Wire EDM machines are, by nature, fairly large users of energy, due to the fact that they employ electrical spark erosion. This requires a generator/power supply to convert the standard three-phase current into cutting pulses, and to run all the servo drive and pump motors to support the process. Ten or 15 years ago, many [...]
Manufacturers have many factors to consider when designing equipment to manufacture products in the plastics industry. Six-axis jointed robots can offer significant cost savings during mold design and manufacture, as well as during production. […]
1. Understand thy competition. There is no greater power in the world than knowledge. Understand that there are good and bad people everywhere. Look for the good and stay away from the bad. […]
A new technology for actuating stems in valve gated hot runner systems is emerging as a progressive and effective solution. […]
Through all of my training and work experience, I’ve witnessed much change over the years,which has made us better moldmakers as well as better businesspeople. […]
1. Teambuilder. Must strive to possess a strong network of sub-contractors/ […]
Making a better product to survive has never meant more than in today’s global manufacturing environment. For a company to succeed it is not enough just to make a good product. You have to be solving someone’s problems. Mold components are no exception in helping to keep tools running and making superior products that are [...]
1. When purchasing tooling in China it is imperative that the buyer specify American Inch, DIN Metric or JIS Metric for components. The Chinese have their own Metric system and the parts are not available outside of China. […]
Traditionally, one of the largest barriers to achieving high surface finish has been vibration. Considering the whole spindle system, vibrations can be induced by several different components. Whether looking at the concentricity quality and balancing of the tool, toolholder system type, spindle interface or interface diameter, there is an intrinsic vibration existing within the system [...]
Machine controls today allow for extensive dynamic tuning of machine performance. The most common values to look at when considering machine dynamics are speed and acceleration. Equally important as each of these is jerk. […]