Planned workholding, in its simplest form, is planning in advance how the workholding will be accomplished prior to the job getting to the machine. In the more complex form, all workholding for each machine is planned at the design stage with documentation that will provide the plan for the workholding at each operation. Planned workholding [...]
High quality plastics components are becoming an increasingly important part of the perceived quality of products. An important part of this high quality perception is a flawless and often high gloss surface finish. Traditional methods such as surface coatings and other secondary operations are often expensive and impractical for high-production volumes. In many cases, the [...]
Job scheduling plays a big role in our on-time delivery performance and leadtime, which determines our competitive position within our industry. This is particularly true as competition has gotten more fierce in recent years. Only the best shops have survived. And those shops have very good quality and lead the pack in expertise. This means [...]
Thriving manufacturing businesses tend to take advantage of the right market opportunities, just when they present themselves. Examples of such opportunities could be establishing a new customer in a different regional market (maybe a different country), adding a product line from an industry in which you don’t already do business or creating a niche market [...]
As mold manufacturing in China has become more globally competitive, the necessity to reduce expensive, labor-intensive practices has become paramount for shop owners. The goal for most shops is to reduce or completely eliminate polishing or spotting time on their molds, which can be accomplished through the use of sinker EDMs, hard milling of steel [...]
A popular practice of moldmakers and injection molders is to coat mold components as an attempt to increase the durability and achieve longer life while reducing maintenance and operational costs. This practice is certainly plausible, as it often falls short of providing the expected results and reduces the potential for maximum cost savings. [...]
In a well-established industry like moldmaking, the idea of innovation is a bit like the weather – everyone talks about it, but no one seems to be able to do anything about it. Steven , President and CEO of First-rate mold solution co, ltd., is an exception to that rule. First-rate mold solution co, ltd [...]
Today’s automation cells allow for one part or multiple parts to be run and will provide unattended operation, opening up valuable resources and saving costs. Mold manufacturers can use a common interface/fixture to accomplish one part loading of electrodes and molds versus using a different set-up for each new part run. With a properly designed [...]
There are numerous factors to consider when purchasing a warranty program with your new EDM, let’s examine three important ones. […]
Hot runner valve gating is a technology that has been available for many years; however, until recently, there have only been two options for pin actuation: hydraulic or pneumatic. Both types of valve pin actuators come with their own advantages and disadvantages making the decision a matter of personal preference. […]