IMTS 2022 in a Flash

We really do our homework before IMTS because this event is so vast in size and in its focus. To serve our readers in the best way we can, we really try to home in on the technology that mold builders are telling us that they are interested in and technology that they should be checking out to stay competitive. 

Here is a sampling of the technology mold builders have expressed grow­ing interest in and are actively investigating and what was on the show floor at IMTS 2022:

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Mold Design and Engineering: Parametric design software that offers automation and effi­ciency, reduced manual CAM programming and automatic job sequence calculation; fully integrat­ed CAD/CAM; and CAM finishing strategies for new cutting tool shapes.

Additive Manufacturing: 3D printing complex injection molds, inserts and components while speeding up mold designs and mold validations; limit­less options for cooling a mold’s difficult-to-cool areas; and software for intelligent conformal cooling channel design.

Machining: Simulation software that limits tool deflection for better mold surface finishes; CNC control­lers with fully integrated process monitoring; and machine optimiza­tion control technology.

EDM: Upgraded EDM controllers that improve efficiency and flexibility; wire EDMs with high precision, intelligent interfaces

Cutting Tools: Industry 4.0 shrinking, balancing and presetting machines, toolholders, cutting tools and 3D sensors; geometry inserts for difficult-to-machine materials; and barrel-shaped cutting tools.

Data Management: Digitizing moldmaking with OEE tracking; improved ERP systems that collect, analyze and use data; and machine monitoring.

Automation: robots and robotic cells but it’s also CAD/CAM automa­tion that is feature-, attribute- and script-based; digitalization of manual processes

Inspection and Measurement: Entry-level, compact CT scanning sys­tems for mold inspection; and probes designed for high-accuracy five-axis machining and milling.

Maintenance and Repair: Laser welder generator technology, high-efficiency fiber optics, articulating arms; as well as ultrasonic cleaning systems.

More specifically:

• Hurco’s VMX30Di 3-axis machine features a direct-drive spindle that is key to getting high-quality surface finishes and creating accurate geometry that requires as little polishing as possible, which is key in moldmaking

• DN Solutions is debuting its BVM 5700 VMC. Because of the design and sheer mass its dampening characteristics offer high-quality surface finishes that moldmaking demands

• Jingdiao’s GRA200 five-axis high-precision machine can program parts and measure them on the machine using its proprietary Surfmill CAM software.

• MC Machinery Systems has bunch of tech for mm: its Roku HC658II w/ high graphite protection for high-precision manufacturing like moldmaking; Ingersoll Eagle V550 graphite machining center w/ high-speed, high-precision 5-axis machining for small graphite electrodes and mold components; as its Mitsubishi SV12P and SG12 and Gantry Eagle 800 sinker EDMs featuring low electrode wear and fast cycle times

• Okamoto Corp. has its ACC-SA1 series and ACC-32·80CHiQ grinding machines that give moldmakers the precision, flatness and smooth surface finish they need when surface grinding a mold’s mating surfaces.

• CAM-Tool by CGS NA specializes in mold&die w/ its surface-based CAM for high-accuracy 3D machining—what mm is all about. This CAM offers various toolpath options that help mold builders eliminate spotting or polishing

• The latest release of Tebis 4.1 CAD/CAM has improved moldmaking automation and efficiency by performing tasks in design, mfg prep & NC prog in a single system.

• Cimatron v16 expands offers moldmakers a new ejector lock function, parting surface skin tangent extension and better control of conformal cooling channels.

• Iscar introduces its Neo Barrel family for efficient multiaxis milling to help reduce finish and semi-finish machining time of complex surfaces such as molds.

• Tungaloy’s TungForce-Rec shoulder milling cutters help moldmakers when machining small pockets and slots, water jacket machining and mold wall finishes.

• Marposs is demonstrating its WRP60P high-precision probes for high-accuracy five-axis machining centers and milling machines used in mold and die that are improving mold measurement  and the inspection of complex surfaces and deep cavities

• Zeiss is offering an entry-level solution for nondestructive inspection, the Zeiss Metrotom 1. It’s compact and can inspect, capture data and analyze it with the click of a button, really speeding up mold validation