D-M-E — Internal Latch Lock Benefits and Selection Chart

D-M-E°Os Internal Latch Lock allows precision contro of mold plate latching operation
D-M-E's unique internally-mounted latch lock mechanism adapts to a numbe of mold base sizes and plate thicknesses. It is available in three sizes to accommodate most standard D-M-E stripper plate mold bases. Two travel ranges and two center puller pin lengths are available for each of the three latch lock sizes. Once installed,D-M-E's internal latch locks control the sequence of one parting line openinafter the first parting line has traveled a predetermined distance. After installation there are no adjustments that can be accidentally changed. The internal latch locks are most commonly used on D-M-E AX-Series stripper plate mold bases but can be used on other D-M-E stripper plate mold bases as well.
 Three diameter sizes to choose from (R)C 28 mm, 34 mm, and 45 mm depending on the size of the mold and the application
 Two travel ranges and two center puller pin lengths to choose from for each of the three sizes
 Hardened steel components for longer life
 Latching mechanism has built-in travel limitation
 When latch is released, latching cams hold released stripper plate in fully traveled position
 Easy set-up of timing for latching mechanism
 Internal installation avoids interferences with water line connectors and externally mounted components
Internal Latch Lock (R)C Typical Application Design Guideline
1.Select the appropriate internal latch lock size (R)C 28 mm diameter (small) 34 mm diameter (medium), or 45 mm diameter (large) based on the width of the mold base, as indicated in the chart on page K-28.11. However, large molds, thick plates or heavy load applications may require the next largest size assembly than is specified.
2.Select the appropriate travel range from the two choices for each size in the chart on page K-28.11. This selection is based on the specific application requirements for the amount of travel that must occur at one parting line prior to the latch being released. The total travel requirements are based on the amount needed for the application as explained above, plus 3 mm (.12") minimum additional allowance. This added 3 mm minimum will make sure the full required travel has occurred before the latch lock starts its releasing action.
3.Select the appropriate length for the center puller pin from the two choices for each size in the chart. The length of the pin is determined by the specific application including the mold base plate thicknesses, where the pin will be mounted, etc. If possible, the center puller pin should be mounted in the support plate. However, some applications require the center puller pin to be mounted in the bottom clamping plate. This will depend on the travel or the length of the split sleeve component which controls the travel and the plate thicknesses in the mold base.
4.The answers to the above items (1-3) should establish a specific catalog number assembly from the chart on page K-28.11.
5.A minimum of four assemblies are recommended per mold. However, for larger molds, thick plates, or an application where loads are near maximum, additional assemblies and/or next largest size assemblies may be required. An application must never exceed the maximum recommended load values. A balanced load must be maintained to avoid cocking and binding which could cause severe overloading. Only one size latch lock assembly should be used in each mold base.
6.The center puller pin should be counterbored into its mounting plate 4 mm (.157") minimum for most applications, as shown in the drawings at right. This counterbore aligns the center puller pin with the other components in the assembly.
7.The most common applications for the latch locks are for the D-M-E AX-Series stripper plate mold bases. However, many other types of stripper plate mold bases can also be used with this internal plate latching mechanism. It is important to make sure that the leader pin lengths in all applications are long enough to fully engage the stripper plate through its full travel. The latch lock mechanism latches two plates together but is not intended to provide guidance. Instead, it relies on the leader pins in the mold for proper alignment and support of the actuated stripper plates.
8.In the fully latched position the internal latch lock mechanism will allow movement of approximately 0.4 mm (.016") for the 28 mmdiameter and 34 mm diameter assemblies and approximately 0.5 mm (.020") for the 45 mm diameter assemblies.
9.Injection molding machine mold opening speed may have to be reduced in order to make sure that excessive shock loading does not occur.
10.The internal latch lock is not recommended for severe load applications. 11.The internal latch lock must not be exposed to temperatures that exceed 150°,C (300°,F) at any tim
12.Lubricate all metal-to-metal contact areas initially and periodically as required. A good grade of moldmakers non-melting type grease for the appropriate temperature should be used.
13.An optional sleeve can be added to the latch lock that provides two additional functions. However, this optional sleeve is not required for the latch lock function. The optional sleeve can be added to incorporate guided ejection and/or normal ejector assembly return functions in the mold. Refer to page K-28.17 for specific information regarding this sleeve option.