Pro-cast automatic casting machine

[Jediwarrior]

Hello, I just joined recently to ask about any information on the Pro-cast automatic casting machine.

I am in the process of rebuilding one, and I need info on the electrical schematic diagram. It uses a PID temperature controller.

Thank you in advance

PS: the company that made this machine closed down a long time ago. Google search didn't help.

[Messy bear]

Can you post a pic of it?

[Tazza]

If it's just the PID, pictures would help, should be an easy job to sort out.

[skeettx]

Hello Jediwarrior
Welcome to the site and your first posting.

It would help if we know the name and address of the maker of the machine
and yes, pictures would be of great benefit.

Does the machine cast bullets or other items?

Mike

[Jediwarrior]

It was made in Nevada. The inventor and manufacturer died suddenly.

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[Jediwarrior]

I can't seem to upload pictures. Are my image size too big?

[Smoke4320]

2mb or less for pic sizes
I have found sometimes 2mb will not post drop it to 1.5 mb and it almost always works

[blackriver]

It appears to be similar to a Magma Engineering Bullet Master. Should not be difficult to repair or get parts for. They are not a very complicated machine.

[skeettx]

Have you tried contacting Bobby?
https://www.nvsos.gov/sosentitysearch/PrintCorp.aspx?lx8nvq=fsiCszdfJaLg7%252fLrQKbJ6Q%2 53d%253d&nt7=0

[Jediwarrior]

I was able to get a schematic diagram of a Magma Bullet Master.

Thanks Blackriver.

Skeettx, no I haven't tried contacting Bobby Kohart.

Tazza, easy to replace the PID. It's the timer that I need. I need to stock up on spares.

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[Jediwarrior]

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[blackriver]

I can get you the parts list and numbers for the Magma machine if needed. Just let me know.

[Tazza]

Ahh, timers may not be as easy to match, but you can use generic ones but as you said, you need a diagram to know what switches what.

Worst case, a good electrucian could help out, or someone good with electronics. Timers are quite simple, no1 automated his master caster with just timers like this

[Jediwarrior]

Blackriver, the timer on the Pro-Cast is DIN size (48mm x 48mm). The Magma Mark 8 uses a different size. Thanks for the offer though.

Tazza, I did have to consult an electronics expert.

I have decided to go with the Omron timer. It has the same size as the original.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.

I am now focusing on the pneumatic cylinders. Decided to go with replacements from SMC Pneumatics.

The chain and sprockets need to be aligned. This machine is a lot more complicated than the Magma Mark 8.

The output rate of the Pro-Cast is almost double to Magma Mark 8. Maximum theoritical output is 6,000 bullets per hour.

[Tazza]

Good choice on SMC, the make a good quality product.

Hopefully you can post some pictures of the main guts of the machine, sounds interesting. I hope to build my own version of a machine like this, one day...... 6,000 per hour seems very high, but i guess it goes on how many moulds are fitted.

[Jediwarrior]

Tazza,

I will post pictures while disassembled when I resize the pics.

I may have to reposition the blowers. The first blower is cooling the mold after the sprue cutter has been opened. It should be before it is opened.

The second blower does not cool the molds in any way. It is positioned way too low.

[Jediwarrior]

Here are some specs:

Chain #50 (5/8" pitch)
Sprocket size: 32 teeth
Shaft diameter: 1 inch
Distance between drive and trailing shafts: 15 inches
Number of molds: 10
Distance between channels: 10 inches
DC motor is connected to drive shaft via crank to an indexing clutch.
Trailing shaft has cam attached for a roller switch for the pneumatic valve.

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[Tazza]

Thank you for the specs you have, it looks like only one image worked though.

now it makes sense why it has a higher production rate, 10 moulds! Sure puts my automated master caster to shame, as it has only one mould :(

[Jediwarrior]

Let's try this again

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[Jediwarrior]

The feed tray is the most complex assembly. It has hardened and ground mold guides and is adjustable with spring closure.

[Tazza]

Still not working for me :(

I can understand why the moud guides need to be hardened, it will make them last a lot longer.

[Jediwarrior]

I resized them even smaller

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[Tazza]

I have never seen one driven with a chain....

[hunter74]

Looks like an interesting machine. I'm looking forward to more pics of the project in the future and maybe a vid in the end?

With 10 moulds it clearly beats the Magma machines with 8. That said, how effective the fans are with cooling the moulds, also affects the output. They run hot very fast and fan placement, rpm and ambient temps also affect running speed and output in the end.

Sent fra min SM-G930F via Tapatalk

[Tazza]

I run my master caster pretty fast, i'm amazed that my fan seems to keep it cool enough. I do get lead build up under the sprue, every 100 cycles, i need to stop and run a box cutter blade over it to remove the lump, i put a tiny drop of oil on the cutter and start it back up. They drop shiny, so i don't believe it's a heat issue, but you never know.

[Jediwarrior]

Hunter74, that's what I thought. I will change all the blowers to the latest Dayton 230 VAC, same as the Magma Mark 8.

Tazza, I am experimenting with Moly Lube from Birchwood Casey. I apply it on top of the molds, between the sprue cutter.

[Jediwarrior]

More pics of the feed tray. This are the most complicated and precise parts of the machine. There are adjustable mold guides made of hardened steel. These act on the mold hangers. The dimensions are critical.

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[Tazza]

I think i understand it now, the mould carriers are mounted to a chain and the blocks are tight tolerances to keep the mould halves closed?

I never thought of a way to do it without the magma style wheel covered in moulds.