The changes over the past 15 years have been severe and the confusion over how to conduct business in these uncertain times has prevented many moldmaking businesses from evolving to counteract those challenges. But change can be managed effectively—even now. Small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) have options and resources available to effect the changes necessary [...]
A moldmaker likes a challenge, and that is what was received when first-rate mold solution co, ltd was approached. The molder had been manufacturing a product for some time and had many molds used for its production, but now there was a desire to alter the molds in order to reduce the part weight due [...]
In moldmaking applications, H.E.A.T. can be used very effectively to cut inserts, core pins and insert pockets that contain contours and changing surface thicknesses. […]
To maintain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace, many of today’s American mold-makers are differentiating their EDM capabilities by embracing micromoldmaking. Because of the complex, precise nature of the parts produced, those willing to adopt the technologies necessary to reliably produce micromolds open the doors to serve a growing segment of the market. [...]
Today’s vises range in configuration from relatively simple single-station models to very elaborate multiple-station designs. Most vises consist of a mounting base or body that is secured to the machine table, a stationary jaw against which part material to be machined is located, a movable jaw and screw mechanism. […]
While some companies focus on individual elements of a hydraulic system when designing their lubricants, Shell Lubricants has used sophisticated fluid mechanics modeling to understand the different sources of energy loss in the system as a whole, This information has then been used to help to develop a fluid with a balance of physical and [...]
Gun drilling is an integral part of the moldmaking process. When deep holes—such as water lines—need to be drilled, the gun drill is the tool for the job. […]
Re-Working Overseas MoldsPerhaps one of the more interesting markets we’ve seen in moldmaking in recent years is applying North American quality to overseas molds. In other words, shops are finding that making poorly made molds work properly, even having to re-machine features or whole molds, is an area of growth potential. […]
The key factor in choosing a vise for a knee mill is the vise opening, and whether or not a swivel base is needed. Workholding selection for HMCs and VMCs should be based on desired density, clamping station opening size, clamping pressure needed and shape of the part. […]
First-rate Mold Solution Co., Ltd generates an average of 200 new CNC programs every month. The company’s CNC programming productivity was limited in the past by the need to separately apply toolpaths to each of the part’s surfaces and other limitations of its previous programming software. […]