AMERIMOLD 2021: MAINTAIN
In addition to a Tech Talk on “Saving Time and Reducing Costs with Five-Axis Laser Texturing,” St. Paul Engraving showcased a range of its texturing and engraving work with custom and industry-standard patterns (shown here), identifying its largest markets in medical automotive and firearms. The company uses five-axis laser marking, chemical etching and hybrid processes to simplify and automate mold texturing and engraving. Moreover, unlike conventional process, using a laser is said to eliminate waste (tape, chemicals, cleaning solvents) and offers limitless design.
Precision Laser Technology gave MMT a look at a custom-designed texture pattern produced with a five-axis laser demonstrated by two mating mold halves.
Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales made a splash at Amerimold with its assortment of fiber laser welding and laser engraving equipment, including the Leviathan IPG Fiber Laser System for large tooling. Of particular interest was the company’s new 600-watt IDI fiber laser welder demonstrated here by Alliance Project Manager Chris Demakis. This customizable system has high power versatility that follows height changes to eliminate undercuts. It also offers a smaller footprint and requires little maintenance.
CAE Services, known for its Moldflow analysis software, displayed a simulation of its MoldVac system at its Amerimold booth. True to its name, the standalone vacuum venting system eliminates gas and air entrapment, preventing plugged vent pins, cycle time issues, cosmetic defects and other molding problems. Blowback control is an additional feature which cleans vented pins after every cycle. Indicated by a red light, attendees were able to watch as ancillary air inside a mold (represented by steam condensing on the inside of a clear square part cavity) was sucked out after the mold plates closed.
Capture 3D, acquired by Zeiss Industrial Metrology, displays its intuitive ATOS 5 noncontact blue light 3D scanner for precise, high-speed scans for applications ranging from tools/molds to plastic and metal parts. Available as a stationary, semi-automated or fully automated solution, ATOS 5 captures high-resolution 3D data in as fast as 0.2 seconds per scan. The system uses a bright blue LED light source, exhibitors note, to filter out interference from ambient light in the environment, making the collection of clear 3D measurement data possible in industrial settings.
Products, equipment and services for surface treatment, mold maintenance and repair were some of the more popular items on the show floor—including fiber laser welding and laser engraving equipment, a fully programmable CNC welder, laser texturing technology touting five-axis mobility and a digital interface improves the versatility for pattern designs, accuracy and repeatability. There was even a standalone vacuum venting system demonstrating how it eliminates gas and air entrapment.
These technologies and more are featured in this article’s slideshow above. For more on the materials and mold design end, take a look at our previous highlights focused on some mold materials and software exhibitors. Similarly, an upcoming article makes up the bulk of the “Build” section on MMT’s website, covering EDM, cutting tools, AM and hot runners, to name a few. Further, MMT highlights some of the mold builders that attended Amerimold here.
PTXPO 2022
In lieu of a stand-alone Amerimold event in 2022, Amerimold will be throwing its weight behind the Moldmaking Pavilion at the inaugural Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO), taking place on March 29th-31st in Rosemont, Illinois. This event, designed to bring the entire plastics supply chain under one roof, will feature a unique pavilion dedicated to connecting mold buyers and relevant technology providers.
Product, equipment and service suppliers exhibit at Amerimold to identify the true needs of the mold manufacturing marketplace and then develop solutions to meet those specific requirements. They also show up to foster lifelong relationships developed at this event over the years. The MoldMaking Pavilion at PTPXO is poised to do the same.
It should be noted that PTXPO will be occurring on NPE’s off years, to ensure those in the plastics industry have consistent opportunities to reconnect and network; a standalone Amerimold will return the years of NPE (beginning 2023).
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