Design of an automatic sliding rack for injection moulding machine

Abstract Rubber processing manufacturing facility uses an injection moulding machine for its primary operation. This machine is fully automatic with one manual operation requiring two operators to push and pull the sliding tray during loading and unloading process. This work aims in eliminating the only manual operation by designing an automatic sliding rack system. As the weight of the sliding tray is 600 kg, it requires more effort from the operators resulting in fatigue. In few instances, minor injuries have been reported when the operators accidently get in direct contact with the finished components during loading and unloading. During the design process, rack and pinion mechanism is considered for the automatic sliding of the rack. The pinion is attached to the motor and the rack will push/pull the sliding rack as per the requirement. The design of all the components of the sliding rack system is performed in Unigraphics 2007. Also, the simulation studies shows that the cycle time is reduced from 9.67 seconds to 5.52 seconds. This shows the significant reduction in the cycle time.