Molding systems and related methods

Abstract

An actuator system for use in a mold system includes a first actuator operatively coupled to a first mold portion and configured to move the first mold portion along an axis in a first direction from a first molding position toward a first ejecting position. The system also includes a second actuator operatively coupled to a second mold portion and configured to move the second mold portion along the axis in the first direction from a second molding position toward a second ejecting position. The system further includes a controller in communication with the first and second actuators and configured to independently activate the first and second actuators.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An actuator system for use in a mold system, comprising:
 a first actuator operatively coupled to a first mold portion and configured to move the first mold portion along an axis in a first direction from a first molding position toward a first ejecting position;   a second actuator operatively coupled to a second mold portion and configured to move the second mold portion along the axis in the first direction from a second molding position toward a second ejecting position; and   a controller in communication with the first and second actuators and configured to independently activate the first and second actuators.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to activate the first and second actuators sequentially to move the respective mold portions in the first direction. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to activate the first actuator prior to activating the second actuator. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first or second actuators includes a hydraulic actuator. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second actuators are configured to move the first and second mold portions, respectively, in a second direction opposite the first direction from the respective ejecting positions toward the respective molding positions. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the controller is configured to activate the first and second actuators simultaneously to move the respective mold portions in the second direction.