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Quick Mold Change

Quick Mold Change QMC Quick Knock Out Boomerang plate adjustable hydraulic clamps injection molding

Hydra-Jaws™

Hydra-Jaws™

Complete Variable Quick Mold Change Solution

Hydra-Jaws™ systems are shipped prepared for easy installation.  Simply bolt the platen plates onto the machine’s platens, install manifolds, place clamps in slots and connect hoses and you’re ready for production.

Once the Hydra-Jaws™ Hydro-Mechanical clamps are moved into position hydraulic pressure is applied creating high clamping forces.  During production, the clamps are mechanically locked and require no hydraulic pressure.  This combination allows you to enjoy both the power and speed of hydraulic clamping and the security of mechanical locks.

Hydra-Jaws Mounted Plate - Mold Change Layout How it works
Quick Mold Change QMC - mold clamped in press

Locate the mold using the Mold Locating Guide Slot and close the moving platen. Move the clamps into position for clamping.

Quick Mold Change QMC - mold clamped in press

Apply hydraulic pressure to the clamps and set the mechanical locks.

Quick Knockout System for Knockout bar on Injection Molding Ejector - Hydraulic Power Image

Release the hydraulic pressure and disconnect the hydraulic power supply from the system.

Dimensional Information

Typical Max. Mold Weight*** (per platen) System Style (part no.) Typical Press Size (tons) Plate Size** (H) Plate Size** (V) Tie Bar Clear-ance ** (X) Tie Bar Clear-ance ** (Y) Guide Slot System Thick-ness (per platen) Locating Ring Dia. Nominal Clamping Height/Range Clamping Force (lbs./ clamp) Clamp Weight
6,000 lbs.
(3,500 lbs.)		 J8661 50-400 18 18 10 10 N/A 1¼” 4” 1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00		 ¾” – 1¼”
1” – 1½”
1¼”- 1¾”
1½” – 2”
1¾” – 2¼”		 3,500 5 lbs.
50-400 21 20 12 10 N/A 1¼” 4”
50-400 23 21 13 11 OPT 1¼” 4”
50-400 25 23 15 11½ OPT 1¼” 4”
50-400 27 25 16 13 OPT 1¼” 4”
50-400 30 30 18 18 STD 1¼” 4”
50-400 33 33 18 18 STD 1¼” 4”
50-400 36 36 20 20 STD 1¼” 4”
50-400 40+** 40+** – – STD 1¼” 4”
10,000 lbs.
(6,000 lbs.)		 J8825 450-750 48+** 48+** 28 28 STD 1¼” 4” 1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50		 ⅞” – 1¾”
1⅛” – 2”
1⅜” – 2¼”
1⅝” – 2½”
1⅞” – 2¾”
2⅛” – 3”
2⅜” – 3¼”		 8,000 13 lbs.
450-750 53+** 53+** 33 33 STD 1¼” 4”
450-750 55+** 55+** – – STD 1¼” 4”
25,000 lbs.
(15,000 lbs.)		 J8835 800-1,800 55+** 55+** – – STD 1⅝” 4” 1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50		 1¼” – 2½”
1¼” – 2½”
1¼” – 2½”
1½” – 2¾”
1¾” – 3”		 17,000 29 lbs.

 

*Other clamp heights available.

**Plates for systems are often made to order, please contact a PFA representative for assistance.

***Typical Max. Mold Weight is based on rated weight per platen with a typical 60/40% weight split. Per platen ratings are based on historic ratings for typical molds with typical (low) opening forces.  Molds not evenly divided must be sized on a per platen basis using the heaviest half. As some mold applications may involve larger than typical opening forces or other forces on the clamps, clamp size should be checked and selected based on the most demanding mold application for the press and in accordance with the customers in plant clamp force guidelines.

Identify Your System Part Number

How to size and specify a Quick Mold Change QMC system part number for PFA

Hydra-Jaws™ Clamp Specifications

Model 661L Model 825L Model 835L
Clamping Force at 5,000 PSI 3,500 lbs. 8,000 lbs. 17,000 lbs.
Stud Thread Size ⅝” – 11 ¾” – 10 1” – 8
T-Nut/Slot Style ¾” or 1” ¾” or 1” 1”
A 5.25” 7.5” 9.6”
B 1.75” 2.50” 4.00”
C** CLH*
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50		 Nominal Clamping Range
¾” – 1¼”
1” – 1½”
1¼”- 1¾”
1½” – 2”
1¾” – 2¼”
2” – 2½”
2¼” – 2¾”		 Nominal Clamping Range
⅞” – 1¾”
1⅛” – 2”
1⅜” – 2¼”
1⅝” – 2½”
1⅞” – 2¾”
2⅛” – 3”
2⅜” – 3¼”		 Nominal Clamping Range
Not Available
Not Available
1¼” – 2½”
1¼” – 2½”
1¼” – 2½”
1½” – 2¾”
1¾” – 3”
D** CLH*
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
3.75
4.00
4.25
4.50
4.75
5.00
5.25
4.75
5.00
5.25
5.50
5.75
6.00
6.25
—
—
7.00
7.00
7.00
7.25
7.50
E (Nose Over Plate) .75” .87” 1.00”
F (Width at Plate) 1.10” 2.00” 2.60”
Weight (approx.) 5 lbs. 13 lbs. 32 lbs.
rocker-clamps-chart-image-1 rocker-clamps-chart-image-2 rocker-clamps-chart-image-3

t-slot-bolt

*Nominal clamp height for part number selection. Actual clamp range for selected unit listed in chart. Customs available.

C** and D**= Product clamping range and height dimension is related to nominal Clamping Plate Thickness (CLH) chosen. Allow 1” height clearance for nominal variations and actuation.

Clamps are provided with T-Slot Bolt (A) or Fully Threaded Stud and T-Nut (B), depending on availability.

Hydra-Latch™

Hydra-Latch™

Zero Mold Modification KO Bar Quick Connect/Disconnect System

A Quick Mold Change system is not complete without an efficient means of connecting and disconnecting Knockout Bars (KO Bars). The Hydra-Latch™ KO System is it! Hydra-Latch™ is durable, compact, innovative and fits practically every machine. No mold modification required. An important reason for choosing Hydra-Latch™ is its easy installation and flexibility. It can fit between tie bars, avoid interference from KO plate push/pull pistons and can be installed without loss of ejection stroke*. Existing KO Bars are utilized after being shortened, drilled and tapped to accommodate the
Hydra-Latch™ Receivers.

*Does not apply to front mounted manifolds.

 

hydra-latch-drawing-2

KO Pattern Arrangement Probe Style ‘D’ Dia. L1 L2 L3 ‘T’ Threads Std.
Center to
4”x 16”		 1” Mini 1.00” .204 2.796 3.000 1/2” – 13
6”x 28”
and Up		 2” Maxi 2.00” .276 5.224 6.500 3/4” – 10
hydra-latch features - Quick Knockout Bar Systems

Dimensional Information

Model No. MLRM04A MLRM08A MLRM12A MLFM01E MLFM05E MXRM28A MXRM40A MXRM56A
Probe Style 1” Mini 1” Mini 1” Mini 1” Mini 1” Mini 2” Maxi 2” Maxi 2” Maxi
No. of Probes 4 8 12 1 5 8 8 8
Knockout Pattern 7” x 7” 4” x 16” 7”x 7” or
4” x 16”		 Center Only Center or
7”x 7”		 6” x 28” 10” x 40” 16” x 56”
Knockout Bars (Receivers) 2
Horizontal or Vertical		 4
Horizontal or Vertical		 4
2 Inner or 4 Outer Horizontal or Vertical		 1
Center		 2
1 Center or 2 Outer Horizontal or Vertical		 4
Horizontal or Vertical		 4
Horizontal or Vertical		 4
Horizontal or Vertical
Manifold Configuration 4 Single
Square Rear Mounted		 4 Dual
Rectangle Rear Mounted		 4 Triple
T- or U-Shaped Rear Mounted		 1 Single
Square Front Mounted		 1 Quint
X-Shaped Front Mounted		 4 Dual
Rectangle Rear Mounted		 4 Dual
Rectangle Rear Mounted		 4 Dual
Rectangle Rear Mounted
MLRM04A MLRM08A MLRM12A MLFM01E MLDM05E MXRM MXRM MXRM

Identify Your System Part Number

Example:  2” KO Plate thickness and 9/16 hole diameter with a 7”x 7”+ 4”x 16” hole pattern guides off axis.

Results:  Expand/drill holes to 19/32” (.592”) for clearance.  T-shaped manifolds are used when the KO plate guide rods are off axis.

Quick Knockout System for Knockout bar on Injection Molding Ejector - part specifications

Power & Control Modules

Power and Control Modules

Hydraulic power for Hydra-Jaws™ and Hydra-Latch™
  • Hydraulic Power and Control Modules are made in a variety of configurations to optimize all QMC applications. From single valve (zone) carriables to multi-zone units we’ve got just what you need to get the job done.
  • Hydro-Mechanical clamps are hydraulically actuated and mechanically locked during molding operations and need to be re-pressurized in order for the mechanical locks to be released. The HM feature provides a booster to make unlocking simple and easy.
  • Hydra-Latch™ Only – Choose a single hydraulic circuit (1 zone) carriable module for convenient use and storage. Great for single or multiple systems.
  • Hydra-Jaws™ Only – Choose a two hydraulic circuit (2 zone) carriable or roll-around module for greater fluid volume and convenience. (Typically one hydraulic circuit is connected to the ‘A’ platen and the other to the ‘B’ platen to power hydro-mechanical clamps.
  • Hydra-Jaws™ and Hydra-Latch™ Combination – Choose a three hydraulic circuit (3 zone) module when hydraulic clamping and KO Bar quick connect/disconnect systems are used.
Model Configuration Options

C = Carriable
R = Roll-Around
HM = Hydro-Mechanical Clamps
KO = Knockout Bar Connect/Disconnect System

Common Specifications
  • Air inlet pressure 150 psi maximum/70 psi minimum recommended
  • Oil temperature range of 50˚-120˚F
  • All hydraulic circuit/hose fittings are JIC 37 flare 7/16 thread
  • Air filter/regulator is pre-set to approximately 70 psi for 5,000 psi hydraulic pressure output to the clamps
  • Second regulator is adjustable to select hydraulic pressure in the range of 1,000-5,000 psi
  • 0-10,000 psi gauges for each circuit except electrically actuated module (not shown)
  • Hydraulic valves are low friction with metal to metal seals and a check valves to isolate each hydraulic circuit
  • Enclosures are made of steel and can be easily opened to make regulator setting changes
105C-KO One Zone One Hydraulic Circuit105C-KO One Zone, One Hydraulic Circuit

This module is most often used as a carriable unit to power Hydra-Latch™ Quick KO Bar Connect/Disconnect systems located on several machines. This module may also be fixed mounted (105S-KO) for dedicated use on a specific machine.

Weight 25 lbs.
Reservoir Capacity 2 1/2 qts.
Dimensions 14”L x 9”W x 11”H
View/Download this Hydraulic Controller User Guide:
125C-HM Two Zone Two Hydraulic Circuits125C-HM Two Zone, Two Hydraulic Circuits

This carriable (125C-HM) module is most often used to supply hydraulic power to mold clamps which are mechanically locked during molding operations. Two circuits are available, one each for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ platens. This module can also be placed on a stationary mount for dedicated operation on a specific machine (125S-HM).

Weight 46 lbs.
Reservoir Capacity 2 1/2 qts.
Dimensions 14”L x 9”W x 11”H
View/Download this Hydraulic Controller User Guide:

 

120R-HM Two Zone Two Hydraulic Circuits120R-HM Two Zone, Two Hydraulic Circuits

This module is most often used to supply hydraulic power to mold clamps which are mechanically locked during molding operations. Two circuits are available, one each for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ platens. The module is placed on a pedestal attached to a base with easy rolling casters. This module can also be placed on a customer supplied mount (120S-HM) or a shelf bracket (120B-HM).

Weight
Cabinet
Total
55 lbs.
105 lbs.
Reservoir Capacity 4 1/2 qts.
Dimensions
Cabinet
Pedestal/Base with casters
21”L x 10”W x 16”H
34”
View/Download this Hydraulic Controller User Guide:
130R-HM-KO Three Zone Three Hydraulic Circuits130R-HM-KO Three Zone, Three Hydraulic Circuits

This module is most often used to supply hydraulic power to mold clamps which are mechanically locked during molding operations. Two circuits are available, one each for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ platens. A third hydraulic circuit is added to supply hydraulic pressure to Hydra-Latch™ KO Bar Quick Connect/Disconnect Systems. The module is placed on a pedestal attached to a base with easy rolling casters. This module can also be placed on a customer supplied mount (130S-HM) or a shelf bracket (130B-HM).

Weight
Cabinet
Total
60 lbs.
110 lbs.
Reservoir Capacity 4 1/2 qts.
Dimensions
Cabinet
Pedestal/Base with casters		 21”L x 10”W x 16”H
34”
View/Download this Hydraulic Controller User Guide:

Video / Installation

Hydra-Jaws QMC in Action

Video Introduction to how the clamps are powered and locked, as well as a complete mold change install and removal of a mold. (Time 6:32).

User Guides

View the QMC Installation and User Guide
View the ML & MX Hydra-Latch™ User Guide
Hydraulic Control Units (Hydraulic Pump/Valves for Clamps and Lifters)
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