Mould Design Guide

Figure 12.9 Offset dowel design

In this arrangement, the angle dowel will not contact the splits until the tool has opened
distance A. The dowel then strikes the splits at point P and opens the splits distance S
after the tool has fully opened.

One of the main reasons this design is used is where a core pin is located in the fixed half
of the tool. The lost motion effect ensures that the pin is completely withdrawn from the
part before the splits fully open, thus preventing the part from remaining on the core pin.

Note, however, that some other means of ejection may be necessary with this type of
design to prevent the mouldings ‘hanging up’ in the opened splits.

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 Undercut Injection Mould Tools

12.3.1 Key Design Features

x If the part cannot be guaranteed to fall freely from the splits when the tool is fully
open, the part would have to be inverted and a conventional ejector used.
x Distance A must be greater than distance B.
x Distance S must be greater than the maximum depth of undercut.
x The offset dowel is usually of square section as this is easier to make.
x S = D u tan C + clearance.
x Other design features are the same as those for the straight angle dowel design.

12.3.2 To Establish Point P

1. Draw the component in position.

2. Draw in the vertical portion of the angle dowel.

3. Draw the angled portion of the dowel such that distance L is 1.5 times the length B.

4. Project a line upwards from the bottom of the angled part of the dowel.

5. Draw in a line to represent face F to pass through P and position this such that
distance S = D u tan C.

6. Continue with the rest of the construction.

Another example of the use for an offset dowel design is shown in Figure 12.10. In this
case face A is too small to eject from and face B is selected for sleeve ejection.

This component has to have core pins in both halves of the tool and is moulded in splits
with both core pins carrying a small undercut. The lower undercut Y is designed to be
more severe that the upper one X to make sure the moulding will be retained on it.

The undercut on the lower core pin, Y, holds the moulding back after the splits have
opened beyond the point where the external undercut form has been released. As the
opening phase continues, the undercut on the upper core, X, is then jump-stripped from
its core pin via the sleeve ejector. After the splits fully open, the lower undercut Y is freed
as ejection takes place.

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Mould Design Guide

Figure 12.10 Enlarged cavity details

12.4 Use of Side Cores

12.4.1 Discussion

Not all components have an undercut form that necessitates the use of splits. Many
undercuts are locally positioned on the part and can be released by means of a localised
side core. Key design features are similar to those for angled dowels discussed earlier.

The component shown in Figure 12.11 is typical of such an undercut form.

Figure 12.11 Local undercut on tubular moulding

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