Another area of the mold manufacturing process that is trending more toward automation is hot runners. D-M-E reports that 15 years ago one in 10 tools was a hot runner mold, today that number is closer to five in 10. […]
a moldmaking shop will need to address to streamline supporting operations to effect a leaner, more productive, globally competitive mold manufacturing process: […]
After conducting extensive research and by visiting a number of EDM equipment manufacturers, we decided to go with the newly designed and introduced Mitsubishi model EA12V and System 3R WorkMaster Robot in an automated cell to address its challenges. The company worked closely with MC Machinery Systems (Wood Dale, IL)—who was the first company to [...]
While the company has embraced the many advantages the automated cell provides—increased throughput, the ability to take on more work and faster timing—they acknowledge that the changes have led to some challenges. […]
Today’s EDM machines are typically very safe; however, in spite of safety features fires on sinker EDMs still happen. These fires, coupled with the ready supply of flammable liquids in EDM environments, can go from a small spark to a devastating fire in moments. The key to protecting against these fires is fast, yet reliable, [...]
Global CompetitionLike it or not, we are all working, competing, buying and selling in a global market, and remarks made by industry regarding the unfair competition from countries with lower labor costs, favorable monetary exchange rates, tax benefits or other motivating factors are common. […]
So where are we today with the integration of copper alloys in mold building? There are still major opportunities and major contributions to be gained by companies that are willing to use these products. […]
Not wanting disappoint them right out of the gate, I threw out a standard rule of thumb used when pressed for max cycle counts: […]
Let me say first that stopping and pulling molds for scheduled PMs is a good maintenance practice … period … but unfortunately not always possible in every situation if you want to keep your customers happy and in parts. What? A mold maintenance evangelist saying that regularly scheduled PMs won’t make us more money by [...]
a manufacturer of hot runner manifold systems and controllers—agrees that there has been a resurgence in the use of aluminum tooling in recent months. We have had increased inquiries as to our experience and products offered for aluminum tooling.. This is a cycle we (along with our industry) have seen before. […]