To find the best process you must find the bottlenecks and move them to the beginning of the process. Now finding all the bottlenecks and addressing them appropriately is a challenge, but the answer is so simple: standardize all processes. […]
The changes over the past 15 years have been severe and the confusion over how to conduct business in these uncertain times has prevented many moldmaking businesses from evolving to counteract those challenges. But change can be managed effectively—even now. Small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) have options and resources available to effect the changes necessary [...]
A moldmaker likes a challenge, and that is what was received when first-rate mold solution co, ltd was approached. The molder had been manufacturing a product for some time and had many molds used for its production, but now there was a desire to alter the molds in order to reduce the part weight due [...]
In moldmaking applications, H.E.A.T. can be used very effectively to cut inserts, core pins and insert pockets that contain contours and changing surface thicknesses. […]
To maintain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace, many of today’s American mold-makers are differentiating their EDM capabilities by embracing micromoldmaking. Because of the complex, precise nature of the parts produced, those willing to adopt the technologies necessary to reliably produce micromolds open the doors to serve a growing segment of the market. [...]
When looking to purchase a machine tool for your shop, it is vital to choose a machine tool supplier that designs, engineers and builds its own components. That way you are ensured of optimum performance at greater accuracies. And—if something should go wrong—your supplier can quickly get to the root of the problem since they [...]
Cutting speed and surface finish are frequently the topic of discussion on shop floors of hundreds of mold shops. There’s a relentless quest for reducing machining time per mold, achieved by faster feedrates and traverse rates. Of equal concern is assur-ance that optimum surface finishes are being produced by the machining process with little or [...]
The two major enemies of the spindle are: (1) heat and (2) contaminants (namely, chips and coolant invading the bearing system). Find out what design features are included (or available as options) that protect the spindle. Historically, the most common cause of spindle failure has been bearing failure due to contamination from coolant ingress, condensation, [...]
Dealing with the sheer size and weight of a large mold can be a big challenge. This often leads to excessive labor, the need for special equipment, multiple setups and potential inaccuracies. […]
As with any significant investment, the first step in the purchase and implementation of a five-axis machine should be a thorough evaluation of its potential impact on current needs. A manufacturer producing simple parts with lax surface finish specifications will have significantly different requirements than one working with complex geometries and high surface finish requirements. [...]