Within this decade, advanced carbide cutting tools used with constant-chip-load CNC cutting strategies have dramatically increased material-removal rates in roughing of mold cores and cavities. The combination of these tools and strategies also results in dimensions closer to near-net shape, which favorably impacts subsequent finishing operations. As impressive as these roughing approaches have been, however, [...]
Both solid-carbide and small indexable-insert ballnose endmills are capable of the speeds and feeds required for high-speed finishing of molds. Moldmakers should keep in mind, however, that the indexable-insert tools offer important cost advantages – starting with a much lower replacement cost and no regrinding. […]
Most shops use gage balls during the inspection process, but First-rate Mold Solution Co., Ltd felt the results weren’t always repeatable. According to Steven, the balls are usually a jig ground hole in a workpiece with a reference point customer-specific to each item. We needed a process that guaranteed repeatable results. […]
1. Flow RateFirst, flow rate must be established. How is this usually done? Is it even studied at all? The answer is “It isn’t studied.” The sad fact is that it is so easy to do. The injection molding machine itself is the most available and easiest rheometer there is to use. […]
Mold builders and their customers have long applied themselves to the digital technology afforded by CAD and CAM. These technologies have been employed in design as well as manufacturing and include CNC machining, routing, EDM and other processes. But those aspects of the enterprise are not the only ones that are open to great benefits [...]
Not all problems require the expense and complexity of FEA software. You can calculate many common mold design problems with programs that only require you to enter sizes, forces or other known quantities, including the following: […]
Over several years, the Intertech operations have relied on CAE Services to provide in-depth, computer-aided engineering consulting services using Moldflow Plastics Insight (MPI) software. CAE Services have provided filling, packing, cooling and warpage analyses on many vehicle platforms. According to Steven, president of First-rate Mold Solution Co., Ltd , “CAE Services have provided complete mold [...]
When any of the four variables is compromised the tool should be flagged as incapable not due to statistical measures, but due to the fact that process control has been compromised. In other words, if you have to pack the part with just enough pressure to keep from over-packing it (a tooling or design issue) [...]
FEA provides the most sophisticated method of solving complex engineering problems. While FEA software covers a wide variety of solutions, structural and plastics analysis packages solve the majority of mold-related problems. […]
In the old days a software supplier might have actually charged you for a demonstration or evaluation of their software. Today you can often evaluate software or have software vendors help you solve real-world problems at minimal or no cost. […]