SHOWROOM

HSM 200U LP

milling machines/EDMs

Technology advancements encourage moldmakers to think about surface treatment, mold maintenance and repair issues earlier in the mold build process to obtain better mold performance and life.

Janler’s business philosophy centers on “running the operation as a business, not a shop.

ITM system

GF AgieCharmilles, a leading provider of EDM systems, milling machines and laser texturing solutions, is now collaborating with the Virginia-based Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) to help accelerate the transfer of research innovation from the laboratory to commercial use.

At the recent International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, EOS and machine tool maker GF AgieCharmilles demonstrated additive and subtractive processes working together to produce a titanium tibial tray for knee implants.

Motorola has placed an increased emphasis on adding new software tools to improve its engineering and manufacturing operations. For its moldmaking business, this has meant implementation of new procedures in Cimatron-E and implementation of a Hexagon PC-DMIS solution on the shop floor.

Evolving customer needs continue to drive industry-leading machining solutions

Advancements in EDM processes in terms of machining speed and surface finish improve overall accuracy, productivity and profitability.

A live demonstration of embracing both subtractive and additive manufacturing was one of the highlights for me at IMTS. Machine tool builder GF AgieCharmilles and EOS showcased an innovative start-to-finish manufacturing process chain that creates actual titanium tibial trays for surgical knee implants.

With a focus on aerospace and aeronautics, THRUST, GF AgieCharmilles’ new interactive magazine, will make its debut during IMTS 2012 and on Apple’s App Store.

Implementing new technologies across the entire shop floor improves overall accuracy, productivity and profitability.

Agie Charmilles will unveil its new Competence Center during a two-day grand opening and educational event from July 25-26, 2012. The center, located in Lincolnshire, Ill., supports the company’s continued focus on providing the best solutions to manufacturers who specialize in specific market segments, such as aerospace, medical and die and mold.

EDM and milling technologies.

This systems approach to micromachining includes multiple cavities in the molds for the plastic injection over molding portion of the LED manufacturing process.

A roundtable of machine tool suppliers reviews the advancements in machining technologies that push machining and tooling to their limits—and can kick every moldmaker’s capability up a notch.

See Us at MD&M Booth 3889

FORM 200 mS

Recent advancements in the technology behind low-wear capability have drastically improved the machining speeds at which low-electrode-wear application settings can be applied.

HSM 600U LP

When it comes to retaining its winning edge over the competition, the LotusRenault F1 Racing Team puts its trust in GF AgieCharmilles high performanceelectro-discharge machines to play a central role in all its triumphs.

GF AgieCharmilles, a partner of choice to the tool and moldmaking industries as well as manufacturers of precision components, invites members of the manufacturing world to its Charlotte, N.C. and Yorba Linda, Calif. offices next month to celebrate Tektoberfest.

GF AgieCharmilles, a leading supplier of high-speed milling machines, EDMs, laser ablation systems and automation solutions, recently partnered with Metalcam, a developer of CAM software solutions, on the release of a new software that easily automates the programming for the highly advanced Drill 20 EDM drilling system from GF AgieCharmilles.

With a focus on improved performance and new applications, GF AgieCharmilles Technology Days 2011 offered educational seminars and machine demonstrations to an estimated 170+ customers, technology partners, and industry press.

CUT 2000

GF AgieCharmilles has announced that it will be holding Technology Days 2011 on June 29 – 30 at its North American headquarters in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The two-day event will include educational seminars and training sessions, as well as technology demonstrations.

MSI Mold Builders: Redefining Mold Manufacturing with Incremental Approval Approach.

EDM/5-Axis Milling; Eastec Booth #1224

United Tool & Mold, Inc.: Charging Forward with Unique Mold Repair Niche.

A multiple-machine moldmaking process—combining DMLS, high-speed five-axis machining and EDM— produces conformal-cooled molds in a seamless automatic process.

LASER 5Ax

How moldmakers can improve the level of control exerted in surface texturing.

Specializing in high precision molds with interchangeable components, RMM has supplied the industry with a wide variety of tools including, single face, stack, unscrewing, multi-material, rotary cube technologies—and considers its customers’ needs a number-one priority.

GF AgieCharmilles (Lincolnshire, IL) offers the CUT 20P wire EDM featuring a variety of new evolutions, including a new dielectric unit with three vertical Grundfos pumps for increased performance.

With an average leadtime of eight weeks, Mold Craft, Inc. (Willernie, MN)—this year’s Small Shop Leadtime Leader Award Winner—builds tight-tolerance, high-volume, multi-cavity and multi-mold projects that produce small, intricate, precision plastic parts.

The emergence of today’s technologically advanced oil-based wire EDMs is an opportunity for the average U.S. mold builder to set himself apart from the competition.

GF AgieCharmilles (Lincolnshire, IL) offers its CUT 20, an innovative wire-cutting EDM that combines outstanding performance with remarkable ease-of-use.

The use of automation continues to rise as mold manufacturers respond to industry demand of constantly shrinking leadtimes. Manufacturers and suppliers have taken action with better, faster equipment and processes.

GF AgieCharmilles' (Lincolnshire, IL) FI440CCS wire EDM is flexible and fast, capable of machining materials with a wide variety of wire diameters, enabling it to yield a 38-in2/hr. production rate with a 0.012" Econotec brass wire to save up to 30 percent cutting time and reduce wire cost.

 Advances in EDM technology—including increased automation and combining machining processes to get the job done as efficiently as possible—help EDM stay afloat and keep moldmakers successful.

The industry’s demand for higher quality, faster turnaround times and lower prices in the last decade has resulted in dramatic improvements in high speed machining as well as controls and spindles

Progress in the realm of software offers moldmakers the opportunity to maximize the potential of their machining processes when it comes to maintaining extremely high surface finishes.

The Agietron Spirit 3 was designed to be the simplest and fastest CNC die sinking EDM system in the Spirit line.

The Mikron HPM 1350U is a high performance machining center that offers simultaneous five-axis machining, while also providing dynamic performance and high precision.

The Mikron HPM 1850U is a high performance, traveling table type machining center that offers simultaneous five-axis machining for workpieces up to 56.5 ft3 in volume.

Agie Charmilles is setting new standards in the field of high-speed machining with the HSM 500, a vertical machining center that provides three-axis high-speed milling in a compact design.

The latest innovation from Agie Charmilles is the Mikron VCE 800 Pro-X, a vertical machining center designed for universal applications.

As wire costs continue to increase, twin wire will be recognized as a strong tool for fine tuning wire EDM performance and reducing cost.

This moldmaker flies high with a combination of specialized processes and modern technologies required for the extremely tight tolerances and exotic material concerns in the aerospace industry.

Mikron’s (Lincolnshire, IL) HPM 1850U high performance, traveling table type machining center offers simultaneous five-axis machining for workpieces up to 56.5 ft3 in volume.

GF AgieCharmilles’ (Lincolnshire, IL) AC Vertex wire-cutting EDM is suitable for micro and nano machining, using wires of just .02 mm diameter and IPG-V’s eCut technology to achieve surface finishes down to 0.05 µm Ra in continuous operation.

For moldmakers considering making their foray into micromoldmaking, a solid understanding of the benefits of new EDM technologies is necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible.

A rule to lightweight preform necks and closures could require more than 1,000 new molds.

GF AgieCharmilles’ revolutionary AC Vertex is the most accurate wire-cutting EDM in the world.

The Agiecut Progress V 2 established a new benchmark for wire EDM cutting speed at 47 in²/hr. using standard 0.013” coated wire.

-- To complete its family of high-speed, eCut generator technology Progress wire-cut EDM systems, Agie US has introduced the Agiecut Progress V 4, which features work table dimensions and axis travels to process workpieces up to 51 in x 39.4 in x 19.7 in and 6,600 lbs.

The Agiecut Vertex 1 and Agietron Micro-Nano let you EDM on a nanometer scale!

Mikron recently released the HSM 400U ProdMed, the newest member of the Mikron ProdMed line of high-speed and high-performance machining centers that are specially suited for the medical manufacturing industry.

Charmilles’ ROBOFIL 240cc/440cc uses the CC generator to dramatically improve machining speed while preserving the surface integrity of the machined material.

With an eye on the ever-changing world of consumer goods, automotive components and household and industrial appliance design, Charmilles developed GammaTEC for its ROBOFORM 350 and 550 machines.

Mikron’s UCP 600 Vario is a high speed 5-axis system designed to handle a wide variety of machining configurations, including automated production applications.

This moldmaker plays it close to the vest with strategies and practices, but one can learn from its serious investment in the latest technologies to provide quick-turn and RP tooling in record time.

Heavily relying on lights-out manufacturing coupled with a niche market in complex mold manufacture, this moldmaker lands its fourth accolade as a Leadtime Leader—three times as a winner and this year’s Leadtime Leader: Small Shop Honorable Mention.

Learning the intricacies of die cast die building offers moldmakers an alternative to mold manufacturing and can generate more repeat business.

This moldmaker garners the 2007 Leadtime Leader Award: Small Shop by being flexible with its customers, going lean, competing globally and uniting with other moldmakers.

Design and performance capabilities of components fabricated in state-of-the-art molds enhance the appeal of new vehicles.

This school works hand-in-hand with suppliers and shops—relying on their expertise and input to stay on top of industry trends and help develop a tailor-made curriculum in precision machining and moldmaking.

Design and fabrication capabilities of advanced tool-cutting processes give toolmakers an edge in developing new business.

The ProdMed line of High-Speed and High-Performance Machining Centers from Mikron (Lincolnshire, IL) was developed for the manufacturing of medical implants (including dental and orthopedic) and medical equipment (including surgical and general instruments). These machines—which include the HSM 400U ProdMed, HSM 400U ProdMed Dental and the UCP 600 Vario ProdMed—offer the reliability, traceability and accuracy that is required for machining medical parts.

One school—with industry’s help—is a model for our future moldmakers’ education.

Moldmakers are starting to change the way they think and incorporate automation into all aspects of their operation—combining a multitude of processes in a single cell for optimal productivity.

Advanced engineering and mold building techniques give North American toolmakers entrée to emerging electronics applications.

Before you move your shop into full blown automation, integrate a pallet system and process management software.

This moldmaker’s firm belief in continuous education for its employees combined with advanced training and cutting-edge technologies increases total delivered value of its products.

Charmilles’ (Lincolnshire, IL) ROBOFORM 350 MicroTEC diesinking EDM offers innovations in precision, speed and productivity for even the smallest die and mold applications.

This moldmaker empowers its employees and wisely invests in technology to ensure its survival for the long haul.

At IMTS, Charmilles will display the ROBOFIL 640cc, the latest and largest EDM to take advantage of the CC generator.

Measuring 100.4” x 128.7” x 101.0”, Charmilles’ (Lincolnshire, IL) ROBOFIL 640cc wire EDM has been added to company’s CC line of machines.

Commodity-oriented consumer manufacturing left North America, but mold industry survivors are finding strong growth in technical market sectors.

HSM technology helps U.S. moldmaker maintain world-class productivity and business growth.

Drive and determination results in a decade of success for this small moldmaker specializing in multi-cavity precision molds.

Tool and die/precision machining industry trends are amazingly uniform worldwide. Business is tough almost everywhere, but getting better.

When technology, quality and speed step to the fore in the medical world, so does the North American mold and die industry with some innovative products and processes.

The Charmilles (Lincolnshire, IL) Robofil 240cc wire EDM features turn and burn capability that combines a servo-controlled, moving B-axis with a wire cutting in the X and Y axes to machine complex 3-D shapes; and uses the CC generator to dramatically improve machining speed while preserving the surface integrity of the machined material.

Strategies for attacking the lack of ongoing training dilemma that directly impacts our shops.

A combination of lean strategies coupled with niche moldmaking garners this shop the MoldMaking Technology 2006 Leadtime Leader Honorable Mention: Large Shop.

Improved process reliability, optimized machining performance and reliable unmanned operation are the results of smart machining implementation.

Charmilles (Lincolnshire, IL) will be displaying GammaTEC at the MoldMaking Expo.

The Robofil 240cc featuring “turn and burn” will be displayed at Westec by Charmilles (Lincolnshire, IL). The Robofil 240cc uses the CC generator to dramatically improve machining speed while preserving the surface integrity of the machined material.

It’s time to adapt or die as business evolution dictates development of new business and manufacturing approaches.

Charmilles (Lincolnshire, IL) has developed the GammaTEC for its ROBOFORM 350 and 550 die sinking machines to meet the high quality and finish demand and time requirements in the mold manufacturing portion of the design process.

Charmilles’ (Lincolnshire, IL) new SIGMA software offers users the total package for managing and producing specific data for EDM machining.

Getting up close and personal with the latest current and emerging technologies affecting the mold industry is the best way for mold manufacturers not only to see what is out there.

Mold shops need to pay attention to the potential impact wear parts and consumables can have on their overall production.

An increased interest in five-axis machining—coupled with advances in controls and cutting tools—add up to finer surface finishes at higher speeds.

Charmilles’ recently unveiled Robofil 2050TW sets a new standard for wire EDM performance.

Charmilles has announced the release of the Robofil 240SL, a machine replacing the standard Robofil 240 wire EDM.

Charmilles’ new ROBOFORM 350 MicroTEC diesinking EDM offers innovations in precision, speed and productivity for even the smallest die and mold applications.

Charmilles’ (Lincolnshire, IL) Robofil 2050TW—a twin wire machine—brings high speed, improved surface finishes and unsurpassed accuracy to the top end wire class of EDM.

EDM experts reveal that trends in increased automation combined with unattended machining result in better accuracy and surface finishes in wire and diesinking EDM applications.

Steps to help maximize the potential of your current die sink or wire EDM system.

The HSM 600U is a machining center developed for simultaneous high speed five-axis machining of large workpieces.

HyperSpark machining is said to increase ram EDM speeds by focusing on intelligent flushing rather than simply increasing the drive speed (rapid lifting movement). This EDM process is performed in three stages - asymptote detection, current increase and pulse interrupt - to optimize removal while maintaining the highest surface quality.

The Agietron Advance 2 CNC ram EDM features a small footprint to fit in a compact 8' × 10' work zone.

Mold shops should look to race shops for technologies and strategies to help reduce their mold build leadtimes.

An increase in productivity of approximately 30 percent, and up to 100 percent with pre-milled molds, is possible with new EDM technology.

In order for moldmakers to compete with overseas forces and their huge labor cost advantages, automation is no longer an option...it is a necessity.

The Secrets to Hard Milling Success

Manufacturing blow molds has kept this moldmaker in the black for more than fifty years-and has earned them an Honorable Mention in MoldMaking Technology magazine's Leadtime Leader competition.

Using the latest technology and a team effort approach yields sales aplenty-and an Honorable Mention in MoldMaking Technology magazine's Leadtime Leader competition.

To remain competitive in the mold manufacturing market every mold shop needs to answer three questions about its diesinker EDM.

A California moldmaker makes the most of state-of-the-art machine tool and design technology to deliver competitive advantages for a medical device customer.

In the last two years, there have been many exciting developments in high-speed machining relative to machining centers and controls, tooling and CAD/CAM systems.

By focusing on such aspects as maintenance, tooling and training, moldmakers can increase the productivity of their wire EDM significantly.

Today, it is popular to talk of eliminating electrodes for hard die milling.

Recent developments in automation are providing benefits for the high-performance machining (HPM) of electrodes and steel mold components.

A number of recent EDM developments offer significant solutions to obstacles facing the moldmaking industry in the millennium.