The same general practices of machine tool maintenance, fixturing and rigidity of tool setup recommended for turning apply equally well for milling. Short tool extensions and properly adjusted machine tools are essential to good performance. […]
There are many degrees of electrode fabrication,and a moldmaker’s first step is to decide what level of participation he or she wants to have. He poses the following questions: […]
There are many benefits to moving your manufacturing to Asia, but before making a decision that could significantly affect your company’s bottom line, consider some of the factors that need close monitoring in order to avoid potential problems: the difference in communication and culture; the shipment of finished molds and parts as well as actual [...]
A clear advantage a U.S. mold builder has is the ability to ‘service what you sell’. Consider the differences between a U.S. mold builder who produces 50 tools per year to an overseas manufacturer who produces 500 tools per year. Each is vying for a role with a tooling engineer for a 10-mold program. The [...]
Contrary to some perceptions, U.S. mold builders still have a lot going for them. Granted, the going has gotten tougher over the past 10 years, but it’s not as though a shop owner is stuck owning a buggy whip store in an automotive era. There are many areas in which to compete and serve mold [...]
Leasing new or used equipment for up to $75,000 usually involves completing a one-page application. In most cases, a decision on the lease is made within 24 hours, but some decisions are made in as little as eight hours. Documents are sent to the buyer (lessee), signed, and then returned to the funding source (lessor). [...]
The nature of HSM generates less heat when compared to conventional machining, but the temperatures in the cut also are more constant. Therefore, more advanced physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings are needed to sustain the cutting edge while it is engaged in the material. […]
The concept of hard milling and/or HSM is still a relatively new concept. The technology needed to facilitate these new methods has only been designed in the last six to seven years. In examining the market, […]
The best designs and coatings in the world are of little value if they are not applied to the appropriate substrates. Using an end mill with a subpar substrate is like using a front door made from cardboard on a new house. […]
This component includes both the toolholders and the cutting tools where certain standards must be taken into account in order to be successful in HSM applications. The specified standards pertain to balance, concentricity and spindle connections. […]