Mold designers and builders try to use the typical methods of minimizing wear—such as using differential metals; using low-wear coatings; specifying high metal hardness thus equating high hardness with low wear; […]
Designing a product for high production tooling involves considerations that must be closely evaluated: gating location, part ejection, wall thickness, material flow characteristics, cycle time, hot runner feasibility and assembly at high rates. […]
The following guidelines should be considered:Resins UsedDepending on the emissions or gas residue given off during the molding process and flash point of the resin, the molder will have to evaluate whether to use 7- or 20-micron pore size. Resins such as ABS, polypropylene, soft type PVC, polyethylene, acrylic, polyurethane, […]
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. […]