When it comes to injection molds, the importance of an efficient cooling system cannot be overemphasized. A reduction of just one or two seconds in cooling time can lead to as much as a 10- to 20-percent increase in the production rate. That alone could directly affect the profitability of the job. However, saving time [...]
The moldmaking industry is often at the cutting edge of metalworking technology. Innovations in machine tool design, cutting tools and CNC programming are typically championed by moldmakers in their quest for increasingly precise tools. Highly accurate measurement tools are also becoming necessary for mold design and manufacturing, though the industry has been slower to adopt [...]
With manufacturers putting increased pressure on their suppliers for cost savings and efficiencies, mold manufacturers are being challenged to produce consistent, accurate product cost quotes. These challenges include the need for: […]
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 [...]
Polishing is essentially the removal of metal by the action of free abrasive grains carried to the work piece by a tool. The difference between these methods is only the degree of removal. […]
Polishing may achieve special optical properties in a product. When enlight beams pass through the product wall( compact discs, mirrors, etc.), any major unevenness or waviness will distort the light and result in poor performance of the product.
Polishing may enhance the appearance of the product. This is the most common requirement in plastic molding. It should be noted, however, […]
Polishing may facilitate ejection. This applies generally to the finish of the core, including side cores, in cases where the product has projections produced by deep recesses in the cavity or where there is little draft angle specified, the cavity must also be free of any roughness that prevent easy ejection.
Polishing may prevent stress risers in a product. Any sharp indent or corner in hardened mold steel, usually created during grinding, will increase the risk of breakage caused by stress concentration. Such corners must be polished to remove the shape “ gouges”.