Relevant Technologies Serving the Moldmaking Industry

Source (clockwise) | DMS, Lyndex-Nikken, SprutCAM and Hasco.

MMT 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. Now more than ever, as companies serving the moldmaking and plastic industry begin to gear up for NPE 2024, new technologies are being released and highlighted to positively impact manufacturing — reducing lead times, enhancing quality and precision, keeping projects on track, ensuring consistent digitalization and automation and more.

This is only a small portion of what is coming out in the following months, so keep an eye out for additional product roundups, as well as separately posted NPE 2024 company previews!

To get an even bigger picture of tech on the market, check the “New Tech” section of the MMT website, where new posts are published daily. For more information on an item featured below, click the title link attached to each respective product or visit that company’s website.

Source | DMS

3D-Printed Hot Runner Nozzles Yield Consistent Temperature Profile

Selective laser melting (SLM) metal 3D printing, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), produce DMS Monolith hot runner nozzles, tailored precisely to part and process specifications.

Source | Hasco

Guide Element Program is Expanded

To avoid damage to tool inserts and cores when closing an injection mold, Hasco introduces around 2,350 additional guide elements with a snug fit, from the Z00C to the Z11C series.

Milling Cutters for Ceramic Inserts Offer Extreme Toughness

Source | Walter USA

Walter USA’s M2472 and M2473 milling cutters with ceramic button indexable inserts provide optimal reliability and toughness for increased productivity, the company reports. The M2472 cutter body accepts positive ceramic inserts, and the M2473 cutter body accepts double-sided ceramic inserts with eight or more cutting edges per indexable insert.

Mold Tracking Software Aids in On-Time Tooling Payment for Moldmakers

CaptureMore LLC, the creators of the CaptureAssets tool tracking app, has released a new feature on its platform to help mold builders get paid on time for tooling.

With this new feature, suppliers can now track payment term schedules for their tools and easily notify their customers when tooling payment requirements have been achieved and are “clear to pay.”

Source | CaptureMore LLC

Integrated RFID Achieves Hot Half Hot Runner System Digitalization

Source | Hasco

Hasco hot runner is now bringing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to hot runner systems. With the launch of the Mould Tag A5910, an in-house-adapted variant of the company’s original Mould Tag, all newly ordered hot halves and wired systems will now come integrated with this RFID technology feature, enabling an updated and clear display of all relevant data for the hot runner system directly on a smartphone.

Collet Chuck Design Optimizes Machine Tool Performance

Source | Lyndex-Nikken

To solve manufacturers’ challenges of having poor surface finish on workpieces, or having to frequently change collet chucks, which increases downtime, Lyndex-Nikken has designed its SK collet chucks with accuracy and precision in mind. The design of the SK collet chuck provides increased rigidity and gripping force as well as the ability to reach tight spaces via its narrow body design, making it ideal for machining complex parts, such as molds and dies.

Features Updates Add to Offline Robotics Programming Software

CAD/CAM/OLP software company SprutCAM Tech announces the release of version 17.0.11 for SprutCAM X and SprutCAM X Robot, software that provides offline features for programming various CNC machines used for cutting, wire electrical discharge, as well as two-, three- and and multi-axial machining. Use of industrial robots can enable more efficient production of products and parts with complex surfaces, such as molds.

Source | SprutCAM

Automation-Ready Nondestructive Inspection CT Systems

Source | Nikon Metrology

Nikon Metrology has launched three new models in its VOXLS range of X- ray computed tomography (CT) systems for nondestructive inspection. The 30 Series is designed for users looking for an automation-ready system with the versatility to meet a wide range of industrial applications.

Environmentally Compatible Sprays for Injection Molds

Source | Hasco

Hasco has introduced a new range of chemical working substances that offer high environmental compatibility. Hasco’s Z2610/ heavy-duty lubricant spray has many uses in injection molding for the lubrication of ejectors, pillars, slide bars, and all moving and sliding mold elements. NSF H1 certification and FDA purity requirement compliance, according to regulation 21 CFR 178.3570, enable it to have direct contact with foodstuffs.