Polymer foam bead steam molding process and matching mold

Abstract

The application provides a polymer foam bead steam molding process and a matched mold. The application uses an independent temperature control pipeline in a mold cavity plate to assist in heating the mold, breaks through the limitation of sintering forming temperature by steam pressure, and a dense skin layer exists on the surface of a sintered polymer bead foam component, so that the grain feeling on the surface of a polymer bead foam component formed by a conventional process is eliminated. The dense skin layer can not only improve the appearance quality of the product, but also effectively enhance the strength of the product, so that the product is more durable and more resistant to dirt during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of molding technology, specifically relating to a vapor molding process for polymer foam beads and a matching mold. Background Technology

[0002] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and is not necessarily to be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] Steam molding is a molding and manufacturing technology that uses high-temperature steam to sinter polymer foam beads into polymer foam structural parts with specific shapes. For conventional steam molding, steam temperature is a key process parameter affecting the sintered polymer foam structural parts. While higher steam temperatures are beneficial for improving sintering results, enhancing the bonding strength between foam beads, reducing porosity, and improving the appearance quality of the polymer foam structural parts, high steam temperatures also mean high steam pressure. Under the action of high-temperature, high-pressure steam, polymer foam beads are prone to shrinkage and collapse, leading to defects such as shrinkage deformation, non-compliant shape and size, and poor appearance quality in the sintered polymer foam components. In other words, for conventional steam molding, steam pressure is a limiting factor, restricting the use of higher sintering temperatures. This results in polymer bead foam products prepared using conventional steam molding processes having poor mechanical properties and surface defects such as a strong granular texture, unevenness, and porosity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems of poor mechanical properties and unsatisfactory appearance in polymer bead foam products prepared using conventional steam molding processes, this invention proposes a polymer foam bead steam molding process and matching mold, which breaks through the limitation of steam pressure on sintering temperature, thereby significantly improving the mechanical properties and appearance quality of polymer bead foam products.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a steam molding die for steam molding polymer foam beads. The steam molding die comprises a moving mold side and a fixed mold side. When the two parts are closed, the cavity surface of the moving mold side and the cavity surface of the fixed mold side constitute a mold cavity. The main body of the moving mold side is a moving mold side template, which is provided with a moving mold side heating pipe. This heating pipe has a U-shaped cross-section structure and is sealed by a moving mold side heating pipe cover plate and a moving mold side heating pipe sealing gasket, thereby completely isolating the moving mold side heating pipe from the moving mold side cavity. The main body of the fixed mold side is a fixed mold side template, which is also provided with a heating pipe. This heating pipe also has a U-shaped cross-section structure and is sealed by a fixed mold side heating pipe cover plate and a fixed mold side heating pipe sealing gasket, thereby completely isolating the fixed mold side heating pipe from the fixed mold side cavity.

[0007] Furthermore, the moving mold side template has a cavity structure, and the moving mold side cavity is connected to the moving mold side inlet valve and outlet valve through the inlet pipe and outlet pipe inside the moving mold side template, respectively; a moving mold side multi-hole pin is provided on the side of the moving mold side template near the moving mold side cavity surface, and the moving mold side multi-hole pin connects the moving mold side cavity with the moving mold side cavity surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixed mold side template has a cavity structure. The fixed mold side cavity is connected to the fixed mold side inlet valve and outlet valve through the inlet pipe and outlet pipe inside the fixed mold side template, respectively. A fixed mold side multi-hole pin is provided on the side of the fixed mold side template near the fixed mold side cavity surface. The fixed mold side multi-hole pin connects the fixed mold side cavity with the fixed mold side cavity surface.

[0009] Furthermore, an injection gun is also provided on the fixed mold side template to inject polymer foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0010] Based on this polymer foam bead steam molding die, the present invention also relates to a polymer foam bead steam molding process. The polymer foam bead steam molding process includes the following steps:

[0011] (1) The moving mold side moves toward the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is a suitable distance;

[0012] (2) Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject a polymer foam bead into the mold cavity;

[0013] (3) The moving mold side continues to move toward the fixed mold side until the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked;

[0014] (4) Open all the moving mold side inlet valve, moving mold side outlet valve, fixed mold side inlet valve, and fixed mold side outlet valve. Introduce high-temperature steam through the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve to quickly preheat the moving mold side template and the fixed mold side template. After preheating is complete, close all valves.

[0015] (5) Then close the fixed mold side inlet valve and the moving mold side outlet valve, open the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side outlet valve, and introduce high temperature steam through the moving mold side inlet valve to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After heating is completed, close the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side outlet valve.

[0016] (6) Open the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve, and introduce high temperature steam into the moving mold side cavity and the fixed mold side cavity respectively through the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve, and maintain the pressure for a certain time. At the same time, introduce high temperature heating medium into the moving mold side heating pipe and the fixed mold side heating pipe. After the pressure is maintained, close the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve.

[0017] (7) Open all the moving mold side inlet valve, moving mold side outlet valve, fixed mold side inlet valve and fixed mold side outlet valve, and introduce low temperature cooling water through the moving mold side inlet valve and fixed mold side inlet valve to quickly cool the moving mold side template, fixed mold side template and the polymer foam component formed in the mold cavity.

[0018] (8) After the cooling stage is over, open the mold and eject or manually remove the polymer foam component formed in the mold cavity.

[0019] Furthermore, in step (1), the gap is 1mm-30mm, preferably 3mm-15mm.

[0020] Furthermore, in step (2), the equivalent spherical diameter of the polymer foam beads is 1mm-15mm, and more preferably 2mm-8mm.

[0021] Furthermore, in step (4), the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 100℃-160℃, and the more preferred range is 110℃-150℃. The duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 0s-10s, and the more preferred range is 1s-5s.

[0022] Furthermore, in step (5), the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 100℃-200℃, and the more preferred range is 120℃-180℃. The duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 2s-30s, and the more preferred range is 5s-25s.

[0023] Furthermore, in step (6), the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 120℃-220℃, and the more preferred range is 125℃-190℃. The high-temperature steam pressure holding time is 10s-60s, and the more preferred range is 15s-45s.

[0024] Furthermore, in step (6), the high-temperature heating medium can be high-temperature steam, high-temperature water or high-temperature oil; the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 120℃-250℃, and the more preferred range is 125℃-220℃.

[0025] Furthermore, in step (7), the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 0℃-30℃, with a more preferred range of 5℃-20℃, and the duration of the low-temperature cooling water flow is 10s-80s, with a more preferred range of 15s-45s.

[0026] Furthermore, in step (7), while cooling with low-temperature cooling water, a low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the heating pipes on the moving mold side and the fixed mold side to assist in the rapid cooling of the moving mold side template, the fixed mold side template, and the polymer foam component formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling medium is water or oil.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following obvious advantages:

[0028] The technical solution of this invention proposes a new process for steam molding of polymer foam beads and a matching mold. By using an independent temperature control pipeline built into the mold cavity plate to assist in heating the mold, the limitation of steam pressure on the sintering temperature is overcome. The surface of the sintered polymer bead foam component has a dense skin layer, which eliminates the grainy texture of the surface of polymer bead foam components formed by conventional processes. The dense skin layer can not only improve the appearance quality of the product, but also effectively enhance the strength of the product, making the product more durable and dirt-resistant during use. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of steam molding die structure.

[0031] (1. Moving mold side inlet valve; 2. Moving mold side inlet pipe; 3. Moving mold side heating pipe sealing gasket; 4. Moving mold side heating pipe; 5. Moving mold side heating pipe cover plate; 6. Moving mold side template; 7. Moving mold side cavity; 8. Moving mold side multi-hole pin; 9. Moving mold side outlet pipe; 10. Moving mold side outlet valve; 11. Fixed mold side inlet valve; 12. Fixed mold side inlet pipe; 13. Fixed mold side cavity; 14. Injection gun; 15. Fixed mold side template; 16. Fixed mold side multi-hole pin; 17. Fixed mold side heating pipe sealing gasket; 18. Fixed mold side heating pipe cover plate; 19. Fixed mold side heating pipe; 20. Fixed mold side outlet pipe; 21. Fixed mold side outlet valve; 22. Moving mold side cavity surface; 23. Fixed mold side cavity surface)

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steam molding process.

[0033] Figure 3 Photographs of the appearance of polymer foam structural parts prepared by conventional steam molding process.

[0034] Figure 4 Photographs showing the appearance of polymer foam structural parts prepared by the steam molding process of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0036] The technical solution of this invention relates to a novel vapor molding process for polymer foam beads and a matching mold. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the steam molding die includes a moving mold side and a fixed mold side. After the two parts are closed, the moving mold side cavity surface 22 and the fixed mold side cavity surface 23 will form one or more mold cavities with a certain shape and structure, which are used to mold polymer foam beads into polymer foam products with a certain shape and structure.

[0037] The moving mold side body is a moving mold side template 6, which has a cavity structure. The moving mold side cavity 7 is connected to the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and outlet valve 10 through the inlet pipe 2 and outlet pipe 9 inside the moving mold side template, respectively. A moving mold side multi-hole pin 8 is provided on the side of the moving mold side template near the moving mold side cavity surface 22. The moving mold side multi-hole pin 8 connects the moving mold side cavity 7 with the moving mold side cavity surface 22. The moving mold side template is also provided with a moving mold side heating pipe 4, which has a U-shaped cross-section structure. The moving mold side heating pipe 4 is sealed by the moving mold side heating pipe cover plate 5 and the moving mold side heating pipe sealing gasket 3, thereby completely isolating the moving mold side heating pipe 4 from the moving mold side cavity 7.

[0038] The main body of the fixed mold side is a fixed mold side template 15, which also has a cavity structure. The fixed mold side cavity 13 is connected to the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 and outlet valve 21 through the inlet pipe 12 and outlet pipe 20 in the fixed mold side template 15, respectively. A fixed mold side multi-hole pin 16 is provided on the side of the fixed mold side template 15 near the fixed mold side cavity surface 23. The fixed mold side multi-hole pin connects the fixed mold side cavity 13 with the fixed mold side cavity surface 23. The fixed mold side template 15 is also provided with a heating pipe 19, which also has a U-shaped cross-section structure. The fixed mold side heating pipe 19 is sealed by the fixed mold side heating pipe cover plate 18 and the fixed mold side heating pipe sealing gasket 17, thereby completely isolating the fixed mold side heating pipe 19 from the fixed mold side cavity 13. One or more injection guns 14 are also provided on the fixed mold side template 15 for injecting polymer foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0039] Based on this polymer foam bead steam molding die, this technical solution also relates to a polymer foam bead steam molding process, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The molding process includes the following workflows:

[0040] ① The moving mold side moves towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is 1mm-30mm, and the more preferred range is 3mm-15mm.

[0041] ② Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject a certain amount of polymer foam beads into the mold cavity. The equivalent spherical diameter of the polymer foam beads is 1mm-15mm, and the more preferred range is 2mm-8mm.

[0042] ③ The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to zero, and the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked.

[0043] ④ Open all valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. The high-temperature steam flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 through moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, thereby rapidly preheating moving mold side template 6 and fixed mold side template 15. The high-temperature steam in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the high-temperature steam in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. After preheating, close all valves. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 100℃-160℃, more preferably 110℃-150℃, and the duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 0s-10s, more preferably 1s-5s.

[0044] ⑤ Open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21, and introduce high-temperature steam through the moving mold side inlet valve 1. The high-temperature steam enters the moving mold side cavity 7 through the moving mold side inlet pipe 2, and then passes through the moving mold side porous pin 8 into the mold cavity to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After passing through the polymer foam beads, the high-temperature steam flows out sequentially through the fixed mold side porous pin 16, the fixed mold side cavity 13, the fixed mold side outlet pipe 20, and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. After heating is completed, close the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 100℃-200℃, and a more preferred range is 120℃-180℃. The duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 2s-30s, and a more preferred range is 5s-25s.

[0045] ⑥ Open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and introduce high-temperature steam into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13 respectively through the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and maintain the pressure for a certain period of time. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 120℃-220℃, and a more preferred range is 125℃-190℃. The high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 10s-60s, and a more preferred range is 15s-45s. While introducing high-temperature steam into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, A high-temperature heating medium is introduced into the heating pipe 4 on the moving mold side and the heating pipe 19 on the fixed mold side. The high-temperature heating medium can be high-temperature steam, high-temperature water, or high-temperature oil. The temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 120℃-250℃, and more preferably 125℃-220℃. The duration of introducing the high-temperature heating medium can be controlled independently. Generally, it should be consistent with the pressure holding time of the high-temperature steam in the cavity 7 on the moving mold side and the cavity 13 on the fixed mold side during this stage. Of course, it can also be appropriately shortened or extended according to the molding effect. After the high-temperature steam pressure holding is completed, the inlet valve 1 on the moving mold side and the inlet valve 11 on the fixed mold side are closed.

[0046] ⑦ Open all three mold-side inlet valves: 1 (moving mold side), 10 (moving mold side), 11 (fixed mold side), and 21 (fixed mold side). Low-temperature cooling water is introduced through inlet valves 1 and 11. This water flows into the mold-side cavity 7 and cavity 13 via inlet pipes 2 and 12, respectively, rapidly cooling the mold-side template 6, template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling water in cavity 7 flows out through outlet pipes 9 and 10, while the low-temperature cooling water in cavity 13 flows out through outlet pipes 20 and 21. During this stage, the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 0℃-30℃, preferably 5℃-20℃, and the duration of the low-temperature cooling water flow is 10s-80s, preferably 15s-45s. While cooling water is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, low-temperature cooling medium can be introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19 to assist in the rapid cooling of the moving mold side template 6, the fixed mold side template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity.

[0047] ⑧ After the cooling stage is over, move the moving mold side away from the fixed mold side to open the mold and eject or manually remove the polymer foam component formed in the mold cavity.

[0048] The following implementation case further illustrates this point.

[0049] Implementation Case 1

[0050] The polymer foam beads used in this embodiment are thermoplastic polyester elastomer bead foam (ETPEE), with an actual density of 0.15 g / cm³. 3 The equivalent sphere diameter of the beaded foam is 8mm, and its molding process is as follows:

[0051] ① Move the moving mold side toward the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is 15mm.

[0052] ② Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject 65g of ETPEE foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0053] ③ The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to zero, and the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked.

[0054] ④ Open all four valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. The high-temperature steam flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 through moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, thereby rapidly preheating moving mold side template 6 and fixed mold side template 15. The high-temperature steam in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the high-temperature steam in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 150℃, and the duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 5 seconds.

[0055] ⑤ Close the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 and the moving mold side outlet valve 10, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through the moving mold side inlet valve 1. The high-temperature steam enters the moving mold side cavity 7 through the moving mold side inlet pipe 2, and then passes through the moving mold side porous pin 8 into the mold cavity to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After passing through the polymer foam beads, the high-temperature steam flows out sequentially through the fixed mold side porous pin 16, the fixed mold side cavity 13, the fixed mold side outlet pipe 20, and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 180℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 25s.

[0056] ⑥ Close the moving mold side outlet valve 10 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11. High-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13 through the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 respectively, and the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 190℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 45s. At the same time as the high-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a high-temperature heating medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The high-temperature heating medium is high-temperature oil, the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 220℃, and the duration of the high-temperature heating medium is 45s.

[0057] ⑦ Open all four mold-side inlet valves: 1 (moving mold side), 10 (moving mold side), 11 (fixed mold side), and 21 (fixed mold side). Low-temperature cooling water is introduced through inlet valves 1 and 11. This water flows into the mold-side cavity 7 and cavity 13 via inlet pipes 2 and 12, respectively, rapidly cooling the mold-side template 6, template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling water in cavity 7 flows out through outlet pipes 9 and 10, while the low-temperature cooling water in cavity 13 flows out through outlet pipes 20 and 21. During this stage, the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 20°C, and the duration of the cooling water flow is 45 seconds. While cooling water is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The temperature of the low-temperature cooling medium is 20°C, and the introduction time of the low-temperature cooling medium is 45s.

[0058] ⑧ After the cooling stage is complete, move the moving mold side away from the fixed mold side to open the mold and eject or manually remove the formed polymer foam component from the mold cavity. After drying, weigh the product; the density is 0.18 g / cm³. 3 The ball rebound rate is 68%. Product appearance photos are as follows. Figure 4 As shown, from Figure 4 As can be seen, the polymer bead foam components formed using this technical solution have a uniform and dense appearance, without any grainy texture. For comparison, Figure 3 Photographs of the appearance of polymer bead foam components prepared by conventional steam molding process are presented. Figure 3 The product surface clearly shows a noticeable grainy texture, which not only affects its appearance but also indicates weak bonding between the foam beads. Furthermore, the grooves between the foam beads are prone to trapping dirt and grime, making the product less durable and prone to getting dirty during use.

[0059] Implementation Case 2

[0060] The polymer foam beads used in this embodiment are thermoplastic polyester elastomer bead foam (ETPEE), with an actual density of 0.09 g / cm³. 3 The equivalent sphere diameter of the beaded foam is 2mm, and its molding process is as follows:

[0061] ① Move the moving mold side toward the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to 3mm.

[0062] ② Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject 55g of ETPEE foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0063] ③ The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to zero, and the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked.

[0064] ④ Open all valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. The high-temperature steam flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 through moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, thereby rapidly preheating moving mold side template 6 and fixed mold side template 15. The high-temperature steam in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the high-temperature steam in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 130℃, and the duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 5 seconds.

[0065] ⑤ Close the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 and the moving mold side outlet valve 10, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through the moving mold side inlet valve 1. The high-temperature steam enters the moving mold side cavity 7 through the moving mold side inlet pipe 2, and then passes through the moving mold side porous pin 8 into the mold cavity to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After passing through the polymer foam beads, the high-temperature steam flows out sequentially through the fixed mold side porous pin 16, the fixed mold side cavity 13, the fixed mold side outlet pipe 20, and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 170℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 15s.

[0066] ⑥ Close the moving mold side outlet valve 10 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11. High-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13 through the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 respectively, and the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 180℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 25s. At the same time as the high-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a high-temperature heating medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The high-temperature heating medium is high-temperature oil, the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 190℃, and the duration of the high-temperature heating medium is 25s.

[0067] ⑦ Open all four mold-side inlet valves: 1 (moving mold side), 10 (moving mold side), 11 (fixed mold side), and 21 (fixed mold side). Low-temperature cooling water is introduced through inlet valves 1 and 11. This water flows into the mold-side cavity 7 and cavity 13 via inlet pipes 2 and 12, respectively, rapidly cooling the mold-side template 6, template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling water in cavity 7 flows out through outlet pipes 9 and 10, while the low-temperature cooling water in cavity 13 flows out through outlet pipes 20 and 21. During this stage, the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 5°C, and the duration of the cooling water flow is 15 seconds. While cooling water is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The temperature of the low-temperature cooling medium is 5°C, and the introduction time of the low-temperature cooling medium is 15 seconds.

[0068] ⑧ After the cooling stage is complete, move the moving mold side away from the fixed mold side to open the mold and eject or manually remove the polymer foam component formed in the mold cavity. After drying, weigh the product; the density is 0.12 g / cm³. 3 The ball bounced back 71%.

[0069] Implementation Case 3

[0070] The polymer foam beads used in this embodiment are thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer bead foam (ETPU), with an actual density of 0.11 g / cm³. 3 The equivalent sphere diameter of the beaded foam is 4.0 mm, and its molding process is as follows:

[0071] ① Move the moving mold side toward the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to 5mm.

[0072] ② Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject 60g of ETPU foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0073] ③ The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to zero, and the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked.

[0074] ④ Open all four valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. The high-temperature steam flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 through moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, thereby rapidly preheating moving mold side template 6 and fixed mold side template 15. The high-temperature steam in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the high-temperature steam in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 160℃, and the duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 3 seconds.

[0075] ⑤ Close the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 and the moving mold side outlet valve 10, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through the moving mold side inlet valve 1. The high-temperature steam enters the moving mold side cavity 7 through the moving mold side inlet pipe 2, and then passes through the moving mold side porous pin 8 into the mold cavity to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After passing through the polymer foam beads, the high-temperature steam flows out sequentially through the fixed mold side porous pin 16, the fixed mold side cavity 13, the fixed mold side outlet pipe 20, and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 160℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 18s.

[0076] ⑥ Close the moving mold side outlet valve 10 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11. High-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13 through the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 respectively, and the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 175℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 15s. At the same time as the high-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a high-temperature heating medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The high-temperature heating medium is high-temperature oil, the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 180℃, and the duration of the high-temperature heating medium is 15s.

[0077] ⑦ Open all four mold-side inlet valves: 1 (moving mold side), 10 (moving mold side), 11 (fixed mold side), and 21 (fixed mold side). Low-temperature cooling water is introduced through inlet valves 1 and 11. This water flows into the mold-side cavity 7 and cavity 13 via inlet pipes 2 and 12, respectively, rapidly cooling the mold-side template 6, template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling water in cavity 7 flows out through outlet pipes 9 and 10, while the low-temperature cooling water in cavity 13 flows out through outlet pipes 20 and 21. During this stage, the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 10°C, and the duration of the cooling water flow is 20 seconds. While cooling water is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The temperature of the low-temperature cooling medium is 10℃, and the introduction time of the low-temperature cooling medium is 20s.

[0078] ⑧ After the cooling stage is complete, move the moving mold side away from the fixed mold side to open the mold and eject or manually remove the formed polymer foam component from the mold cavity. After drying, weigh the product; the density is 0.13 g / cm³. 3 The ball bounces back 70%.

[0079] Implementation Case 4

[0080] The polymer foam beads used in this embodiment are thermoplastic nylon elastomer bead foam (ETPA), with an actual density of 0.09 g / cm³. 3 The equivalent sphere diameter of the beaded foam is 6.0 mm, and its molding process is as follows:

[0081] ① Move the moving mold side toward the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is 8mm.

[0082] ② Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject 50g of ETPA foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0083] ③ The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to zero, and the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked.

[0084] ④ Open all valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. The high-temperature steam flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 through moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, thereby rapidly preheating moving mold side template 6 and fixed mold side template 15. The high-temperature steam in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the high-temperature steam in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 170℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 6 seconds.

[0085] ⑤ Close the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 and the moving mold side outlet valve 10, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through the moving mold side inlet valve 1. The high-temperature steam enters the moving mold side cavity 7 through the moving mold side inlet pipe 2, and then passes through the moving mold side porous pin 8 into the mold cavity to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After passing through the polymer foam beads, the high-temperature steam flows out sequentially through the fixed mold side porous pin 16, the fixed mold side cavity 13, the fixed mold side outlet pipe 20, and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 180℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 20s.

[0086] ⑥ Close the moving mold side outlet valve 10 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11. High-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13 through the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 respectively, and the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 180℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 20s. At the same time as the high-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a high-temperature heating medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The high-temperature heating medium is high-temperature oil, the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 190℃, and the duration of the high-temperature heating medium is 20s.

[0087] ⑦ Open all valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. Low-temperature cooling water is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. This water flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 via moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, rapidly cooling the moving mold side template 6, fixed mold side template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling water in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the low-temperature cooling water in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 12°C, and the duration of the low-temperature cooling water flow is 25 seconds. While cooling water is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The temperature of the low-temperature cooling medium is 12℃, and the introduction time of the low-temperature cooling medium is 25s.

[0088] ⑧ After the cooling stage is complete, move the moving mold side away from the fixed mold side to open the mold and eject or manually remove the polymer foam component formed in the mold cavity. After drying, weigh the product; the density is 0.12 g / cm³. 3 The ball bounces back 75% upon landing.

[0089] Implementation Case 5

[0090] The polymer foam beads used in this embodiment are polybutylene adipate terephthalate (ETPBAT) beads, with an actual density of 0.10 g / cm³. 3 The equivalent sphere diameter of the beaded foam is 3.0 mm, and its molding process is as follows:

[0091] ① Move the moving mold side toward the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is 4mm.

[0092] ② Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject 58g of ETPBAT foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0093] ③ The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to zero, and the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked.

[0094] ④ Open all valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. The high-temperature steam flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 through moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, thereby rapidly preheating moving mold side template 6 and fixed mold side template 15. The high-temperature steam in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the high-temperature steam in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 110℃, and the duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 1 second.

[0095] ⑤ Close the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 and the moving mold side outlet valve 10, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through the moving mold side inlet valve 1. The high-temperature steam enters the moving mold side cavity 7 through the moving mold side inlet pipe 2, and then passes through the moving mold side porous pin 8 into the mold cavity to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After passing through the polymer foam beads, the high-temperature steam flows out sequentially through the fixed mold side porous pin 16, the fixed mold side cavity 13, the fixed mold side outlet pipe 20, and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 120℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 5 seconds.

[0096] ⑥ Close the moving mold side outlet valve 10 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11. High-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13 through the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 respectively, and the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 120℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 15s. At the same time as the high-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a high-temperature heating medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The high-temperature heating medium is high-temperature oil, the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 125℃, and the duration of the high-temperature heating medium is 15s.

[0097] ⑦ Open all four mold-side inlet valves: 1 (moving mold side), 10 (moving mold side), 11 (fixed mold side), and 21 (fixed mold side). Low-temperature cooling water is introduced through inlet valves 1 and 11. This water flows into the mold-side cavity 7 and cavity 13 via inlet pipes 2 and 12, respectively, rapidly cooling the mold-side template 6, template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling water in cavity 7 flows out through outlet pipes 9 and 10, while the low-temperature cooling water in cavity 13 flows out through outlet pipes 20 and 21. During this stage, the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 5°C, and the duration of the cooling water flow is 15 seconds. While cooling water is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The temperature of the low-temperature cooling medium is 5°C, and the introduction time of the low-temperature cooling medium is 15 seconds.

[0098] ⑧ After the cooling stage is complete, move the moving mold side away from the fixed mold side to open the mold and eject or manually remove the formed polymer foam component from the mold cavity. After drying, weigh the product; the density is 0.14 g / cm³. 3 The ball bounces back 65%.

[0099] 5. Implementation Case Six

[0100] The polymer foam beads used in this embodiment are thermoplastic polyolefin bead foam (ETPO), with an actual density of 0.10 g / cm³. 3 The equivalent sphere diameter of the beaded foam is 2.5mm, and its molding process is as follows:

[0101] ① Move the moving mold side towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to 3.5mm.

[0102] ② Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject 56g of ETPO foam beads into the mold cavity.

[0103] ③ The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is reduced to zero, and the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked.

[0104] ④ Open all four valves: moving mold side inlet valve 1, moving mold side outlet valve 10, fixed mold side inlet valve 11, and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through moving mold side inlet valve 1 and fixed mold side inlet valve 11. The high-temperature steam flows into moving mold side cavity 7 and fixed mold side cavity 13 through moving mold side inlet pipe 2 and fixed mold side inlet pipe 12, respectively, thereby rapidly preheating moving mold side template 6 and fixed mold side template 15. The high-temperature steam in moving mold side cavity 7 flows out through moving mold side outlet pipe 9 and moving mold side outlet valve 10, while the high-temperature steam in fixed mold side cavity 13 flows out through fixed mold side outlet pipe 20 and fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 120℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 5 seconds.

[0105] ⑤ Close the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 and the moving mold side outlet valve 10, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. High-temperature steam is introduced through the moving mold side inlet valve 1. The high-temperature steam enters the moving mold side cavity 7 through the moving mold side inlet pipe 2, and then passes through the moving mold side porous pin 8 into the mold cavity to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After passing through the polymer foam beads, the high-temperature steam flows out sequentially through the fixed mold side porous pin 16, the fixed mold side cavity 13, the fixed mold side outlet pipe 20, and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21. During this stage, the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 140℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam introduction is 10s.

[0106] ⑥ Close the moving mold side outlet valve 10 and the fixed mold side outlet valve 21, and open the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11. High-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13 through the moving mold side inlet valve 1 and the fixed mold side inlet valve 11 respectively, and the pressure is maintained for a certain period of time. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 150℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 20s. At the same time as the high-temperature steam is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a high-temperature heating medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The high-temperature heating medium is high-temperature oil, the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 160℃, and the duration of the high-temperature heating medium is 20s.

[0107] ⑦ Open all four mold-side inlet valves: 1 (moving mold side), 10 (moving mold side), 11 (fixed mold side), and 21 (fixed mold side). Low-temperature cooling water is introduced through inlet valves 1 and 11. This water flows into the mold-side cavity 7 and cavity 13 via inlet pipes 2 and 12, respectively, rapidly cooling the mold-side template 6, template 15, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. The low-temperature cooling water in cavity 7 flows out through outlet pipes 9 and 10, while the low-temperature cooling water in cavity 13 flows out through outlet pipes 20 and 21. During this stage, the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 10°C, and the duration of the cooling water flow is 20 seconds. While cooling water is introduced into the moving mold side cavity 7 and the fixed mold side cavity 13, a low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the moving mold side heating pipe 4 and the fixed mold side heating pipe 19. The temperature of the low-temperature cooling medium is 10℃, and the introduction time of the low-temperature cooling medium is 20s.

[0108] ⑧ After the cooling stage is complete, move the moving mold side away from the fixed mold side to open the mold and eject or manually remove the formed polymer foam component from the mold cavity. After drying, weigh the product; the density is 0.13 g / cm³. 3 The ball bounced back 72%.

[0109] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of them. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A process for steam molding polymer foam beads, characterized in that, The polymer foam bead steam molding process is based on a steam molding mold, characterized in that the steam molding mold includes two parts: a moving mold side and a fixed mold side. After the two parts are closed, the cavity surface of the moving mold side and the cavity surface of the fixed mold side constitute the mold cavity. The moving mold side body is a moving mold side template, and the moving mold side template is provided with a moving mold side heating pipe. The heating pipe has a U-shaped cross-section structure, and the moving mold side heating pipe is sealed by a moving mold side heating pipe cover plate and a moving mold side heating pipe sealing gasket, thereby completely isolating the moving mold side heating pipe from the moving mold side cavity. The main body of the fixed mold side is the fixed mold side template, which is also equipped with heating pipes. The heating pipes also have a U-shaped cross-section structure, and the fixed mold side heating pipes are sealed by the fixed mold side heating pipe cover plate and the fixed mold side heating pipe sealing gasket, thereby completely isolating the fixed mold side heating pipes from the fixed mold side cavity. The moving mold side template has a cavity structure. The moving mold side cavity is connected to the moving mold side inlet valve and outlet valve through the inlet pipe and outlet pipe inside the moving mold side template, respectively. A moving mold side multi-hole pin is provided on the side of the moving mold side template near the moving mold side cavity surface. The moving mold side multi-hole pin connects the moving mold side cavity to the moving mold side cavity surface. The fixed mold side template has a cavity structure. The fixed mold side cavity is connected to the fixed mold side inlet valve and outlet valve through the inlet pipe and outlet pipe inside the fixed mold side template, respectively. A fixed mold side multi-hole pin is provided on the side of the fixed mold side template near the fixed mold side cavity surface. The fixed mold side multi-hole pin connects the fixed mold side cavity with the fixed mold side cavity surface. The steam molding process includes the following steps: (1) The moving mold side moves toward the fixed mold side until the gap between the moving mold side and the fixed mold side is a suitable distance; (2) Open the injection gun on the fixed mold side and inject a polymer foam bead into the mold cavity; (3) The moving mold side continues to move towards the fixed mold side until the moving mold side and the fixed mold side are completely closed and locked; (4) Open all the moving mold side inlet valve, moving mold side outlet valve, fixed mold side inlet valve, and fixed mold side outlet valve. Introduce high-temperature steam through the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve to quickly preheat the moving mold side template and the fixed mold side template. After preheating, close all valves. (5) Open the inlet valve on the moving mold side and the outlet valve on the fixed mold side, and introduce high-temperature steam through the inlet valve on the moving mold side to quickly heat the polymer foam beads in the mold cavity. After heating, close the inlet valve on the moving mold side and the outlet valve on the fixed mold side. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 100℃-200℃, and the duration of introducing the high-temperature steam is 2s-30s. (6) Open the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve, and introduce high-temperature steam into the moving mold side cavity and the fixed mold side cavity respectively through the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve, and maintain the pressure for a certain time. At the same time, introduce high-temperature heating medium into the moving mold side heating pipe and the fixed mold side heating pipe. After the pressure is maintained, close the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve. The temperature of the high-temperature steam is 120℃-220℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure maintenance time is 10s-60s. The temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 120℃-250℃. In step (6), the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is higher than the temperature of the high-temperature steam. (7) Open all the moving mold side inlet valve, moving mold side outlet valve, fixed mold side inlet valve, and fixed mold side outlet valve. Low temperature cooling water is introduced through the moving mold side inlet valve and the fixed mold side inlet valve to quickly cool the moving mold side template, the fixed mold side template, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity. (8) After the cooling stage is over, open the mold and eject or manually remove the polymer foam component formed in the mold cavity.

2. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, An injection gun is also provided on the fixed mold side template to inject polymer foam beads into the mold cavity.

3. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (1), the gap is 1mm-30mm.

4. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step (1), the gap is 3mm-15mm.

5. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (2), the equivalent sphere diameter of the polymer foam beads is 1mm-15mm.

6. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step (2), the equivalent sphere diameter of the polymer foam beads is 2mm-8mm.

7. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (4), the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 100℃-160℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam is 0s-10s.

8. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step (4), the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 110℃-150℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam is 1s-5s.

9. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (5), the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 120℃-180℃, and the duration of the high-temperature steam is 5s-25s.

10. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (6), the high-temperature heating medium is high-temperature steam or high-temperature oil.

11. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 10, characterized in that, In step (6), the temperature of the high-temperature steam is 125℃-190℃, and the high-temperature steam pressure holding time is 15s-45s.

12. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 10, characterized in that, In step (6), the temperature of the high-temperature heating medium is 125℃-220℃.

13. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (7), the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 0℃-30℃, and the duration of the low-temperature cooling water flow is 10s-80s; In step (7), while cooling with low-temperature cooling water, low-temperature cooling medium is introduced into the heating pipes on the moving mold side and the heating pipes on the fixed mold side to assist in the rapid cooling of the moving mold side template, the fixed mold side template, and the polymer foam components formed in the mold cavity.

14. The polymer foam bead steam molding process according to claim 13, characterized in that, In step (7), the temperature of the low-temperature cooling water is 5℃-20℃, and the duration of the low-temperature cooling water flow is 15s-45s.

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