There has been a long-standing, unresolved debate over whether graphite or copper is a better EDM electrode material. The preference is most always the same in any one geographical region. In North America , the preferred electrode material has shifted from copper to graphite. In Europe and Asia, many argue that copper is the preferable [...]
The use of CAE for injection molding simulation has progressed from flow-front prediction in the late ‘70s to full simulation of the injection molding process, its variants and associated processes. Injection molding simulation benchmarking is the comparison of predicted and actual process parameters. Typically, an extensive study is carried out on a mold, machine and [...]
Use of aluminum tooling has been an ongoing discussion for years, and the resulting flow of information has been a key part of aluminum’s growth as a mold material alternative. This continuous growth has led to advances in mold alloys, material size availability, mold design, finishing practices, coatings and welding techniques. More and more success [...]
In moldmaking, manufacturers are constantly searching for ways to increase productivity by cutting production time and costs. Today, a hybrid process exists that allows additive machining and milling in the same setup to address those two challenges. […]
Mold building in China is a very challenging business. Two of the difficulties are offshore competition and molders’ growing demands for early design involvement. One solution to combat these challenges is mold filling simulation. Its use can help mold builders stay competitive, enhance efficiencies, meet customer expectations and create more business opportunities. Following are four [...]
In today’s customer-driven design and manufacturing world, tolerances are ever-increasing as more and more functionality is being pressed into a shrinking product envelope. CAD models are now being annotated with more critical tolerances, beyond basic fit and clearance requirements, such as complex surface profiles. Since virtually all product development is now done in the CAD [...]
Suppose a mold needs to produce parts immediately but it has a damaged texture. This can be an everyday occurrence within a molding facility, as lifters or pins break and hit the tool surface, causing rust to develop or unacceptable texture wear to appear. These situations call for an action plan to help get that [...]
Hot runner systems are such a common part of injection molds that hot runner suppliers must adjust component designs in order to meet increasingly stringent requirements in performance and materials, often adding to system complexity. […]
Mold shops that recognize the potential of technology and equipment, and prioritize both accuracy and productivity will increase their competitiveness in the marketplace. The key is utilizing machines that are engineered to reduce the time-consuming elements of mold manufacturing, increase mold quality, enhance accuracy and eliminate opportunities for human error. […]
Moldmakers are always juggling the various complexities in a mold build. If the mold is relatively flat, the balls (tennis) are relatively easy to juggle. As the mold becomes more complex or deeper, the weight and size of the different balls changes (add a bowling ball and a ping pong ball). At the end of [...]