Published 10/25/2016

SLIDESHOW: Technology Showcase, Mold Maintenance and Repair

This year marks the third edition of our Mold Maintenance and Repair supplement, so I've now named October Mold Maintenance and Repair month. Before the month gets away from us, I want to make sure you were able to read about some of the products and equipment specific to that segment of the moldmaking process.

Christina Fuges

Editorial Director, MoldMaking Technology

O.R. Lasertechnologie GmbH has developed an automated powder nozzle for existing laser welding systems that enables use of direct metal deposition (DMD) instead of manual laser cladding for modifying and repairing injection molds and dies.

Bales Metal Surface Solutions’ Diamond EN electroless nickel coating incorporates diamond particles into the electroless nickel for increased durability, protecting tooling from wear.

Boride Engineered Abrasives’ MetalRustGuard was developed to prevent rust and corrosion on any type of metal. It comes in the form of a protective wrap that is self-adhesive, easy to apply, re-usable and requires minimal cleanup after removal.

Die-Sep Mini mold separators are available in a number of configurations for small molds ranging from 6" × 6" × 6" to 24" × 24" × 30" and weighing as much as 3,000 lbs.

DME’s MoldXChecker is designed test the hot half of a mold faster and more reliably than the traditional method of multimeter testing, which requires touching each terminal.

The Puk Power U4 precision welder from Gesswein was specifically developed for mold and die repairs.

Grieve’s No. 1042 is a 2,000°F (1,093°C) gas-fired, heavy-duty furnace currently used for heat treating.

LaserStar offers a variety of laser welding systems designed for a range of metal-joining, complex-assembly, automation and repair applications for both small workshops and large industrial manufacturers.

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Millutensil has released a “Limited Edition” external design for all spotting press models, featuring a clean composition, next-generation touch-panel and ethereal LED lighting.

The OMG4430, Omegasonics’ largest standard ultrasonic cleaning unit, is well-suited for cleaning and maintaining larger castings to ensure uninterrupted production.

Available from PCS Co. are The Defender, a semi-dry, all-purpose rust preventative, and Mold Guard Green, a dry rust preventative, both of which are tinted green for visibility when applied to a mold.

The Orion LZR Combo 200 laser welder from Sunstone was developed specifically for rapid and economical repair of molds and dies as large as 40" × 40" directly in a shop.

We’ve heard it said that the function of a toolroom isn’t to build molds, it’s to keep a substantial number of active molds capable and available to run. And, it's all about maintenance and repair. So, as this year marks the third edition of our Mold Maintenance and Repair supplement, I've now named October Mold Maintenance and Repair Month.

Before the month gets away from us and to ensure you have been able to read about some of the products and equipment specific to that segment of the moldmaking process, I created this slideshow. Remember, a well-run preventive maintenance program can actually help you make money and these products can help you do just that.