500mm x 500mm VRTM (Vacuum Clamped) with fixed cavity thickness (adjustable with optional inserted shim plates)
The simplest option in the test-panel tool range:
- The lower mould is machined with a fixed cavity thickness which can be reduced by fitting optional shim-plates (cavity range of 0.5mm to 15mm)
- The upper mould consists of 19mm heat-toughened plate glass in a supporting steel framework. This allows full observation of the injection process
- The mould is clamped using vacuum only (VRTM) and is limited to use at low pressures up to 0.5 bar positive
- Injection is via a peripheral injection gate with a central vent.
- The lower mould includes oil/water heating channels or integral electrical heating with the appropriate insulation
- The upper mould is hinged and supported on gas-struts for ease of operation
- Air ejector system is included with standard specification
Tooling Options
| Item/Option | Notes | Part/option Number |
|---|---|---|
| 500mm x 500mm VRTM Fixed cavity test panel mould | XM-5101 |
|
| Sensor Mounting Detail | Note: Sensors are not suitable if shim insert plates are being used – Contact CI to discuss further. | |
| Options | ||
| Shim plates (Water-jet cut from stock plate) | Multiple plates can be used to achieve required cavity | |
| 1mm (±0.1mm) | -02 |
|
| 2mm (±0.15mm) | -03 |
|
| 3mm (±0.2mm) | -04 |
|
| 4mm (±0.24mm) | -05 |
|
| 5mm (±0.25mm) | -06 |
|
| 10mm (±0.36mm) | -07 |
|
| Machined shim plates (±0.05mm) | Available above 5mm | TBC |
| Optional sensor mounding detail - One Port | One Machined hole to accept IMPS pressure sensor or thermocouple. Includes blanking plug. | -21 |
| Optional sensor mounding detail - Two Port | Two machined holes to accept IMPS pressure sensor or thermocouple. Includes blanking plug. | -22 |
| Optional sensor mounting detail – Three Ports | Three machined holes to accept IMPS pressure sensor or thermocouple. Includes blanking plug. | -23 |
| Optional sensor mounting detail – Four Ports | Four machined holes to accept IMPS pressure sensor or thermocouple. Includes blanking plug. | -24 |
Heating Options
Heating:
- Oil/water heating is recommended for heating up to 150°c (see option 08)
- Electrical heating is recommended for heating up to 180°c. Two options are available for electrical heater control (see options 09 &10)
Note: Protective insulation will be required for moulds operating above 50°c, option 11 will need to be specified if going above this temperature.
Water/oil heating unit comprising:
- Supplied with stainless steel braided hoses
- Temperature control unit with digital display of the set and actual temperature with 1/10 degree to read in °C or °F
- Heating switchable in stages, from 3kW oil operation to 9kW water operation
- Heating capacity: 9kW water operation, switchable in stages 3,6,9 kW. 3kW oil operation
- Pump capacity: Motor 0.75 kW
- Power supply: 400V 50Hz 32A 3P+N+E
Electrical Heating: Standard control unit comprising:
- PID temperature controller with K type thermocouple feedback from mould
- Control system to comprise all necessary electrical safety and gear control
- Power Supply: 230V 50Hz 16A 1P+N+E
- Numerical display of setpoint and current temperature
Electrical Heating: Advanced control unit comprising:
- PID temperature controller with K type thermocouple feedback from mould
- Control system to comprise all necessary electrical safety and gear control including backup overtemperature protection system
- Power supply: 230V 50Hz 16A 1P+N+E
- Controllable ramp rates for heating and cooling
- USB Port for datalogging as standard. Data is logged to CSV format (readable with Power BI or Excel)
- Additional datalogging inputs for thermocouple and pressure sensor options available
- 4” touchscreen control with graphs of heater temperatures
| Heating Option | Notes | Part/option Number |
|---|---|---|
| If tool is to be used above 50°C OPTION 11 will need to be specified | ||
| Water/oil heating/temperature control unit | -08 | |
| or | ||
| Electrical Heating: Standard control | -09 |
|
| or | ||
| Electrical Heating: Advanced control | -10 |
|
| Additional Inputs | Additional inputs for: - 3 x 0-10V (pressure sensor outputs) - 3 x Type-K thermocouple inputs Will be displayed on screen and logged to a connected USB Note: Only available for advanced control, electrical heated option. Does not include the thermocouples or sensors. | -30 |
| Insulation Blanket | -11 |
How to specify / order
How to specify/order: To specify a mould configuration use the main mould part number followed by the required option numbers separated by a hyphen.
E.g. XM-5101-21-04-05-08 specifies a fixed-cavity VRTM mould + one sensor mounting detail + 3mm shim + 4mm shim + water heating unit
