Automation is an essential part of machining and profitable manufacturing. Mold builders striving to compete at the Industry 4.0 level must focus on embedded sensors, software and other technologies to collect and analyze data to improve decision-making. These technological improvements lead to increased speed and efficiency, predictive maintenance and self-optimization of the manufacturing process. Moldmakers, [...]
Traditionally, ballnose end mills were the go-to for smooth surface finishes. However, their limitations, especially for extensive surface finishing, have become increasingly apparent. The small stepover of a ballnose end mill, typically between 3-5% of the tool diameter, results in limited material contact. This necessitates more passes to achieve an optimal surface finish, leading to [...]
A guided ejection system prevents gravity from transferring the weight of the ejector plates onto the connected mold components. This is the support function of the system. They will also help prevent the ejector plates from cocking and binding, which is often caused by the machine ejector rods not being the exact same length, or [...]
Everyday mold builders face various challenges as they tackle each new mold project that enters the shop. Whether it involves engineering, building, maintaining, or repairing molds, this industry’s dedicated technology suppliers offer solutions. Here are some insights and instructions to help your team through four specific challenges. How to Reduce Risk in Plastic Part Design [...]
The injection mold design process is quite complex since many critical aspects have to be considered. Even slight miscalculations can lead to huge production problems and excessive costs. The detailed injection mold design procedure is listed below. Analyze The Plastic Part To establish the product specifications, mold design engineers, tooling engineers, materials makers, production engineers, [...]
The plastic injection molding engineering solutions are highly suitable for custom designs and 3D mold prototyping. The injection mold engineering cores are described below in detail. Ejection System Design The instruments are firmly fastened together throughout the injection procedure. The tool unlocks after the plastic has cooled down enough to keep its shape, often by [...]
A fully described plastic part is the most crucial information for a mold build project. An incomplete part drawing can create countless problems in the mold design process, waste a lot of precious time and cause numerous issues when the mold is completed and commissioned at the customer’s facility. Spending extra time at the beginning [...]
Today, designers and engineers are accustomed to working with digital tools in their day-to-day jobs. Yet, over the last decade, these tools have evolved and unlocked new capabilities and productivity gains, enabling part and mold designs to be more complex and data-driven. However, a central challenge in manufacturing lies in the scattered nature of data [...]
Injection molders quote or estimate a job based on six primary factors: part weight, material cost, machine size, cycle time, labor requirements and packaging. The material and packaging costs are relatively easy to obtain from suppliers, which makes them fixed values—not estimates. Thanks to solid modeling software programs, part weight is also a fixed value, [...]
The most frequently used component of a mold’s ejection system is the ejector pin, which includes variations such as sleeves and blades. Part size, draft angle, shape complexity, vertical wall height and the type of plastic being molded all contribute to determining the appropriate pin type, location and quantity. Due to extensive use, ejector pins [...]