
Plug-And-Play Mold Monitoring Provides Transparent, Efficient Processes
By: Barbara Schulz
A plug-and-play mold monitoring device, which takes intelligence into the tool without the complexity often associated with Industry 4.0, helps mold owners who continue to struggle with monitoring their molds.
Print the Whole Injection Mold in HSS to Increase Tool Life
By: Barbara Schulz
A German mold builder offers a solution for printing high-speed steels with high carbon content to produce highly dense and wear-resistant molds via selective laser melting.
Direct Rapid Soft Molds Open Up New Applications in Micro Injection Molding
By: Barbara Schulz
Nanofabrica's Direct Rapid Soft Tooling (DRST) process enables lead times of two hours from file to injected part. With up to 1000 injection-molded parts per tool, the technology unlocks potential applications in small or medium-batch manufacturing.
3D Printing and Coronavirus: U.S. Additive Manufacturers Share Their Experiences
By: Brent Donaldson
Sister brand Additive Manufacturing shares the stories of how a few 3D printing companies have managed both the setbacks and opportunities that the COVID-19 outbreak has brought to light.
#3dprinting
International Perspective: European Toolmakers Face a Rocky Road Ahead
By: Barbara Schulz
For many tool-, die- and moldmakers within the automotive supply chain time is running out, says Volker Schäfer, chairman of VDMA’s (German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association) toolmaking division.
#automotive
Combining Injection Molding and Extrusion Technology for High-Speed Injection
By: Barbara Schulz
A new nozzle design developed by an Austrian-based mold builder abandons the usual round opening for a wide slit to allow for up to 25% faster cycle times, lower shear and injection pressure.
How to Avoid Premature Mold Failure
By: Barbara Schulz
A look at the most common types of mold damage, practical examples, causes, and recommended solutions.
Moldmaking In the Heart of Europe
By: Barbara Schulz
Culture, technology investment and industry involvement make this small Slovenian mold builder globally competitive despite a skills gap and rising labor costs.
#leadership #packaging
EMO 2019: Driving Tomorrow’s Production
By: Barbara Schulz
Themed "Smart technologies driving tomorrow's production," the world's leading metalworking trade show, EMO Hannover 2019, already counts 2,107 registered exhibitors from 47 countries, organizer VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) reported during a preview event held at the Hanover showgrounds in July. About 80 international journalists and 40 exhibitors convened to hear what's new for this year's show (to be held from September 16-21, 2019), which is once again set to attract around 130,000 visitors.
#fiveaxis #regulations
Bringing Topology Optimization to Injection Molds
By: Barbara Schulz
Topology optimization and an integrated software solution help a mold builder produce an injection mold with 50-percent less mass, permitting faster machine motion for 30-percent faster cycle time.
Moulding Expo 2019—Where Friends Meet
By: Barbara Schulz
Since its inception in 2015 Moulding Expo has developed to become a meeting point for the European tool- and moldmaking community. This year’s event was no different.
Highly-Automated Tool Shop Achieves Efficient, Precise Medical Device Manufacturing
By: Barbara Schulz
When a basketball player needs a knee replacement, standard implants simply won’t do. With a total of 18 different additive manufacturing systems, the Aesculap division of medical company B. Braun is the place to go to have custom implants printed to size. However, the highly-automated tool and mold shop has much more to offer when it comes to producing injection molds, complex progressive dies as well as prototypes and fixtures for series production.
#3dprinting