Aluminum has become an increasingly popular choice for moldmaking applications due to its lightweight, thermal conductivity and superior machinability. It possesses favorable properties and characteristics that make it easier to machine than other materials, such as being more readily cut, shaped and processed with minimal cutting tool wear and reduced machining time. However, to maximize [...]
While the function of a safety strap is to prevent a mold from accidentally coming apart during transportation and handling, its purpose is to protect people — not the mold or the machine. The most common cause of mold halves separating is when a setup person uses only one eyebolt to lift a mold that [...]
Looking back at more than 25 years of ordering injection molds, I worked with 20 or 30 different mold builders. it’s only about one shop per year. These 20 or 30mold shops were in at least nine different areas and built over 500 molds for my clients at the time. So how do I choose [...]
Automated metrology is pervasive in manufacturing today, but not just for quality verification. Various types of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), also called sensors, combined with applicable software, are being put to work across the manufacturing enterprise for many applications. While quality verification is at the root of metrology in manufacturing, the technology is also used [...]
It is no secret that being a mold builder today isn’t like it used to be. Challenges, including the growing cost of doing business, increased low-cost country competition and the seemingly never-ending talent gap, require businesses to focus on driving efficiency throughout their organization to remain competitive. As a result, many mold shops are turning [...]
With cavity steel or alloy selection, there are many variables that can dictate the best option for molds. Things that need consideration are the material you’ll be molding, cycle time expectations, part criteria, expected volume, tooling costs and maintenance. The goal here is not to suggest, recommend or give preference to any specific steel or [...]
Global mold monitoring and asset management solutions can maximize productivity and efficiency. Consider a shift in perspective regarding mold monitoring and performance. Instead of spending time gathering data, why not have the data at your fingertips and then spend your time analyzing that data to improve efficiency? Today’s shorter timelines, higher demands, supply chain challenges, [...]
Machining a micron-level precision mold on the first try is difficult to achieve. Machining the mold two or more times is often necessary to reach the required micron-level tolerance. Variables such as the machining environment, machine stability, cutting tool wear, and accuracy and operator experience impact micron-level machining results. The opening image shows a 300- [...]
Moldmaking is complex, so mold builders are always looking for ways to simplify and streamline getting the part to code with easy, intuitive tool paths. Here, we’ll break down common challenges and recommended software solutions — an equidistant tool path and why it works well for molds with complex shapes; how to set up rest [...]
Looking over the vast landscape of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, the various material options and the number of experts in the market can leave you more confused than ever. However, 25 years ago, it was a vastly different landscape. So, here is a quick look at how technology has evolved from the mid-90s to 2023. [...]