A
Electrically heated platens designed to provide accurate and uniform temperature distribution across the platen surface.
Engineered molding materials formulated to provide enhanced mechanical, thermal, electrical, or chemical properties.
The temperature of the atmosphere or medium surrounding the object under consideration.
An American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standard that establishes requirements for safeguarding machinery and reducing operator risk.
A kit containing chase frames and related components used to produce standardized test specimens for material testing in accordance with ASTM procedures.
An ASTM standard that defines procedures for preparing rubber test sheets for evaluating material properties.
An ASTM standard that specifies procedures for preparing polyethylene test specimens by compression molding.
B
Runner design to ensure common heat history and fill time for all mold cavities.
Normally referred to as one drop from a rubber internal mixer; batch-tobatch variations in properties may cause problems in molded part quality unless operating parameters are adjusted to compensate.
The process of joining two or more materials together through heat, pressure, adhesives, or a combination of these methods.
The force required to initially separate and open a mold after the molding process is complete.
The density of loose material (powder, cubes, etc.) expressed as a ratio of weight to volume.
Raw molding material consisting of unsaturated polyesters with reinforcement systems, including glass fibers or minerals.
A molding operation in which clamp pressure is temporarily released and reapplied to vent trapped gases from the material or mold cavity.
C
A hydraulic press with an open-front frame shaped like the letter "C," providing easy access to the work area for molding, trimming, laminating, and other processing operations.
An accessory that allows molds to be placed on extension rails and rolled into a press for faster and easier mold changes.
A cylindrical electric heating element inserted into a platen or mold to provide controlled heating.
The flow and distribution of molding material throughout a mold cavity until the desired part shape is formed.
A manufactured ceramic material used as a proppant to hold fractures open in oil and gas wells during hydraulic fracturing operations.
A mold frame used during compression molding to contain material and produce uniform test specimens.
A valve that allows flow in one direction while preventing flow in the opposite direction.
A hydraulic cylinder that generates the force required to open and close the press clamp.
The ability to monitor and control the position of the press clamp throughout the operating cycle.
The regulation of pressure applied by the clamping system during press operation.
The total distance traveled by the clamp cylinder or moving platen during opening and closing.
A control method that continuously monitors and adjusts applied force to maintain a specified force level during operation.
The speed at which the press clamp moves toward the closed position, typically measured in inches per minute (IPM).
In transfer molding, a chamber that maintains material at a lower temperature to prevent curing before it is transferred into the mold cavity.
The process of forming composite materials into a desired shape using heat, pressure, or both.
The amount of time a compounded material can be stored before processing without significantly affecting its performance or processability.
A type of molding process whereby material is placed directly into the mold, and the material is heated and formed through the clamp force applied.
A press that applies heat and pressure to form materials within a mold cavity during the compression molding process.
A testing method in which force or pressure is applied at a controlled, consistent rate throughout the test.
A control feature that shuts the hydraulic system off at pressure set point and restarts it if the pressure bleeds off.
The portion of a molding process during which a material or mold is cooled to achieve the desired physical properties.
The speed at which temperature is reduced during a cooling cycle, typically measured in degrees per unit of time.
A hydraulic or mechanical device designed to separate the middle plate in a three-plate mold. May also be used to assist in part ejection.
The chemical reaction that occurs in rubber over time at temperature that results in a permanent change in material characteristics. Also known as curing.
A test fixture used to apply compressive force to a material sample during crush resistance testing.
The type of curative in the rubber compound being molded, ranging from the conventional sulfur cure to the faster, exothermic peroxide systems; the goal is the same: to effect cross-linking of the thermoset polymers.
The process of moving from the raw, unvulcanized stage to one in which the polymer has become cross-linked to achieve the desired physical properties.
The ability of a press or process to consistently repeat operating conditions and produce uniform results from cycle to cycle.
D
A system that collects, records, and stores process data from sensors, instruments, and equipment for monitoring and analysis.
The rate at which pressure or force is reduced during the release portion of a molding cycle.
A cylinder that use hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to produce motion in both extension and retraction directions.
A measurement of the hardness of rubber and plastic, or the instrument used to measure the hardness of vulcanized rubber and plastic.
E
A polymer material that can be repeatedly stretched and returned to its original shape with minimal permanent deformation.
A control system that electronically regulates and maintains force during a molding or pressing operation.
The process of surrounding or enclosing a component within a molding material for protection, insulation, or environmental resistance.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer; a synthetic rubber known for its resistance to weathering, heat, ozone, and chemicals.
F
The modification or upgrade of existing equipment after installation to add new features, functionality, or capabilities.
The material which flows beyond the part boundaries at the parting lines of the mold, or into openings, housing inserts, ejector pins, etc.
Kinds and proportion of ingredients for a mix, together with the method of incorporation. Also called recipe.
A press design that uses four support columns to maintain platen alignment and distribute force evenly during operation.
A high-purity silica sand used as a proppant to keep fractures open and allow the flow of oil or natural gas from a well.
G
The temperature at which a material transitions from a hard, glass-like state to a softer, more flexible state.
H
The accumulated amount of heat a material has been exposed to during processing operations.
The accumulated amount of heat a material has been exposed to during processing operations.
The conduction of heat from a platen or mold into a material to initiate curing or forming.
A platen equipped with heating elements to transfer heat to a mold or material during processing.
Platens designed to provide both heating and cooling functions during a molding cycle.
Human-Machine Interface; a graphical interface that allows operators to monitor and control machine functions.
A hydraulically powered device used to remove a molded part from a mold cavity after processing.
A press that uses hydraulic cylinders and fluid pressure to generate and control force for forming, molding, laminating, or testing applications.
A system that uses pressurized fluid to generate, transmit, and control force and motion within a press.
I
A molding process in which material is molded around or bonded to a preplaced insert to create a finished component.
A safety system that prevents machine operation when a guard, gate, or protective barrier is open or not properly secured.
An International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard that defines testing procedures for determining the crush resistance of proppants used in hydraulic fracturing operations.
J
A secondary ram used to increase closing speed and assist in developing the force required to open certain molds.
L
A press designed for research, development, material testing, specimen preparation, and small-scale production applications.
The process of bonding two or more layers of material together using heat, pressure, adhesives, or a combination of these methods.
A press design that utilizes a large main ram to distribute force evenly across the molding area.
A manufacturing methodology focused on reducing waste and improving efficiency while maximizing value to the customer.
Linear bearings that use recirculating ball elements to provide smooth, lowfriction linear motion.
A sensor that measures force or load and converts it into an electrical signal for monitoring or control.
A hydraulic pump that adjusts its output based on system demand to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Sealing components designed to minimize resistance and wear while maintaining fluid or air containment.
A composite molding material designed to be processed at reduced molding pressures.
M
A concentrated mixture of additives, pigments, or other ingredients that is blended with a base material during processing.
The evaluation of a material's physical, mechanical, thermal, or chemical characteristics through standardized testing methods.
The temperature at which a material becomes sufficiently molten or softened for processing.
The process of removing one mold from a machine and installing another to begin production of a different part.
The location where the mold sections meet, creating the potential for material flow and flash formation.
A system or function designed to help prevent damage to molds during machine operation.
A control circuit that monitors operating conditions and helps prevent mold damage or unsafe machine operation.
The pressure applied during a molding process to shape, compact, or consolidate material within a mold cavity.
A press configuration that provides more than one molding space between platens, allowing multiple molds or levels of production within the same press.
A thin polyester film commonly used as a release layer or separator during specimen preparation and molding processes.
N
A pneumatic cylinder manufactured to dimensional and performance standards established by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA).
O
Platens heated by circulating temperature-controlled oil through internal channels.
P
The condition in which two surfaces remain equidistant from each other across the entire area.
A mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic system designed to remove a finished part from a mold after processing.
A control device that continuously adjusts heating or cooling output to maintain a desired temperature setpoint.
The press component to which mold halves are mounted and through which heat and force are applied during processing.
A system that circulates air, water, or other cooling media to reduce platen temperature.
Programmable Logic Controller; an industrial computer used to automate and control machine operations.
The regulation of force generated by compressed air within a pneumatic system.
A press that uses compressed air to generate force for forming, assembling, testing, or light-duty molding operations.
A chemical reaction in which small molecules called monomers join together to form larger polymer chains.
A secondary curing cycle performed after initial molding to achieve the final physical properties of a material or part.
A mechanically or electrically actuated gate that restricts access to hazardous areas during machine operation.
A distribution component that collects and directs fluid, water, or steam from a press system to connected piping or equipment.
The ability of a press platens system to remain parallel during operation and under load.
The speed at which the press applies force during the pressing portion of the cycle, typically measured in inches per minute (IPM).
The ability to adjust and control the speed at which force is applied during the pressing portion of the cycle.
The ability to program and control pressure levels at different stages of a process cycle.
The monitoring and regulation of process variables to achieve consistent and repeatable results.
The measurable variables that define and control a manufacturing process, such as pressure, temperature, time, and speed.
A controller that automatically adjusts temperature according to a programmed heating or cooling profile.
The total area of a molded part and its flash upon which cavity pressure acts against the press clamping force.
A control method in which the output is proportional to the difference between the desired setpoint and the actual process value.
A hydraulic system that uses proportional controls to continuously adjust pressure, flow, or position based on process requirements.
A test used to determine the crush resistance of proppant materials under applied pressure.
A sensor that detects the presence or position of an object without requiring physical contact.
Q
A method of reducing mold or die changeover time through the use of tools, procedures, and equipment designed for faster setup and changeovers.
R
The continuous observation and display of process conditions as they occur during operation.
A feature that allows process settings and operating parameters to be saved and recalled for future use.
The ability to exchange data, monitor equipment, or access controls from a remote location.
A proppant consisting of silica sand coated with a resin layer to improve strength, durability, and resistance to crushing under high pressure.
A laboratory instrument used to measure and evaluate the flow and curing characteristics of materials.
The process of shaping rubber materials into finished parts using heat, pressure, and a mold.
S
A safety device or control that prevents machine operation until specified safety conditions are met.
Styrene Butadiene Rubber; a widely used synthetic rubber known for its abrasion resistance and durability.
The premature curing or vulcanization of a rubber compound caused by excessive heat or processing conditions.
A reinforced composite molding material produced in sheet form and typically used in compression molding applications.
The natural deterioration of a material while it is stored under normal environmental conditions.
The length of time a material can be stored before its properties or performance begin to degrade.
A ram that uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to move in one direction, with return motion provided by gravity, springs, or another external force.
A mechanical safety device designed to secure and support moving loads in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure or system failure.
A press design that utilizes solid side structures rather than support columns to provide high rigidity and minimize frame deflection under load.
An electrically operated valve that controls the flow of liquids or gases within a system.
The ability to program and control different operating speeds throughout various stages of a process cycle.
The primary channel through which material enters a mold before flowing into runners or cavities.
A device used to cool steam and convert it into liquid water for collection, disposal, or reuse.
Platens heated by circulating steam through internal channels to provide process heat.
The degree of smoothness, texture, or polish achieved on a mold or molded part surface.
T
T-shaped grooves machined into a platen or work surface to facilitate mold mounting and positioning.
An overflow groove built into a mold to control flash and facilitate its removal from a molded part.
A flat molded specimen used for evaluating material properties and performing standardized laboratory tests.
An upper platen that can be tilted to improve access to the mold area for loading, unloading, or maintenance.
An elastomeric material that softens when heated and returns to its original properties upon cooling.
A hydraulic cylinder used to force material from a transfer chamber into a mold cavity during transfer molding.
The force applied to move molding material from the transfer chamber into the mold cavity during the transfer molding process.
A molding process in which material is heated and forced from a transfer pot or chamber into a closed mold cavity under pressure.
A press designed to force heated material from a transfer chamber into a closed mold cavity under pressure to form a finished part.
The rate at which molding material is transferred into the mold cavity during the transfer molding process.
V
A compression molding process performed within a vacuum environment to remove trapped air and gases from the material and mold cavity during molding.
A press equipped with a vacuum chamber or vacuum system to remove trapped air and gases during molding or laminating operations.
A sealed enclosure surrounding the molding area that creates a vacuum environment during processing to help eliminate trapped air and improve part quality.
An irreversible chemical process that alters the molecular structure of rubber to improve its strength, elasticity, and durability.