Thermoforming mold trimming system and process
A thermoforming mold trimming system, apparatus, and method of use are disclosed. The thermoforming mold trimming apparatus includes a robot support structure with at least one robot secured to the robot support structure. The apparatus also includes a contact probe removably secured to the robot, the contact probe being configured to generate a trim path for a thermoformed molded part. The robot is programmed to follow the trim path generated by the contact probe. The robot then uses a blade to trim excess material of a finished molded part within the housing by following the trim path.
1. A method of molding a part comprising:
providing an apparatus comprising a thermoforming mold, a robot support structure surrounding the mold, and a robot secured to the robot support structure, the robot including a contact probe;
forming a molded part from the thermoforming mold;
cooling the molded part within the apparatus;
trimming the molded part within the apparatus during the cooling step, wherein the trimming includes:
generating a trim path by moving the contact probe along a trench machined in the mold, wherein generating the trim path comprises:
moving the contact probe along a theoretical trim path for the part;
modifying the theoretical trim path by adjusting the probe to move within the trench boundaries; and
generating a correct trim path;
removing the contact probe from the robot;
securing a blade to the robot; and
trimming the mold of excess material using the blade, according to the generated trim path, to form a finished molded part.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the mold comprises datum locations, and wherein generating a trim path further comprises performing a referencing process including moving the probe along one direction of a surface of the datum location, and then moving the probe along a second direction of a perpendicular surface of the datum location.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising removing the contact probe and installing the blade via an automatic tool change system.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the robot support structure comprises at least one six-axis robot.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the contact probe comprises one or more electrical contacts and an insulator.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the robot includes or is in communication with a computing device.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising two robots secured to the robot support structure.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein positive air pressure is forced into the trench.
9. The method of claim 2 , wherein the datum locations are formed as datum blocks protruding from the thermoforming mold.
10. The method of claim 2 , wherein the datum locations are formed as datum pockets within the thermoforming mold.
11. The method of claim 2 , further comprising three datum locations.
12. The method of claim 2 , wherein the datum locations each have two perpendicular surfaces.