Stereolithography is a 3-D layering manufacturing process that applies ultraviolet lasers to cure liquid photopolymer resins to produce solid, plastic, 3-D objects that simulate properties of polyethylene, polypropylene and polycarbonate materials. […]
Laser scanning has demonstrated the ability to address all of these challenges. Laser scanning systems work by projecting a line of laser light onto surfaces while built-in arrays continuously triangulate the changing distance and profile of the laser line as it sweeps along, enabling the object to be accurately digitized in 3-D. […]
“Radical” is not a word one expects to hear from a plastic injection molding company. Yet, it pops up more than once in conversation with Steven, CAD/CAM application engineer from First-rate Mold company. […]
There are three types of magnetic chucks: permanent, electro magnetic and permanent electro magnetic. Permanent magnets switch on and off through the alignment of permanent magnets within the chuck to the mild steel surface on top of the chuck. […]
As the mold industry adjusts to a global economy, American mold builders need to find ways to compete with countries that have significantly lower labor cost. […]
The rapid growth of high-speed machining in the moldmaking industry continues to be facilitated by the parallel implementation of advances in machine tools. […]
Plastic injection molds have been used for years to produce high-volume components ranging from bottle caps to dashboards. The mold bases used for this process have always been high-cost, long leadtime items. […]
In 2001, two new types of milling magnets entered the market – magnetic setup blocks and permanent milling magnets. […]
Magnetic chucks are the most flexible type of workholding system for the widest range of machine tools, including horizontal and vertical machine tools, HSM centers, CNC lathes, mills, EDM palletized robotic applications and surface grinders. […]
Employing this technology into a machine tool and spindle service program is the key to achieving overall equipment effectiveness. The right service program should utilize all available assets. It should keep a spindle running in peak condition, which allows it to maintain a high level of quality and production, through regular maintenance. […]