When the proper micro tool is chosen for moldmaking, there are many parameters with which to deal. The most important is knowing exactly what materials are being machined and their hardness or toughness qualities, or “machinability”. Guessing or coming close on this point will lead to much wasted time and tooling. […]
To enable effective simulation in the design process, companies should keep a few key elements top of mind: […]
There are several shops that achieved their sales goals within the past year through a solid sales process and achievable goals. […]
The first and hardest step in the lean process is recognizing that your perfectly functioning shop can be improved. […]
First, this type of machine may take a beating machining graphite if it lacks the appropriate dust protection and it may not have the tight tolerance required for repositioning and redressing electrodes. The bottom line is that achieving efficiency in machining micro EDM electrodes calls for a machine dedicated to this process and designed for [...]
First and foremost, machine selection is a huge part of operational efficiency in EDM. Depending on the application, moldmakers can choose from wire, drilling, sinker or some combination of the three. […]
The latest advances in automation and combined machine technologies can bring your EDM operations forward by leaps and bounds. […]
Several operational strategies can help moldmakers increase the value they reap from their EDM processes. In wire EDM, for example, the type of wire used can cut costs and improve efficiency. Brass is a commonly used and cost-effective wire material, but zinc-coated wire can increase speeds by up to 15 percent for improved productivity. [...]
Proper preventative maintenance is crucial in keeping EDM machines running as efficiently and economically as possible. Operators need to check and maintain consumables—such as power feeders, filters and resin—regularly to prevent unstable, inaccurate machining. […]
More sophisticated tooling technologies are always evolving. One advancement that improves efficiency and speed is a hydraulic locking core pull cylinder. By employing this method of actuating a core pull, molders can take advantage of smaller mold bases, […]