CA1107706A - Method and apparatus for unwinding a roll of sheet molding compound - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for unwinding a roll of sheet molding compound

Info

Publication number
CA1107706A
CA1107706A CA317,478A CA317478A CA1107706A CA 1107706 A CA1107706 A CA 1107706A CA 317478 A CA317478 A CA 317478A CA 1107706 A CA1107706 A CA 1107706A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
sheet molding
molding compound
film
roll
nipper
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA317,478A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lary Mckenna
Benjamin Rusnell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc
Original Assignee
General Tire and Rubber Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by General Tire and Rubber Co filed Critical General Tire and Rubber Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1107706A publication Critical patent/CA1107706A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B38/10Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C63/00Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C63/0004Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C63/0013Removing old coatings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B43/00Operations specially adapted for layered products and not otherwise provided for, e.g. repairing; Apparatus therefor
    • B32B43/006Delaminating
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H41/00Machines for separating superposed webs

Abstract

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UNWINDING A
ROLL OF SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND

Abstract of the Disclosure A machine for dispensing sheet molding compound has two nipper rolls which draw the sheet molding compound from a large roll of sheet molding compound. The sheet molding compound on the roll is covered on both sides with a vinyl film. The nipper rolls, in addition to drawing the sheet molding compound from the reel, also removes the vinyl film. The top film on the sheet molding compound is wound on the upper nipper roll and the vinyl film on the lower surface of the sheet molding compound is wound on the lower nipper roll.
The nipper rolls are rotated by an air motor and the pressure between the nipper rolls is controlled by air cylinders. An operator controlled air valve, when operated, causes the nipper rolls to rotate. The pres-sure between nipper rolls is controlled by a separate air valve. By this means the vinyl film can be re-covered in neat rolls.

Description

~1~776~6 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fleld of the Invention This lnvention relates to an unwlnder unit for a roll of sheet moldlng compound whlch recovers the vinyl film coverlng on the sheet molding compound.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR A~T
Many plastic parts, partlcularly automobile body parts and panels, are made from flberglass rein-forced plastlc. The starting plastic flberglass mix ls, ln most instances, sheet molding compound. Sheet molding compound is a mixture of uncured plastic in a styrene solvent containing short lengths of glass fibers. It is formed in flat sheets covered on both sides to prevent evaporation of the styrene solvent. The sheet molding compound, after it is formed and covered with v~nyl sheet, Acompacted by running lt through compactlon rollers simi-lar to the rollers used in the unwlnder unit. It is then rolled onto large rolls untll ready for use.
In use, the large roll of sheet moldlng compound is placed on a reel posltioned next to a cutting table.
Here an operator pulls the sheet of sheet molding com-pound from the reel, pulls the vlnyl film from the sur-face of ~he sheet and cuts the sheet into proper size pieces for the mold operator to use.
The operator at the cuttin~ table usually pulls large sections of sheet molding compound from the roll at one time and strips back large sections of vinyl film.

( 2 3 ,~

377;~

Thls results in large areas of sheet molding compound belng exposed to the atmosphere resultlng in loss of tons of styrene solvent per year. The solvent loss also results in areas of the sheet molding compound being deficient in styrene. Upon cure these areas are porous, discolored and sometimes sink. It is virtually impossible for the cutting operator to neatly fold or roll the vinyl film for recovery. Also, due to the size and the weight of the rolls of sheet molding compound, it i9 a physical strain for all but the very strongest of individuals to pull the sheet molding compound from the reel. In additlon, the strongest of indlviduals are often not the neatest and the sheet molding compound must be cut to the proper size for use in the m~ld.
~n attempt was made to insert a right angle grlnder mechanism into the spindle of the roll to turn it. This was not accepted by the workers because it made things worse.
In molding, stacks of sheet molding compound are placed ln preselected areas of the mold. The quan-tity used and the placement of the stacks is important.
The mold then closes causlng the sheet molding compound to flow and flll the mold ca~ity. The mold is heated which causes the sheet molding compoun~ to cure. After several minutes the mold is opened and the cured part formed is removed.
The use of nipper rolls for the dispensing of vinyl film is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,949,918 of ( 3 ) 1~377~6 Golner et al (1976). This patent, however, is directed to the dispensing, not the recovery of vinyl film.
SUMMARY OF THE I~VENTION
The invention provides in a method of removing from a roll, a supply of uncured sheet molding compound (SMC) covered on both sides with vinyl film, by pulling the sheet molding from the roll, removing the film from both sides of the sheet molding compound and cutting the sheet molding compound into pieces suitable for insertion into a mold cavity, the improvement which com-prises:
a) wrapping each film around each of a pair of power driven rollers to attach each film to each roller by frictional contact;
b) forcing the pair of power driven rollers together;
c) pulling the SMC, consisting essentially of a solution of uncured resin containing chopped glass fibers, by driving at least one of the rollers and generating tension in the film due to the film being attached to the rollers by frictional contact, and winding the film from one side of the sheet molding compound upon itself onto one of the rollers and winding the film from the other side of the sheet molding compound upon itself onto the other roller;
d) cutting the sheet molding compound which is uncovered, while leaving the rest covered to prevent air pollution;
e) repeating steps c) and d) one or more times; then reusing the recovered film.
The invention also provides in an apparatus for supplying cut sheet molding compound to a rnold having a dispensing reel or container for holding sheet molding compound, the sheet molding compound being covered on both sides with vinyl film, and a table for cutting the sheet molding compound into pieces suitable for insertion into a mold the improvement which com-prises:
a sheet molding compound unwinder positioned between the reel and the cutting table, the unwinder having a horizontal base and two vertical support members spaced apart on the base;
,~

~77~6 two nipper rolls with shafts journalled and mounted between the two side walls;
a motor driving at least one of the nipper rolls, and a control unit for starting and stopping the motor.
By mechanically removing the vinyl cover from the sheet molding compound right at the cutt~ng table, the invention greatly reduces styrene loss, eliminates back strain of the operator and results in uniform parts without porosity sinks and dark areas due to styrene loss.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side view showing the unwinder unit of the present invention positioned between the cutting area of the cutting table and the dispensing roll.
Figure 2 is a front view of the unwinder unit.
Figure 3 is a side view of the unwinder unit.
DESCRIPTI0~ OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In referring to the drawings in detail, Figure 1 in particular, the sheet molding compound roll holder comprises a frame 10 having two roll side supported members 12 and 14 and an axle 16. A roll of sheet molding compound 18 is rotatably mounted on roll support members 12 and 14. The roll of sheet molding compound 18 is supported on the axle 16. The sheet molding compound is fed from the roll 18 and the end of the strip of sheet molding compound is fed between two nipper rolls 24 and 26.

-4a-11~77~6 Nlpper rolls 24 and 26 are separated for the insertion of the sheet moldin~ compound between them by means of two separated air cylinders 28 and 30. The air cylinders are commercial items commercially available from McKay Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The air cylinders have a 4" stroke. The sheet molding compound is manually pulled between the nipper rolls 24 and 26. In addition, the vinyl film covering 40 on the lower surface of the sheet 22 is removed and rolled up upon nipper roll 26.
The operator must assist in starting the vinyl film 40 to begln being wound on nipper roll 26. The operator also starts vinyl film 38 by wrapping it around nlpper roll 24 for the first revolution o~ wind-up. After the initlal start-up, the wind-up of the vinyl film is auto-matic.
~ oot operated air pressure valve 34 controlæair ~ressure motor 36 which drives nipper roll 26 which pulls sheet molding compound from roll 18. For a long table, two controls are used - one start control at the exit of the unwinder and one stop control at the far end of the table.
When the operator desires additional material for his cutt~ng table, he merely pushes the foot pedal operated air valve 34 whlch causes air motor 36 to draw
2~ sheet 22 from roll 18. When sufficient sheet molding compound is delivered to his cutting table, he merely releases foot presæure on valve 34 which stops motor 36.
Motor 36 was originally the motor from a hand-operated grinding tool 5 an aero right angle or nut runner.

( ~ ) 7'7~P~

Motor 36 could be any type of motor such as an electrical motor, a steam driven motor, or a small internal combus-tlon engine. An air motor is preferred.
As shown in the drawing, air motor 36 only drives nipper roll 26. It could also drive nipper roll 24 or both rolls directly. It was found in practice, however, that it was not necessary for motor 36 to drive both rolls and that driving one was sufficlent. The second roll is driven by the forces of the sheet molding com-pound being pulled through by the other driven roll.
The rolls are 77mm (3 inch) pipe which is plugged at both ends with stub axles inserted into the plugger.
The air cylinders 28 and 30 could also be re-placed by liquid operated cylinders, electrical selonoids or even operated manually like old time ringers on washing machlned.
The arrangement used to control the force exerted urging the rolls toward each other ls shown in Figure 3.
The maximum ~orce urging the rollers together ls pre-ferably from 14 to 70 kilopascals (2 to 10 psl). By using this small amount of force should an operator get his hands caught in the rollers, he will not be ln~ured and will be able to remove his hands. Air cylinder 28 via shart 42 controls the downward force on bushin~
support 44. Bushing support 44 is slldably mounted on frame 46 by sl~des 48 and 50. The bushing mount 52 for nipper roller 26 is fixed ln place on frame 46.
Other embodlments of the present lnvention could ( 6 ) ~77~6 also be employed. For example, the air valve 34 could be operated by a tlmer so that preselected quantities of sheet molding compound could be delivered to the cutting table at preselected periods of time, see U.S. Patent
3,949~91~ of Golner et al for suitable timing de~ice for nipper roll control.
It is contemplated that future development will involve festooning about 5,000 pounds of the sheet molding compound into a box. The unwinder unit will then be employed to remove the sheet molding compound from the box, remove the film and place the sheet molding compound onto the cutting table.

( 7 )

Claims (4)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a method of removing from a roll, a supply of uncured sheet molding compound (SMC) covered on both sides with vinyl film, by pulling the sheet molding from the roll, removing the film from both sides of the sheet molding compound and cutting the sheet molding compound into pieces suitable for insertion into a mold cavity, the improvement which comprises:
a) wrapping each film around each of a pair of power driven rollers to attach each film to each roller by frictional contact;
b) forcing the pair of power driven rollers together;
c) pulling the SMC, consisting essentially of a solution of uncured resin containing chopped glass fibers, by driving at least one of the rollers and generating tension in the film due to the film being attached to the rollers by frictional contact, and winding the film from one side of the sheet molding compound upon itself onto one of the rollers and winding the film from the other side of the sheet molding compound upon itself onto the other roller;
d) cutting the sheet molding compound which is uncovered, while leaving the rest covered to prevent air pollution;
e) repeating steps c) and d) one or more times; then reusing the recovered film.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the force forcing the pair of rollers toward each other does not exceed 70 KPa (10 psi).
3. In an apparatus for supplying cut sheet molding compound to a mold having a dispensing reel or container for holding sheet molding compound, the sheet molding compound being covered on both sides with vinyl film, and a table for cutting the sheet molding compound into pieces suitable for insertion into a mold the improvement which comprises:
a sheet molding compound unwinder positioned between the reel and the cutting table, the unwinder having a horizontal base and two vertical support members spaced apart on the base;
two nipper rolls with shafts journalled and mounted between the two side walls;
a motor driving at least one of the nipper rolls, and a control unit for starting and stopping the motor.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 having a means for forcing the two nipper rolls toward each other.

( 9 )
CA317,478A 1978-04-26 1978-12-06 Method and apparatus for unwinding a roll of sheet molding compound Expired CA1107706A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US90039878A 1978-04-26 1978-04-26
US900,398 1978-04-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1107706A true CA1107706A (en) 1981-08-25

Family

ID=25412454

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA317,478A Expired CA1107706A (en) 1978-04-26 1978-12-06 Method and apparatus for unwinding a roll of sheet molding compound

Country Status (5)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS54142265A (en)
CA (1) CA1107706A (en)
DE (1) DE2916981A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2424117A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2021526B (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0357143Y2 (en) * 1987-06-09 1991-12-26
DE4421415C1 (en) * 1994-06-18 1995-09-21 Deutsche Forsch Luft Raumfahrt Detaching a film from adhesive bonded underlay
JP4835092B2 (en) * 2005-10-04 2011-12-14 東洋製罐株式会社 Container heat sealing method and apparatus
KR101226257B1 (en) 2011-06-22 2013-02-12 도우이앤티 주식회사 Container lid sealing devices
CN106115025B (en) * 2016-08-16 2018-08-21 珠海鼎晟自动化有限公司 A kind of full-automatic Coating-removing machine
CN108792115A (en) * 2018-08-28 2018-11-13 苏州田心方莫自动化科技有限公司 A kind of television set automatic assembly line dyestripping mechanism
CN110788117B (en) * 2019-10-31 2021-06-25 太仓北新建材有限公司 Automatic paper device about separation waste board
CN110775385A (en) * 2019-11-21 2020-02-11 湖南东神自动化设备有限公司 Circuit board tectorial membrane stripping off device

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1018175A (en) * 1963-08-02 1966-01-26 Rohm & Haas Demasking of masked sheet material
GB1399463A (en) * 1971-09-28 1975-07-02 Baker Perkins Chem Mach Manufacture of plastics moulding materials and products thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2021526A (en) 1979-12-05
GB2021526B (en) 1983-02-16
DE2916981A1 (en) 1979-10-31
FR2424117B1 (en) 1983-04-15
FR2424117A1 (en) 1979-11-23
JPS54142265A (en) 1979-11-06
JPS5736133B2 (en) 1982-08-02

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