Undercuts are features that cannot be directly ejected from a mould due to their geometry. Quick Coupling Moulds address this challenge through specialized mechanisms such as side cores, collapsible cores, and lifters. Side cores are used for external undercuts, retracting horizontally during the mould’s opening stroke. This allows the mould to capture the shape of the coupling’s external features, such as retaining grooves or snap-fit components, without causing damage. Collapsible cores are employed for internal undercuts that would otherwise be impossible to demould. These cores collapse inward after the part has solidified, ensuring that the internal shape, such as complex flow paths or retention pockets, is properly formed. The use of mechanical actions like these significantly increases the flexibility of mould design, making it possible to incorporate intricate undercuts without sacrificing part quality or mould longevity. For more complex internal undercuts, unscrewing mechanisms or rotary inserts may be incorporated to allow for full extraction of the moulded part without distortion.

Moulding threads, whether external or internal, requires precision to ensure a proper fit and functionality, particularly for components in applications requiring sealing or mechanical engagement, such as hydraulic couplings. For external threads, Quick Coupling Moulds often use unscrewing mechanisms. These are typically powered by electric motors or hydraulic cylinders, which allow the thread to be formed during injection and then rotated during the ejection process. These systems may use a rack-and-pinion mechanism or threaded inserts to ensure the thread profile remains intact and is not damaged during demoulding. For internal threads, the mould may use rotary unscrewing mechanisms that spin the core during the ejection stroke, ensuring that the internal thread is preserved without any distortion or flash. Collapsible thread inserts or split-core technology are used in smaller, more intricate designs, particularly where an unscrewing mechanism would be too complex or unnecessary. These inserts allow for the formation of threaded areas without needing rotation, and they collapse as the part is ejected, reducing the chance of thread damage.

Locking mechanisms such as ball locks, snap-fit features, or detent grooves are found in quick coupling systems to ensure secure engagement between parts. Quick Coupling Moulds are designed to accurately form these features with precision, using precision inserts and shut-off designs to create tight tolerance shapes. The complexity of these locking mechanisms often requires the use of multi-slide moulds, which enable the mould to form features from multiple directions without interfering with the part during ejection. In some designs, the locking mechanism may require multiple stages of mould action, including hydraulic pullers or mechanical lifters that retract the locking feature as the mould opens. For example, when creating a ball socket for a quick coupling, the mould may employ an ejector pin system that gently pushes the ball or spring-loaded feature into place, ensuring that the part is held securely while it is demoulded. This method prevents deformation of the locking mechanism and ensures that the parts interlock correctly when assembled.

In coupling components, especially those that involve sealing surfaces or mechanical engagement, dimensional accuracy is critical. Even small variations in thread profile or locking mechanism geometry can result in malfunction or leakage. The Quick Coupling Mould ensures repeatable high precision through the use of micron-level tolerance control. By incorporating high-quality mould materials such as hardened steel or high-carbon steel, and using advanced techniques like Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) for fine details, manufacturers can achieve extremely tight tolerances. These moulds are often electronically monitored during production to ensure that variations are detected early, ensuring that each part produced remains within specification, even after long production runs.