handling

Description: Extrusion dies are used to form continuous shapes such as pipes, profiles, and sheets from plastic or metal. These dies are typically long and can have complex shapes, requiring careful handling.

Typical Weight Range:

• Small dies: 100 kg to 1,000 kg (220 lbs to 2,200 lbs)
• Large dies: 1,000 kg to 10,000 kg (2,200 lbs to 22,000 lbs)

Dimensions:

• Small dies: 500 mm × 500 mm × 200 mm (20" × 20" × 8")
• Large dies: 2,000 mm × 1,500 mm × 500 mm (79" × 59" × 20")

Key Specifications for Efficient Handling:

• Lifting capacity: Jib cranes or overhead cranes with lower lifting capacities are suitable for extrusion dies.
• Handling Complexity: The shape and size of extrusion dies require precise movement and alignment.
• Temperature Resistance: Dies must be handled carefully, especially when hot.

Lifting Equipment Needs:

• Jib Cranes (for precise positioning in extrusion lines).
• Overhead Cranes (for larger dies).

Efficient mold handling depends on the size, weight, and complexity of the mold or die. The right lifting equipment, whether it's an overhead crane, gantry crane, jib crane, or hoist, should be selected based on the mold's specifications and the operational requirements of the facility. Additionally, considerations such as temperature resistance, precision, and safety features should be prioritized to ensure that molds are handled correctly without risk of damage or inefficiency.