Aluminum molds is a hot topic with molders and moldmakers alike discussing and debating the advantages of using aluminum as a cost-effective way to become more competitive. Because the advantages are very valid ones—e.g., shorter leadtimes on the tool build due to faster machining times, […]
The following example demonstrates the power of simulation in optimizing a generic mold, A 3-D geometry of the mold was initially obtained from an after-market U.S. plastics molder in the STEP format. This was then read into a FEA pre-processor for preparation of a computer-based (or virtual) model of the mold in operation. [...]
Moldmakers have developed step-by-step guidelines for taking a customer’s idea for a product through part shaping, preliminary plastics requirements, design considerations, layouts, checklists, and working and assembly drawings. […]
Have you bought a new car recently? If you have, think about how you used the Internet to research that purchase—you likely checked out the make and model, looked at options and features, and then approached the dealer to negotiate and place an order. […]
Add to this phenomenon the evolution of manufacturing into a global ecosystem, and a perfect storm has formed that places enormous challenges on you and all North American SMMs. […]
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, […]
It’s unlikely that a moldmaker who is close in proximity to his customer or molder will take any shortcuts because when a performance issue pops up, they’ll be stuck with no-charge fixes. […]
“There’s more than one way to skin a cat” applies to more than just the exfoliation of felines; it’s also applicable to mold repairs. Although the goal is always to make an effective repair, often there is more than one way to accomplish it. As in anything that has to be managed, the best choice [...]
“Radical” is not a word one expects to hear from a plastic injection molding company. Yet, it pops up more than once in conversation with steven, CAD/CAM application engineer for first-rate mold company. […]
Some maintenance methods are really ingenious and work great when trying to simplify a job such as using a cone-shaped jig to slide o-rings onto cores and cavities or a special set of cutters used to pull insulated runners off probe tips without damaging them. Or how to use a common flow meter to detect [...]