With increasingly complex mold designs comes the need for mold materials that enable moldmakers to machine cores and cavities more efficiently, keep production costs down and meet short delivery times. […]
Historically, hot runner systems can be complicated to understand, design and use. They are also among the most expensive components in moldmaking. For both of these reasons and more, some mold makers invited several suppliers of hot runner systems and components to participate in a special roundtable discussion. […]
Mold making Index results between January and October of 2017 broke records with an average index reading of 55.8. By comparison, the last time the index experienced a comparable period of prolonged expansion was in 2014, when the average index reading from January to October was a respectable 53.8. When interpreting Industry Intelligence data, a [...]
Strategies vary for staying focused on increasing profitability and for remaining competitive in today's global economy. Machining is an essential process for the strategy of mold builders. This includes a focus on selecting and using the right cutting tools for each application. The first step to properly setting up each job that hits the shop [...]
Mold manufacturers are under pressure. Shocking revelation, right? End customers demand or even expect to see increasing levels of quality, accuracy and consistency. […]
Mold builders and injection molders have different requirements when it comes to hot runner systems. Mold builders are often concerned about price, delivery and quality, while the molder is concerned with operation, performance and ease of maintenance. […]
Toolmaking has always been one of Audi’s core competences, they are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is technically feasible to lay the foundation for our high‑quality car bodies and to remain globally competitive. […]
Understanding how data is processed helps to select the appropriate CNC control for a five-axis machine to optimize machining time, surface finish quality and workpiece accuracy. Here are five basic requirements a CNC control should meet: […]
Before examining CNC requirements, let’s review how data processing can influence a mold’s accuracy and surface quality. Here are four key influencers of data processing on the results of five-axis mold machining: […]
In today’s competitive moldmaking marketplace, some mold builders believe the industry’s required tolerances and surface finishes can no longer be achieved with electrodes. Instead, they rely on high-speed cutting of 3D surfaces, which not only meets the necessary tolerance and finish requirements, but can also streamline the manufacturing process and positively impact a shop’s bottom [...]