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.

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 same axis as the first mold portion and in the same first direction as the first mold portion 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 first and second ejecting positions toward the respective first and second 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.