Automation of machining operations is becoming essential for chinese manufacturers to compete globally. With increased machine uptime, capacity and shorter production leadtimes, machining automation provides manufacturers with an edge, enhancing machine efficiencies, increasing revenue streams and improving their overall competitive position in the marketplace. […]
Water as a dielectric in wire EDMs has always been the standard, but the upsurge in micromachining has spurred the use of oil as a dielectric fluid instead. Unfortunately, not many U.S. shops are taking advantage of this technology. Shops that can benefit the most from oil-based wire EDMing include those working with carbide parts, [...]
Design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA) is a term often used, but its true meaning and value may have been lost. DFMA is a set of core values combined with a systematic approach for reducing design complexity and cost. These core values include optimizing all areas of the manufacturing process: fabrication, assembly, test, procurement, shipping, [...]
The closer integration of the two technologies offers obvious advantages to smaller manufacturers of simpler parts, where the product designer will often also be the machine tool programmer. Having a common interface for the CAD and CAM software makes learning the two programs easier, while automatic updating of the toolpaths if the design changes will [...]
It is somewhat ironic that software companies are promoting closer integration when an increasing number of toolmakers are separating design and manufacture by putting responsibility for CAM onto the shop floor. This approach gives a number of potential advantages. […]
A new approach involving integrating flow simulation software with CAD/CAM software will be discussed in this article. We will show how CAD/CAM/CAE integration reduces the time and effort in running a flow simulation . Flow simulation software products have had limited modeling capabilities and no machining capabilities. […]
In order to be ultra-competitive in this difficult economy, another arrow in the quiver of toolmakers is high-performance copper, which can be employed instead of traditional all-steel tools. The use of high performance copper alloys in mold cores and cavities gives significant advantages over tool steels and aluminum alloys. […]
Two main factors should be considered when scanning molds: size and accuracy. […]
Over the years, and more times than can probably be counted, customers call from all over to order various surface treatments for their molds, without knowing what is truly needed to make their molds run better and more efficiently. It’s surprising how many customers are talked down on services because it’s not good business to [...]
Below is a list of the top six benefits of dry ice blasting for injection mold/molding professionals: 1. Reduce CostsMost cleaning practices today involve a multi-step process that requires production to completely stop, and frequently includes a number of people, a variety of cleaners and secondary waste disposal that adds costs to production. [...]