Automatic Part Sorting

Roller Separator and Conveyor

Roller Separator pictured with HIA Conveyor

MAC currently offers three standardized types of part/runner separation systems.

  • SH Series separating handlers, offered in both pin(finger) type and textured belt.
  • Screw type separators (most commonly used)
  • Roller separator



Free Standing Sorter

Front / Rear Sorter

Part diverters are used to change the direction of a shot of parts, the discharge of a complete cycle or cycles of parts from an injection molding machine. MAC Automation Concepts, Inc. currently offers two different styles of part diverters, also known as "part discriminators" in the injection molding industry.


Under the press part diverters

Units sit under or hang directly from the injection molding machine and operate upon a specified signal from an IMM or process controller. A pneumatically operated tipping tray internal to the diverter housing will discharge parts out the opposite end from where all "Good" shots discharge. The two different styles of under press part diverters are a free standing unit and a quick change type.

Free standing S1

S1 Separator with Blowing System

S1-Sorter Free Standing with Blowing System

The free standing diverter, also designated by S1 type, is either a square or rectangular stainless steel housing with an internal pivoting tray actuated by a pneumatic air cylinder positioned either under the internal tray, or alongside the housing. The unit is typically supported by a mild steel T- type support stand that is 20" tall and allows the housing to adjust vertically. An air control kit consisting of a ready to mount plate supporting a solenoid valve with filter and regulator/gauge and 1/4" air hose from air valve to cylinder is included. Optional chute extensions in standardized lengths are available to add to the housing on either side to aid in part discharge.

Quick Change Rail S1

The Quick Change Rail S1 type is also either a square or rectangular stainless steel housing with an internal pivoting tray actuated by a pneumatic air cylinder positioned either under the internal tray, or alongside the housing. This unit is typically supported by an optional QCRA1 or QCRA2 quick change rail attachment kit for either press depths up to 36" or 48" deep. This style allows the rail attachments to support the load and provides for an easy install, removal or movement process. An air control kit consisting of a ready to mount plate supporting a solenoid valve with filter and regulator/gauge and 1/4" air hose from air valve to cylinder is included. Optional chute extensions in standardized lengths are available to add to the housing on either side to aid in part discharge. Many other options are available - please inquire.

Conveyor Mounted Part Diverters

MAC Automation currently offers 6 different orientations for conveyor mounted parts diverters. These are used either at the in-feed or discharge end of the conveyors. Four of the six may be used with flat or cleated type conveyor belts. Uses at the in-feed end of a conveyor are primarily when the IMM cycle time is very fast, and/or where a reversing belt conveyor may not be feasible. Primary use at the discharge end is when the good part container and bad part container need to be on the same side of the IMM. Custom designs available to meet specific requirments please call for more information.

SH Separating Handler with "Pin or Textured Belt"

Pin Texture Belt Separator

Pin Texture Belt Separator

Designed to work in tandem with MAC series conveyors. Units are designed to accept the overall width of the SF series, this design allows the frame to get tremendously close to the separator for tight tolerances. The following are the lengths and widths offered. Included is a T-type steel telescoping stand, standard AC fixed speed parallel shaft gear-motor. Unit has adjustable angle from 0- negative 45 degrees. Your choice of pin heights 1-1/8" tall and 2" tall. Belt material is White Polyurethane with stainless staple lace, holes are punched on 1" centers on a staggered pattern. Pins have a shoulder to hold place in the belt, but the pins easily removed to be repositioned for different patterns. A textured, white polyurethane belt with chevron pattern and an endless splice is available for applicable runners and parts.

Specifications

  • Lengths:1'(actual 16" long ), 2'(actual 28" long ), 3'(actual 40" long ), 4'(actual 52" long)
  • Widths: 9", 13", 15", 21", 27" between frame width
  • T-leg set is adjustable from 18-30"
  • Options: AC adjustable speed drives, In-feed and discharge chutes, Connect to conveyor leg set.
Screw Type Separator

Screw Type STSF Separator

Screw Type Separators

A screw type separator is used to separate small parts form sub-runners, ideally suited for small to medium number of cavities and runners. A gap separation method is used between the screw and the adjustable angle slide plate. The smaller (shorter of the two pieces) fall through the gap.

NOTE: Multi-Screw Separators are available to handle difficult separation and higher volumes. Consult factory.

Applications

Designed for small parts and sub-runners with low volumes, typically where the runners or parts are larger in vertical height than the corresponding parts and or runners. Consider selecting the 24" long model when using a 12" wide or narrower conveyor. If using a 18" wide or narrower, please consider the use of the 36" long unit, or use the 36" long unit when having a medium number of cavities and sub-runners. Special Note: a special two tier STS-E series can be devised to increase resonance time for high numbers of cavities and faster cycles.

Features and Specifications

  • Modular extruded aluminum frame construction
  • Adjustable stainless steel guard over the top of the rotating helical screw, provides gap adjustment for part size and extends the life of the polyurethane fingers.
  • Clear LEXAN guard on the back-side of the unit, which allows viewing of separation process.
  • Stainless steel adjustable angle slide plate, easy access, industrial strength, single point adjustment with side locking mechanism. Adjustment allows for various sized parts and runners.
  • Machined UHMW Polyethylene helical screw, 24", 30" & 36" long, extends beyond the slide plate, thereby allowing parts or runners proper clearance to exit the unit.
  • Flight is 2-3/16" long x 3/16" tall - may be modified for applications.
  • UHMW screw has a variable speed rotation through a speed control dial.
  • Removable and polyurethane fingers are included to create tumbling action. The "fingers" are located with a setscrew and can be trimmed per application.
  • operator safety through low stall torque.
  • Telescoping legs with standard 19" min. to 32" max. adjustable height range
  • Discharge height of bottom of slide tray to floor is 5.25" min. to 16.5" max., less options
  • (4) four - 4" diameter swivel, polyurethane, non-marking wheels with toe locking casters, provides portability.
  • Supply power requirements: 110 VAC/60/1 input power