Patent ID: 8128394
Filing Date: 2012-03-06
Classification: B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tooling assembly with an interchangeable mold block, the tooling assembly comprising: a tooling body having a first surface adapted to be mounted to a platen of a press of an injection molding machine and a second surface that is opposed from the first surface and adapted for receiving an interchangeable mold block mounted thereto; a series of fasteners mounted on the second surface for fastening the mold block thereto; an alignment system having at least one first guide bar or guide groove mounted on the second surface of the tooling body for aligning the mold block to the tooling body, the alignment system being oriented at and within a perimeter of the mold block to permit expansion of the mold block relative to the tooling body to accommodate varying rates of thermal expansion of the tooling body and the mold block; the interchangeable mold block capable of forming an article, and comprising: a mold block body having a first surface adapted to be mounted to the tooling body second surface, a second surface of the mold block body that is opposed from the mold block body first surface for engaging another mold block body, and a forming surface for collectively forming an article with a forming surface of the other mold block body in a forming operation; a second series of fasteners mounted on the mold block body first surface for fastening the mold block body to the tooling body second surface; and a second alignment system having at least one second guide bar or guide groove mounted on the mold block body first surface for cooperating with the first guide bar or guide groove and aligning the mold block to the mold tooling assembly, the alignment system being oriented at and within a perimeter of the mold block body to permit expansion of the mold block body relative to the mold tooling assembly to accommodate varying rates of thermal expansion of the mold tooling assembly and the mold block body.