Overview
This document describes the Tie-Bar Retraction Device for an Injection Moulding Machine. The function is intended exclusively for tool (mould) change operations.
Activation
- Activation is permitted only by Woojin service technicians.
- The machine must be logged in as Service.
- The feature is enabled in the Fix Page:
- Path: General → Optional → 3. Clamp
- Parameter: Use Tie-Bar Retraction Device
- Set the value to 1 (see screenshot below).
Once this feature is activated in the Fix Page, the Tie-Bar Retraction page becomes visible. If the feature is not enabled, the page remains hidden.
Accessing the Tie-Bar Retraction Page
- Navigate via the Clamp area in the toolbar.
- Select the tab HALF NUT TIE-BAR (see screenshot below).
Manual Movements Mode
Enabling Manual Movements
- Switch the machine to Settings Mode.
- Enable the checkbox Tie-Bar Retraction Device Manual Movements.
- When this mode is activated, two alarms are generated (see screenshots Below).
Tie-Bar Retraction Procedure (Manual Mode)
This mode is used to retract the tie-bar for mould change.
1. Unlock the Tie-Bar Locking Device
- Press the UNLOCK button.
- While the unlocking process is active, the Open Lock status indicator lights orange.
- When the process is completed successfully, the Lock Open status indicator lights green.
- The wedge locking mechanism is now released.
2. Conditions for Tie-Bar Movement
Before moving the tie-bar, the following conditions must be fulfilled:
- The carriage must be in the backward position.
- Mold Status: Must be Fully Open.
- The locking device must be in the open position.
If the carriage is not in the backward position, an alarm is triggered (see screenshot).
If the mold is not fully open, an alarm is triggered (see screenshot).
Note: While the checkbox Tie-Bar Retraction Device Manual Movements is enabled, carriage movement is disabled. To move the carriage, the checkbox must be unchecked first.
3. Retracting the Tie-Bar (Forward)
- Press the Forward button.
- While the tie-bar is moving, the status Tie-Bar Retraction Forward lights orange.
- When the tie-bar reaches the end position, the Limit Switch Front Position indicator lights green (see screenshots).
Returning the Tie-Bar to Operating Position
4. Moving the Tie-Bar Backward
- Remain in Manual Mode.
- Press the Backward button.
- While the tie-bar is moving back, the status Tie-Bar Retraction Backward lights orange.
- When the end position is reached, the Limit Switch Back Position indicator lights green.
5. Locking the Tie-Bar Retraction Device
- Press the LOCK button.
- During the locking process, the Close Lock status indicator lights orange.
- Once the process is completed successfully, the Lock Locked status indicator lights green.
After the locking process is finished, the machine is returned to a ready-for-operation state.
Automatic Tie-Bar Pressure Charging
To ensure safe production, this function must be enabled via the checkbox. It is integrated into the Smart Sequencer to secure the tie-bar lock before every mold movement.
- Requirement: The checkbox must be Active to enable the automatic pressure check during the cycle.
- Process: Before the mold moves, the system automatically charges the lock for 5 seconds to ensure full clamping force.
- Safety Interlock: Movement starts only after the Pressure Switch is TRUE. If the pressure is not confirmed within 5 seconds, the cycle stops (Timeout).
Note: Manual Movement: Even in Manual Mode, the tie-bar lock must be pressurized before moving the mold.