As with any significant investment, the first step in the purchase and implementation of a five-axis machine should be a thorough evaluation of its potential impact on current needs. A manufacturer producing simple parts with lax surface finish specifications will have significantly different requirements than one working with complex geometries and high surface finish requirements. [...]
Begin machine evaluations with the thought that not all machine specifications are the same. Some manufacturers use JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), others ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and some German VDI guidelines. […]
A clear definition is needed to uniquely identify the best in class shops in a highly competitive market. Because the market spans over a very broad range of industries, it’s rather important not to limit the definition to one in particular, but instead expand the definition to three unique precision types. […]
Moldmakers use balanced toolholders to get the most out of their high-speed machining centers, but how do you guarantee your toolholders are properly balanced? […]
Today’s vises range in configuration from relatively simple single-station models to very elaborate multiple-station designs. Most vises consist of a mounting base or body that is secured to the machine table, a stationary jaw against which part material to be machined is located, a movable jaw and screw mechanism. […]
Gun drilling is an integral part of the moldmaking process. When deep holes—such as water lines—need to be drilled, the gun drill is the tool for the job. […]
Re-Working Overseas MoldsPerhaps one of the more interesting markets we’ve seen in moldmaking in recent years is applying North American quality to overseas molds. In other words, shops are finding that making poorly made molds work properly, even having to re-machine features or whole molds, is an area of growth potential. […]
The key factor in choosing a vise for a knee mill is the vise opening, and whether or not a swivel base is needed. Workholding selection for HMCs and VMCs should be based on desired density, clamping station opening size, clamping pressure needed and shape of the part. […]
First-rate Mold Solution Co., Ltd generates an average of 200 new CNC programs every month. The company’s CNC programming productivity was limited in the past by the need to separately apply toolpaths to each of the part’s surfaces and other limitations of its previous programming software. […]
Are you maximizing your control’s technology features? It’s easy to get complacent and rest on your laurels when it comes to process efficiency. You’ve invested time and money in getting the right people and the right CAD/CAM system, and they both work well. But could everything work better? […]