Gas permeable mold steel can be machined by conventional methods using cutoff saws, end mills, grinders, EDM, stoning, etc. It is important to remember that this material is honeycombed with thousands of microscopic holes, which are affected by metal removal. Oil coolant is recommended. […]
By using this venting material in appropriate areas, the molder can eliminate gas buildup, reduce injection pressure, lower cycle times, gloss levels and substantially reduce scrap and reject rates. […]
One such device that solves people’s problems is the ejector pin. Often considered a commodity, they are nonetheless critical to the successful function of a mold. The list of what can go wrong due to problems with them is endless. […]
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. […]
Aluminum has always been considered the leading material for prototype tooling because of cost and availability, ease of machining and dependability for several thousand shots. […]
Aluminum alloys are differentiated by the manner in which they are produced: when manufactured, they are either a non-heat treated cast material or a heat-treated wrought material. […]
When designing a production alumi-num mold, several factors need to be taken into consideration for a successful mold. […]
2024 A good, general-purpose alloy suitable for structural foam and blow molding. It is slightly more expensive than 6000 series due to a higher copper content. This alloy has acceptable corrosion performance for short-run tools. […]
The basics of making ejector sleeves when using tool steel do require specific steps in manufacturing procedures as well as heat treatment steps that assure the maximum attainable life and performance possible. Even the maximum attainable life is often far less than expected with a heat treated and precision manufactured component. […]
Global CompetitionLike it or not, we are all working, competing, buying and selling in a global market, and remarks made by industry regarding the unfair competition from countries with lower labor costs, favorable monetary exchange rates, tax benefits or other motivating factors are common. […]