2019 Technology Review: Mold Maintenance, Repair & Surface Treatment

Bonal Technologies’ model 2401 equipment is designed as a substitute for heat treatment in stress-relief applications. It features a touchscreen display, two onboard computers and graphic certification. The equipment applies the Meta-Lax vibration stress-relief process for effectiveness and consistency.

Radial Discs Ideal for High-Luster Polishing

Boride Engineered Abrasives announces the addition of Dedeco Sunburst Radial Discs to its line of mold and die polishing supplies. This product is ideal for finishing, smoothing and high-luster polishing on nearly any material. The specially treated ceramic abrasive grain embedded throughout their thin flexible bristles enables them to work faster and longer than rubber wheels, brushes, buffs and conventional sanders.

Dry Ice Blasting Reduces Downtime, Improves Part Quality

Cold Jet’s i3 MicroClean dry ice blasting technology is a non-abrasive, non-conductive cleaning method that does not use chemicals or solvents. Using compressed air, the technology accelerates dry ice pellets through high-velocity nozzles onto surfaces. The pellets sublimate upon contact and expand 800 times to flush away contaminants. The technology enables items to be cleaned in place without disassembly and is used to remove production residues, release agents, contaminants, paints, oils and biofilms. According to the company, the dry ice blasting technology reduces downtime, improves cleaning and part quality, lowers scrap rates, improves tool utilization and increases asset life. The technology makes use of recycled carbon dioxide and eliminates the need for chemicals and water in the cleaning process.

Welder System Produces Precision Mold and Die Repair

Gesswein & Company’s PUK U5 welder offers precision mold and die repairs. Utilizing micro TIG technology, the welder produces small, consistent spot welds that penetrate the mold surface, and it does not require pre-welding heat treatment. Operators can repair parting lines, mold seams and three-point corners and edges, as well as fill in pits and deep scratches on the mold surface. Welding into slots, corners and ribs is possible using different electrodes, and slides, ejectors and core pins can also be repaired. It can be used on all common tool steels, stainless steels, aluminum and copper. All heat is concentrated at the weld spot, eliminating distortion and metal stress caused by overheating, enabling the mold to withstand pressures during the molding process. The system comes complete with microscope, LED light, electrode handpiece, set of 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm electrodes, electrode sharpener, ground cables, argon gas regulator, tack resistance welder and foot pedal, and it comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Washer Combines Spray and Ultrasonic Actions for Flexibility

Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics, a division of Cleaning Technologies Group LLC, introduces an innovation in an aqueous-parts cleaning system that combines spray and ultrasonic functions. The new patent-pending Rotosonic cleans heavily soiled parts in a single machine, which could prevent users from having to purchase a spray cabinet and an ultrasonic machine separately. Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics says that the washer gives the ultimate in flexibility, offering the use of a single process or both, depending on the needs of the user. The machine has a compact design and eliminates the need for manpower and the safety risks associated with moving parts from washer to washer.