Types and Applications of Non-Standard Collapsible Cores

Types of Collapsible Cores and Their Working Principle

In this section, we introduce several types of collapsible cores, including 6-blade, 8-blade, 10-blade, 12-blade, and folding-type collapsible cores. Each type is equipped with a drive rod and two sets of sliders at different angles. Notably, the angle of the small slider's groove is twice that of the large slider's groove. For example, if the large slider's groove angle is 5 degrees, the small slider’s groove angle should be 10 degrees. This is critical to avoid interference and ensure smooth demolding during the process, and is an important design consideration.

The working principle involves the coordination between the drive rod and the slider grooves. As the drive rod moves downward, it forces the sliders to move inward, as they are locked into the grooves of the drive rod. Since the small slider has a larger angle, it moves faster than the large slider, which has a smaller angle and thus moves more slowly. This difference in movement speeds allows the sliders to fold into each other, ultimately achieving the goal of demolding.

Differences Between Standard and Non-Standard Parts

In the mold design process, standard parts are preferred due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. First, standard parts come with downloadable 3D data directly from the supplier’s website, eliminating the need for custom drawings and saving time. Additionally, suppliers typically keep stock of standard parts and perform necessary heat treatment on the materials, ensuring a stable supply and relatively competitive pricing.

However, standard collapsible cores have certain limitations. For example, it may be difficult to find suitable standard sizes for special products such as pipe fittings or threaded items. Furthermore, the dimensions and height of standard collapsible cores are fixed, which limits flexibility in mold design.

In contrast, non-standard collapsible cores offer greater design freedom. They can be customized to the product specifications provided by the customer, and the drive rod length can be adjusted according to the mold’s specific requirements. Non-standard collapsible cores also allow for optimization of sharp angles caused by the segmenting of blades. For instance, common 6-blade and 8-blade folding-type collapsible cores tend to have sharp angles in standard designs. A non-standard design can reduce these sharp angles by adjusting the angle of ∠a (approximately 15-25 degrees), which improves the longevity of the coreUsing non-standard collapsible cores requires custom design and the selection of appropriate materials for machining and mold fitting. While this increases the workload, it provides better alignment with specific design needs, enhancing the quality and performance of the final product.