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. [...]
Ten years ago, it would not have been uncommon for the leadtime to manufacture a mold to be in the 12 to 16 week range—three to four months. However, over the past decade significant technological advancements in both machine tools technologies and manufacturing techniques have drastically reduced production times. […]
While automation and accuracy technologies have made and are continuing to make significant progress, some of today’s most impressive innovations are taking place in the realm of spark generation and control. […]
In general, the material characteristics of the electrode play a much larger role in achieving a fine surface finish than one might think. When we think of fine finishes, we may envision something similar to a glossy finish that reflects light very easily. […]
The Universal Electrode Guide —a manufacturer of precision multi-cavity, multi-technology injection molds for Fortune 500 customers in the medical, pharmaceutical and packaging markets—eliminates maintaining an inventory of dozens of different sized electrode guides, or having to wait for a special-sized guide to be made and delivered. “It also eliminates having to inspect each size guide [...]
1) Will both the detection and agent delivery work as designed regardless of the position of the ram? Units that mount on one side of the ram may not detect a fire starting on the other side of the ram or may not deliver agent effectively to properly suppress the growing fire. […]
Selecting the proper electrode material to produce a fine surface finish is vital to the success of the application. It is important to understand which material provides the potential for achieving an acceptable finish without the need for excessive handwork or polishing. By realizing the role that the microstructure of the material plays in producing [...]
According to First-rate mold company CEO Steven, the company “combines the traditional strengths of full-service metalworking and conservative business management with continuous improvement in processes, cutting-edge technologies and established relations with china manufacturing partners.” […]
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. [...]