Published 12/6/2016

SLIDESHOW: Technology Showcase, A to Z

From design to first shot, 2016 featured new and improved technology solutions for today's mold builders. Here is a quick look at some of the products and equipment from last month that you may have missed.

Christina Fuges

Editorial Director, MoldMaking Technology

Metal additive manufacturing service bureau Linear AMS, a Moog company, offers Rapid Quote, an online, interactive tool that enables users to upload 3D CAD models, explore design iterations and build cost models, without going back and forth with a sales representative.

Autodesk has added cloud-based product data management (Cloud PDM) to its Fusion Lifecycle product lifecycle management (PLM) solution, creating a unified, concept-to-market product innovation platform.

Frigel has expanded its line of modular Heavygel 3HL and 3HM air-cooled central chillers to give users the ability to purchase only the chilled water capacity they need now, with the flexibility to cost-effectively add capacity later.

Heidenhain Corp now offers the current version of its TNCremo software package for communication between PCs and its controls or programming stations via direct online download from the company’s website.

Plastic Service Group (PSG), a German maker of hot runners and related controls and other equipment, offers a “reflector” nozzle for cases in which the application requires a large nozzle but there is so little space available in the mold that such a nozzle’s tip would not fit through.

The Schunk Kontec KSC-F single-acting clamping vise with fixed jaw is designed to achieve high clamping forces at comparably low torque.

Fipa developed a custom gripper system for an injection molding machine dedicated to making automotive lighting reflectors.

Refrac Systems has contracted with two firms to design and build a gas-fan-quench-cooled vacuum hot press that will allow for direct diffusion bonding of large, conformally cooled plastic injection molds followed by quench hardening.

Shop Floor Automations (SFA) has re-branded its Hardware line of products as the Connect Series and is in the testing stages for its latest release, the WiFi USB Connect, a wireless USB solution for the shop floor.

The TFZ series from Samag Group combines both boring and milling technologies in one machine able to manufacture complex cubical workpieces common in moldmaking applications.

Automation. Smaller shops investing in automation while larger shops are evaluating six-axis robots versus traditional automated configurations to increase automation flexibility. Fully automated milling of hardened mold inserts is the next level of automation in moldmaking. A growing trend in machine-side systems robots for placing inserts in molds, labeling, part removal, etc. and collaborative robots that interact safely with humans.

Additive manufacturing. Increased interest and use of several additive technologies, such as laser cusing of steel, hybrid additive machines, 3-D printing of plastic parts and conformal cooling.

CAD/design. Design software that features 3-D simulation and analysis, or even virtual reality imaging, can help moldmakers fine-tune part and mold manufacturability before cutting steel. Model-based design and 3D CAD with embedded dimensional data, and CAD/CAM capable of preparing complex models with a system capable of importing data from many different sources.

CAM and programming. Because moldmaking is both design and machining, software that is proficient at both CAD and CAM is key, especially with large files. Feature recognition and speed are what moldmakers are looking for. Another big area of focus for CAM is finishing, and for moldmaking that is the largest part of the machining process.

Machining. Five-axis machining continue to be adapted at a higher level. Finding ways to productionize mold building through the use of multi-tasking machines or by using well-planned machining strategies like batching different jobs together for lights-out operations. Increased use of modular workholding systems in a shop’s small component area.

Cutting tools. Vending machines for cutting tools and other commodity items to ensure availability and accountability, more modular tooling and continued interest in hard cutting capabilities and cutters as well as high-feed milling cutters for difficult-to-machine materials. Finding the right cutting tool is still a challenge, moldmakers are seeking cutting tool manufacturers that enhance systems/software that provides tool recommendations specific to the machine and application.

Components and mold material. The use of unconventional mold movements for part ejection, an increased use of standard mold components to control mold quality and speed build times, using localized fast heating during cycles to help with flow and cosmetics and aluminum tooling.

Quality, inspection and measurement. Increased use of machine tool touch probes, measurement data from on-machine inspection, in-process inspection using model-based definition and CT scanning of molded parts. Developments in quality data management software, measurement software, and enhancements of computer tomography and white light sensor technology.

Molding. Process validation using simulation to analyze the mold before steel is cut. This is also being incorporated with in-mold cavity pressure sensors to provide feedback from the floor.

Maintenance, repair and surface treatment. Increased use of laser welding, and using spotting presses for mold inspection and verification, in addition to mold maintenance and repair

This slideshow is a quick look back at some of the products and equipment that you may have missed.