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SERVICE TIP Maintenance and Care of Molds |
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Molds or forms uses for manufacturing Packerhead pipe require a certain amount of maintenance and care to insure proper performance. There are three basic Packerhead mold designs: Overhead Strip, Three-Piece, and Two-Piece Pull-Apart. Care and maintenance functions are much the same for each type. OVERHEAD STRIP Clean mold after each day’s manufacturing by wiping the inner surfaces with a cloth, washing with water, or sweeping with a broom. Clean the seams thoroughly using a small trowel. Check the eccentric feet (Photo 1) and retractable pins (Photo 2). If broken, bent or worn, they should be replaced or repaired. The mold lock assemblies should also be examined (Photo 3). The gates should lock without exerting an excessive amount of force. Turn each adjusting bolt so the seam will close leaving no play or looseness in the lock assembly. THREE-PIECE Clean mold and three seams using the above methods. Inspect the pallet support blocks at the bottom of the mold (Photo 4). If missing or worn replace with new blocks. Replace the retractable pins if bent or broken (Photo 2). Check and adjust the mold lock assemblies using the same system as with Overhead Strip molds (Photo 5). Lubricate each grease fitting located on the hinged seam assemblies (Photo 6). The Adjustable Forklift Truck Adaptors used in conjunction with Three-Piece Rack-Back molds are practically maintenance-free. Necessary attention should be given, however, to the lubrication of all fittings on the unit. TWO-PIECE PULL-APART Clean mold using same procedure as above. When finished, check the latch adjustments (Photo 7). The latches should lock without use of a "cheater" bar or pipe.
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Photo 1 - Eccentric Foot Assembly |
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Photo 2 - Retractable Pin Assembly |
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Photo 3 - Overhead Strip Mold Lock Assembly |
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Photo 4 - Three-Piece Mold Pallet Support Blocks |
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Photo 5 - Three-Piece Mold Lock Assembly |
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Photo 6 - Three-Piece Mold Hinged Seam Assembly Grease Fittings |
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Photo 7 - Two-Piece Mold Lock Assembly |
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