Steam Chamber: EPS shape molding machines typically consist of a steam chamber. The pre-expanded EPS beads, which are soft and pliable, are fed into the machine through the steam chamber.
Molding Chamber: Once inside the machine, the pre-expanded EPS beads are transferred to the molding chamber. The molding chamber contains a mold or tooling that defines the desired shape and size of the final EPS foam product. The expanded beads are placed into the mold cavity.
Closing and Pressing: After the beads are in the mold cavity, the molding chamber is closed, and pressure is applied to compress the beads. This compression allows the beads to fuse together, forming a solid and uniform structure.
Cooling: After the pressing stage, the mold is cooled to solidify the EPS foam. Cooling can be achieved through the circulation of chilled water or other cooling methods. Proper cooling ensures that the molded foam retains its shape and stability.
Mold Opening and Ejection: Once the EPS foam has cooled and solidified, the mold is opened, and the finished product is ejected from the machine. The mold may have ejector pins or other mechanisms to facilitate the removal of the molded part.