In The Hopper

StacKit^® Stacks Up As Alternative to Custom Stack Mold Designs 

Progressive’s StacKit^® is a system for efficiently designing, building, and maintaining stack molds.  

The standard components address center section positioning and support as well as ejection actuation, taking the mystery out of the quoting or design process.  Special features include:

• Center Support – Standard center section support layouts allow for fast manufacturing for specific applications.

• Rack Spacers are used for positioning the movable halves and securing the gear racks

• Center Positioning – the gear housing assembly maintains the position of the center section and protects gears and bearings from the molding elements

• Ejection Actuation – standard cylinders for actuating ejector plates, with standard couplings to eliminate any threading into plates

Competitively priced in today’s market versus custom manufacturing, StacKit and standard StacKit Racks, Rack Spacers and Ejection Actuation Cylinders and Couplings are available off-the-shelf.  In addition, five styles of Center Support bracket templates are available, all of which utilize standard replacement wear pads.  Provided with your mold geometry and the selected style of support bracket, Progressive can quote price and delivery. 

There are many approaches to positioning stack mold center sections, but if you are new to this tooling type or looking for a new solution, Progressive’s Technical Team is available to review your design and provide consultation.  Call 800-269-6653, or e-mail Tech@procomps.com.

Protect Mold Machine Platens and Rings 

Progressive’s Nylon Locating Rings are an economical way to protect platens and metal locating rings in the molding machine. 

Compatible with the Standard Series (LR501), these plastic locating rings can withstand temperatures up to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C) and come with 5/16-18 NC screws for quick installation. 

“Too many times the mold machine locating ring in the platen gets damaged because the guy doesn’t have the mold properly lined up and/or the machine isn’t in mold set-up mode when they close it,” says Randy Winton, R&D Manager at Progressive Components.  “Next thing you know the mold slams shut and there’s an expensive problem to fix.  By using the Nylon Locating Ring on the tooling, it takes the brunt of the impact and will get smashed under those circumstances, but the molding machine platen locating ring is not likely to get damaged.” 

To order Nylon Locating Rings, access our catalog by clicking HERE or call our Customer Service representatives at 800-269-6653.

Distribution Expansion

Like mold makers and processors in North America and other parts of Europe, those in Spain recognize that the old strategies for success no longer work, and so they are constantly looking for ways to cut costs and offer customers the best, most innovative solutions that help speed products to market.  That’s why Innova Components in Barcelona, Spain, formed a channel partner agreement with Progressive in June 2007 to serve the industry throughout the country. 

“Progressive Components is a recognized name in Spain for mold components solutions,” explains Nestor González-Palacio, who is General Manager of Innova.  Nestor co-manages the family-owned company with his brother Oliver, who is Technical Manager.  “We work closely with mold designers to tell them about Progressive’s innovative products that are continually researched and proven in the field.” 

Currently, Innova Components carries Progressive’s CamActions®, CounterViews®, Unilifter®, Locks, and Friction Free items such as the SRT Slide Retainer, Needle Bearing Locks and Roller Pullers. They are looking to introduce the FlexiCore® and Collapsible Core in the near future. 

Last September Innova made Progressive’s 2D and 3D product geometry available in Spanish from its website.  Nestor says demand is steadily growing for these products and more. 

To reach Innova Components, call
+34 93 473 48 78, e-mail them at innova@i-comps.com or visit their website, www.i-comps.com.
 

ProComper Spotlight

DeAnn Springer
Engineering and Quality Manager 

DeAnn Springer is a longtime Progressive veteran, joing the team in 1990 as one of its earliest employees. 

As Engineering and Quality Manager, DeAnn is responsible for products from their conception to release, and monitors any feedback from customers regarding performance in the field.

“Progressive is known for innovation, and my job is focused on finding ways to add value to our customers’ mold designs, whether it is through the introduction of a new product that we develop or by helping a customer with technical support for one of the our existing products,” she explains.  “Our Engineering team has extensive experience, so we have the ability to ‘talk shop’ with our customers and provide them with assistance and support.” 

Asked what brings her the most satisfaction in her work, DeAnn said, “Every time we release a new product, it’s rewarding to hear the survey results from the customers who have used it.  I’m proud of the rapport we have with our customers.  We listen and will make changes to the product or the literature, including sometimes adding more sizes, and all of this benefits the mold maker because it’s one less thing they have to make in their shop.” 

If you have product feedback or questions to share, contact DeAnn by calling 800-269-6653, or e-mail her at DeAnn.Springer@procomps.com.