Among shops that suffer from techno-phobia, many jump into EDM work believing, “I just have to have the machine, and my guys can change these electrodes in and out.” This mindset usually results in a lot of downtime for machines. […]
Next generation controls are specifically designed for mold and die machining and feature dual processors separately dedicated to the interface and motion control functions of the machine. Among many basic advantages to owners, program memory in these controls is user upgradeable. […]
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. […]
Robotics in machine tending can cut costs dramatically by allowing skilled labor to focus on imperative production tasks. In automated machine tending the robot loads and unloads parts from the CNC machine. Using standard part holding fixtures simplifies the production setup as the robot always handles the fixture instead of the actual part. [...]
Rule 1: Mold tolerances become more critical.As parts get smaller, any miscalculations have a significantly greater impact. When requesting a micro mold, aim for 10 percent part tolerances, as opposed to the 25 to 50 percent level commonly seen in macro molds, […]
Trochoidal (tro-koid’l) toolpaths are curves connected with a circle that roll along a straight line or path. […]
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. […]
Digital Shape Sampling and Processing (DSSP) encompasses multiple advances in 3-D scanning technologies. It describes the ability to use scanning hardware and processing software to digitally capture physical objects and automatically create accurate 3-D models for design, engineering, inspection and custom manufacturing. […]
Low-volume layered manufacturing (LVLM) is a design-thru-manufacturing method that is already known by many different names in the short time it has been an option for engineers. Whether you call it rapid manufacturing (RM) or direct digital manufacturing, LVLM has the potential to re-define the way products are designed. This technique provides plastic engineers with [...]
Additive fabrication (AF) technology encompasses a wide range of applications, including design review, concept modeling, prototyping, fit and function testing, pattern making and tooling. It also is applied to the manufacture of fixtures, assembly aids and test rigs, as well as parts that end up in final products. […]