Nowadays, almost everything we use has plastic in it. Plastic has become one of the most sought after materials to use because of its availability, weight and pliability. Items made of plastic are cheaper than other materials and metals. Using plastic injection molding, plastic can be molded into any shape or size with great precision. [...]
Recent advancements in tooling and CAM strategies are the two primary driving forces behind the recent surge in interest related to CNC machine deburring processes. Adapting and automating these processes to machining centers, and away from manual hand labor, is a two-fold win for mold manufacturers. Moldmakers can help alleviate the pain felt from the [...]
Medical device companies play a crucial role in enhancing health care by developing innovative technologies that not only save lives but also improve patient comfort. These advancements lead to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times, ultimately benefiting both patients and health care providers. In this pursuit, R&D engineers are designing thermoplastic, bioresorbable and liquid [...]
In the world of injection molding, where consistency, precision and speed define success, the mold specification document is the unsung hero. This foundational artifact bridges the vision of the design engineer with the rigor of manufacturing and the scrutiny of quality assurance. It’s not just a list of requirements, it’s a strategic framework that governs [...]
3D printing provides a significant advantage by enabling users to quickly produce prototype mold and die inserts and short-run manufacturing of complex designs. However, years of testing reveal that specialized, porous mold steels can compete with today’s metal 3D printed steels, yielding a more consistent, stronger product with improved venting performance. Ultimately, the best manufacturing [...]
Moldmakers face more complexity than ever before — rising costs, global competition, tariff implications and persistent workforce shortages demand greater efficiency at every level. To stay competitive, mold shops must move beyond traditional practices and embrace process and design automation as a strategic advantage. So here is my question – how are your company’s continuous [...]
Every CNC machine operator will have to deal with chatter from time to time. Milling, turning or drilling can all expose a part to this torment. Sometimes it’s obvious what is causing the chatter. A slipping tool or inadequate work holding shouldn’t be too hard to spot. But what about if you are not sure [...]
It seems intuitive that when forcing molten plastic into a cavity filled with air, the air has to be displaced in order to completely fill the cavity. How Air Can Be Removed Air within the cavity can be removed by one of two methods: traditionally, the flow front of molten plastic forces the air out [...]
Polycarbonate (PC) is one of the most widely used engineering plastics in the world. The material’s highly desirable properties — including strength, toughness and clarity — make it attractive for the development of many everyday products, such as medical tubing connectors, medical and consumer electronics, eyeglasses, and automotive and lighting lenses. As demand for medical [...]
Many mold manufacturers build a network of specialty shops to whom they outsource steps of a project to help meet required deadlines and stay on budget. These relationships demand communication at every step to ensure a quality mold on schedule. This means that before a job hits the floor of that specialty service provider, the [...]