Angled De-Gating Solution

[Mech1595]

Hi all,

I have a project that could potentially require a custom de-gating setup (for injection molded parts), and was hoping to pick your brains on potential solutions.

I need to cut a fairly large gate (let's say 0.4x0.4" for discussion) that's located adjacent to critical optical features. For similar programs in the past, we have utilized both laser de-gating and automated saw cuts. Unfortunately the material is PC, so laser is a no-go. Additionally, the gates are angled 10° off vertical, which complicates the saw-cut solution. Our previous saw-cuts had vertically orientated gates, which was a simple enough design with a single shaft and motor.

My preference is to stick with saw-cut with this program, but I'm struggling to come up with a good solution for power transfer to the angled shafts in this configuration. First thought is to just use CV joints, but I'm not sure if there's a better/simpler solution out there. Any and all suggestions are welcome; again, this is just in the early brain-storming stages. Ideally I'd like to stick with off-the-shelf solutions.

This project is little out of my wheelhouse hence the basic questions, but figured it would be a fun challenge and good learning opportunity for myself.

 

[EdStainless]

Might it work better to keep the saw straight and fixture the part at an angle?

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[Mech1595]

Ed, major detail I forgot to mention in the OP, there's multiple gates (mirrored across the vertical axis) that need to be cut, preferably simultaneously (or at least, in one operation).
However, part design should allow cutting one side at a time on the angled fixture, and just flipping the remaining parts/runner to cut the other half. I'll have to check if this option would be feasible in regards to cycle time.