Another area of the mold manufacturing process that is trending more toward automation is hot runners. D-M-E reports that 15 years ago one in 10 tools was a hot runner mold, today that number is closer to five in 10. […]
a moldmaking shop will need to address to streamline supporting operations to effect a leaner, more productive, globally competitive mold manufacturing process: […]
After conducting extensive research and by visiting a number of EDM equipment manufacturers, we decided to go with the newly designed and introduced Mitsubishi model EA12V and System 3R WorkMaster Robot in an automated cell to address its challenges. The company worked closely with MC Machinery Systems (Wood Dale, IL)—who was the first company to [...]
While the company has embraced the many advantages the automated cell provides—increased throughput, the ability to take on more work and faster timing—they acknowledge that the changes have led to some challenges. […]
Today’s EDM machines are typically very safe; however, in spite of safety features fires on sinker EDMs still happen. These fires, coupled with the ready supply of flammable liquids in EDM environments, can go from a small spark to a devastating fire in moments. The key to protecting against these fires is fast, yet reliable, [...]
Managing heat and delivering resin at a consistent temperature is the role of the nozzle. There are several features that one should consider before making a nozzle choice. It is important to maintain consistent heat due to the temperature processing window unique to today's highly engineered resins. Engineered resins have an ideal target temperature that [...]
the decision to buy new equipment is a smart business decision that coincided with customer demand. Two markets/industries have been growth sectors for us with regard to tooling: medical/healthcare and packaging/caps/closures—both of which demand the ability to produce rounds with consistent accuracy, […]
Often, in order to decrease tooling costs, a long-established design approach is specified for several mold builders to quote, and the lowest bid wins. However, a different mindset could yield much greater savings not only at the mold build and initial production launch, but also over the lifetime of the tool. […]
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, […]
Some mold builders will elect to buy the hot runner components, machine the hot half plates and install the system themselves to save money. In these cases, there are two options available. […]