March 2024 Technology Roundup Highlights
In this most recent roundup, MMT continues to present the breadth of new or proven technologies that target the moldmaking industry, from cutting tools to software to hot runner products, that have been shared this month.
Source (clockwise) | E-Z Lock, CUMSA, MoldTrax, OSG USA
MoldMaking Technology staff continue to curate a list of relevant technologies in the form of roundups for readers to get a glimpse of what’s new and what’s improved. Tech roundups are a great way to stay informed on innovations hitting the market, or even to discover your next equipment investment to take your shop to the next level.
This month’s roundup features products, processes and services involved with software, hot runners, cutting tools and more. To learn more about the products, read on.
Mold Software Gives Shops a Proactive Approach to Maintenance Tracking
Source | MoldTrax
MoldTrax presents MTLinX, the newest version of its popular documentation tracking system MoldTrax contends that MTLinX is the only mold maintenance program created specifically for efficient tracking of the performance, maintenance efficiency and repair costs of injection, rubber, blow and die-cast, stamping, cutting and forming dies. MoldTrax’s distinctive architecture enables the use of a shop’s standard terminology throughout the system instead of typical, confusing journal entries that conventional systems may use.
PVD-Coated, Uncoated Insert Grades to Reliably Drill Aluminum
The low-adhesion WNN15 grade for Walter USA indexable insert drills is now available to industry. The drills that accept these insert types include D4120, D3120 and B3212.DF through B3214.DF in insert versions P4840, P2840 and LCGX. According to the company, the WNN15 grade, offering four indexes per insert, is primarily designed for drilling wrought or cast aluminum alloys (ISO N workpiece group). Aluminum has become an important mold material when considering mold prototyping as well as energy efficiency.
Walter’s new WNN15 grade, E77 geometry. Shown left to right: P4840C, P4840P and P2840 inserts. Source | Walter USA
Compact Slides Provide Option for Difficult-to-Cool Locations in Molds
Source | CUMSA
Targeting the challenges behind removing heat during the molding process, CUMSA USA introduces a new feature to its compact slides (part number CS) with a floating insert. The enhanced mold component, the CR cooled compact slide, provides an option to include cooling systems for difficult-to-cool locations, eliminating the need for a high precision pocket.
Updated Catalog Gives Comprehensive Look at Cutting Tool Solutions
Source | OSG USA
OSG USA Inc. has released the latest edition of its Tooling Solutions Product Catalog in print and in digital versions. The 1700-page catalog edition includes more than 60 new list numbers of the company’s current cutting tool additions for automotive, aerospace, medical, and die and mold industries, to name a few.
Hot Runner Accelerates Precise Temperature Control via Enhanced Response
Source | PCS Company
PCS Company’s MCS Hot Runner Control Systems use the latest technology to accelerate temperature control precisely and effortlessly. Featuring fast control behavior and optimized intuitive operation, the system is said to bring controller functions that even untrained users can operate safely and confidently.
Threaded Inserts for Metal Ensure Secure Fit When Repairing, Replacing Worn-Out Threads
E-Z Lok, a manufacturer and distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, now offers E-Z Lok (Solid Wall) threaded inserts for metal, including both assortment and installation kits.
Source | E-Z Lock
VMC Provides Versatile Machining of Complex Parts
Source | Mazak North America
Mazak’s VC-Ez 20X vertical machining center (VMC) provides accurate, cost- effective processing of complex parts via 3+2 or full five-axis machining. It features a rotary/tilt trunnion table with roller gear cam technology. For part-size flexibility, axis travels on the VC-Ez 20X measure 31.5" in X, 20.08" in Y and 20.08" in Z (1050 mm × 510 mm × 635 mm), with a rapid traverse rate of 1,260 ipm (42,011.6 mm/m) on all three axes.
Highly Wear-Resistant Thread Milling Grade Promotes Difficult Material Cutting
Source | Walter USA
Tiger·tec Gold WSM37G from Walter USA is a wear-resistant thread milling grade with a physical vapor deposition (PVD) aluminum oxide (Al2O3) coating technology. The multiple-layer coating features a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating on the carbide substrate for a high level of wear resistance, followed by Al2O3 coating for high temperature resistance and topped with zirconium nitride (ZrN) for optimized friction reduction wear detection.
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