Introduction to Structural Foam Molding
Structural Foam Molding is, in essence, a low pressure injection molding process. It is used to process thermoplastics, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), in a low pressure environment. […]
Introduction to Interaction design processes
Interaction designers often follow similar processes to create a solution (not the solution) to a known interface design problem. Designers build rapid prototypes and test them with the users to validate or rebut the idea. […]
Introduction to a process of Thermoforming
Thermoforming has benefited from applications of engineering technology, although the basic forming process is very similar to what was invented many years ago. Microprocessor and computer controls on more modern machinery allow for greatly increased process control and repeatability of same-job setups from one production run to the next, usually with the ability to save [...]
Introduction to Thin and thick gauge thermoforming
There are two general thermoforming process categories. Sheet thickness less than 1.5 mm (0.060 inches) is usually delivered to the thermoforming machine from rolls or from a sheet extruder. Thin-gauge roll-fed or inline extruded thermoforming applications are dominated by rigid or semi-rigid disposable packaging. […]
What is Vacuum forming?
Vacuum forming, commonly known as vacuforming, is a simplified version of thermoforming, whereby a sheet of plastic is heated to a forming temperature, stretched onto or into a single-surface mold, and held against the mold by applying vacuum between the mold surface and the sheet.The vacuum forming process can be used to make most product [...]
3-D CAD system can help the design of part and mold
The first step in the mold development process—responding to a request for proposal (RFP)—requires moldmakers to import, diagnose and repair part geometry in order to assess its suitability for injection molding, develop estimates and produce a formal quote. Because moldmakers need to complete this step before even winning the business, […]
The responsibility of CAD/CAM for Design and Manufacture
It is somewhat ironic that software companies are promoting closer integration when an increasing number of toolmakers are separating design and manufacture by putting responsibility for CAM onto the shop floor. This approach gives a number of potential advantages. […]
Introduction to High-speed machining
High-speed machining (HSM) is usually associated with high-speed spindles (15K to 40K rpm) and higher feedrates. It is also referred to as high velocity machining. They are one in the same, as both represent machining components in the most accurate and shortest cycle times. […]
How to understand integration of CAD/CAM
Recent years have seen a number of articles on the benefits of closer integration of CAD and CAM. Of course, integrated CAD/CAM systems from a single company have been available since 1972. The new trend is for the integration of CAM systems into CAD software from a completely different developer. The decision for moldmakers is [...]
How to make CAM software help Five-Axis Machining
A better approach to CAM software development is to follow the logic that machinists themselves use when deciding how to machine a complex 5-axis part. Instead of fragmenting advanced 5-axis functionality, why not present programmers with a single programming process that is familiar and easy to understand? […]