Most HMC machines include the option of retrofitting pallets and larger automatic tool changer (ATC) capacity in the field, but careful examination is required to be certain that the retrofitting option can be easily and economically implemented. […]
Mold manufacturers who want to accept tool transfers may realize an advantage by joining forces with other mold manufacturers. Since our two shops (H.S. Die and Engineering and United Tool and Mold) partnered seven years ago, we have been able to successfully help molders with any tooling problems that may arise during tool transfer. [...]
An energy-efficient hydraulic fluid has been developed for use with CNC machines that features low-deposit forming tendencies, provides equipment protection and can extend oil maintenance intervals. […]
The key factor in choosing a vise for a knee mill is the vise opening, and whether or not a swivel base is needed. Workholding selection for HMCs and VMCs should be based on desired density, clamping station opening size, clamping pressure needed and shape of the part. […]
One way to improve the success of molds being transferred is to offer sampling/tryout capabilities to your customers. Once you accept a tool transfer, make sure you perform an initial tool inspection with the OEM and the new molder to go over initial condition of tool upon arrival from previous molder. […]
To address the workholding needs of a particular machining operation, one needs to consider part size, material, machine speed, feedrate and the quantity of parts to be produced. Process planning requires dividing the machining process into steps best suited to the available machines. […]
It is no secret that diversification is an essential strategy to today’s mold manufacturers—especially those with heavy involvement in the automotive industry. As a result, automotive mold manufacturers may want to consider branching out into the aerospace market—for tooling, production machining and precision-molded plastics. […]
To answer this, it is first important to understand how the faster measurements are achieved in production manufacturing operations. The major limitation of conventional, three-axis scanning is that any attempt to move rapidly the large mass of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) in a non-Cartesian trajectory results in inertial errors caused by accelerations and decelerations. [...]
The method referenced above incorporates ultrasonic cleaning technology—the key word being incorporates. Simply buying an ultrasonic cleaning tank with the mindset that they are all the same and setting it in the corner for the toolmakers to use will get us right back to where we started—solvent, rags and abrasives. […]
Equipmentaccuracy and finish demands are higher. “Customers expect to get finished parts off the machine with very little polishing (for the obvious reason of cost),Accuracy demands also have increased. Moldmakers want greater control of wall thickness and feature location than ever before. It’s no surprise, […]