Innovating in an Ever-Changing Manufacturing Landscape

Source (clockwise) | Ewikon, Open Mind Technologies USA, Kyocera Precision Tools and Wittmann USA.

Innovation and investing in new equipment are crucial for several reasons. Upgrading to the latest technology enhances efficiency by automating processes and reducing cycle times, which directly leads to higher productivity. Moreover, advanced machinery often improves precision and quality control, minimizing defects and waste, thereby lowering production costs and increasing profitability. Arguably the most important, however, is how equipment affects how quickly a shop can adapt to market changes and customer demands.

Below you’ll find recent technology announcements geared toward these innovation objectives, from Industry 4.0 implementation (updated software suites, digital twins, CMM programming) to cutting tools (end mills and inserts) to new website designs to more easily navigate purchases. Read on to find out more.

MMT publishes technology roundups twice a month detailing recent product announcements for moldmakers. Did you miss these headlines?

Mid-Year Look at Technologies Available for Your Mold Shop

From Design to First Shot: Technologies to Improve the Mold

Speed Increasers Promote High Spindle Speeds for Handling Thick, Large Workpieces

Source | Platinum Tooling Technologies

Platinum Tooling Technologies is now supplying this additional equipment from Henninger to North America, useful for drilling, tapping and milling mold applications, among others. The spindle speed of the machine can be increased by a selected factor (e.g., 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1) to increase cutting efficiency based on a variety of material and heat dissipation factors, thus reducing production time for moldmakers.

Online Portal Optimizes Navigation, Configuration and Ordering

Coinciding with Hasco’s redesigned website launch in 2023, the company is highlighting the Hasco Portal, a navigational feature that acts as more than an intelligent product search with a simple ordering service. Under the Portal, Hasco has made all key data available for mold design with interfaces to CAD systems. From the initial idea to final production, customers are supported by many user-friendly tools.

Source | Hasco

M-2 Steel Pins Well Suited for Abrasive Applications

Source | Progressive Components

Progressive Components announces the release of its new M-2 ejector pins, which are especially suited for high wear resistance with abrasive materials.

Engineered and manufactured to meet the demanding conditions of today’s injection molds, Progressive’s ejector pins feature tight tolerances held for sizing, roundness and straightness.

Variable Geometry End Mills Add to Moldmaker’s Cutting Options

VGM3-AL (left) and VGM-NIK (right). Source | OSG USA Inc.

OSG USA Inc. has expanded its Hy-Pro Carb VGM line — a series of variable geometry end mills for dynamic milling — with the addition of the new VGM-NIK and VGM3-AL high-performance end mills.

Generally, end mills are well suited for creating shapes and holes in a workpiece via milling, profiling, contouring, slotting, counterboring, drilling and more.

Process Monitoring, Cold Runner and Nozzles Bring Control, Industry 4.0 to the Mold

Hot runner solutions manufacturer Ewikon highlights a nozzle range for vertical multi-gating as well as solutions for process monitoring and cold runner solutions for the efficient processing of liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

The HPS III-MV multi-tip nozzle for the vertical gating of parts is now available in a new, more powerful version. The nozzle features state-of-the-art hot runner technology with optimized temperature control — a coil heater integrated into the pressure tube provides stable heating and an even temperature profile.

Smart Control mounted on a mold. Source | Ewikon

Tangentially Mounted Inserts Achieve Multifunctional Milling

Source | Kyocera Precision Tools

Kyocera Precision Tools introduces the MA90 milling series featuring four-edge tangentially mounted inserts, ensuring complete body rigidity, optimal chip evacuation, enhanced tool life and high-quality surface finishes. Milling, among other machining processes, is critical to overcoming the various dimensional and finish challenges of machining molds.

2024 Software Suite Update Optimizes Tool Paths, Machining Capabilities

Source | Open Mind Technologies

Open Mind Technologies brings customers the latest hyperMILL 2024 CAD/CAM software suite which includes a range of enhancements to its core toolpath capabilities, as well as new functionality for increased NC programming efficiency.

Custom Robot Solutions for Stack Mold Applications Enable Fast Cycle Times

Source | Wittmann USA

Wittmann USA, a manufacturer of injection molding machines, robots, auxiliary equipment and more, has developed a leading-edge custom robot solution targeting stack mold applications. By incorporating dual high-speed top-entry robots, this type of cell enables fast cycle times, low payload requirements and flexible process flow.

Universal Metrology Platform Enables Moldmakers to Scale Up 3D Measurement Data

Independent software development company InnovMetric announces the launch of PolyWorks 2024, an enterprise solution that sets up a digital thread to lower the cost of scaling up the use of 3D measurement data. The PolyWorks digital ecosystem — comprising a universal 3D metrology platform to deliver 3D measurement data to engineering and manufacturing teams in real time — accelerates the design, development and validation of products and manufacturing processes. It also controls the quality of individual pieces and assembled products, and helps resolve manufacturing issues as soon as they occur.

Source | InnovMetric Software Inc.

Gantry Machines Handle Diverse Machining Applications

Source | Soraluce Inc.

Soraluce has launched its Dynamic Line, featuring the new High Rail Gantry Machines, offering high-speed cutting capabilities, high precision rates and the ability to handle high-volume machining tasks.

The Dynamic Line comprises three machine models tailored to applications in sectors such as aerospace, mold and die and mechanical engineering, with solutions designed for specific materials like composites, light alloys and steel-based components.

CMM Programming Software Features Five-Axis Infinite Positioning

Source | Verisurf Sofware Inc.

Verisurf Software Inc. highlights how its coordinate measuring machine (CMM) programming solution with full-featured CAD enhances CMM pathing to optimize both programming and cycle times, making features like five-axis CMM infinite positioning more productive and cost-effective.

Infinite positioning is an aspect of five-axis CMM probing technology that provides increased productivity, greater flexibility in job setup and more optimized use of the CMM’s working volume.

Indexable End Mills Lineup Boosts Grooving, Shoulder Milling

Source | Big Daishowa

Big Daishowa has expanded its lineup of Fullcut Mill FCM indexable insert end mills to include larger diameters and additional lengths. The Big-Plus BBT series now offers a 63-mm diameter cutter. The 25-mm and 32-mm diameter series have extended their length to 105 mm (4").