Milacron, Nexus Collaborate for MD&M West

Milacron Injection Molding & Extrusion exhibited an all-electric Roboshot machine at MD&M West.

Milacron Injection Molding & Extrusion, a leading industrial technology company serving the plastics processing industry, exhibited an all-electric Roboshot machine at MD&M West, February 11-13, in Booth #4294.

Continuing the 1999 MD&M West introduction of Roboshot LSR molding and growing LSR presence, Milacron will exhibit the latest generation of all-electric Alpha 110iA Roboshot LSR molding cell. Milacron is pleased to be able to show this combination of a large platen using a small 14 mm, 9 cc LSR injection unit integrated with an X20 Servomix dosing pump, a cold runner system utilizing Flowset cavity balancing with a 2-cavity mold, and a Nexmover robotic demolding system by Nexus Elastomer Systems GmbH. The 3.0 cc shot size will demonstrate the capability of tackling near micro-molding LSR applications.

Drawing on 60-years of continuous development, the centerpiece of the Roboshot Alpha Series is its industry-leading reliable control. User-friendly, highly flexible sequencing and featuring all the standard interfaces, it delivers fast processing times and consistent parts quality. This ensures ultimate accuracy and exceptional reliability across all processes as well as highly precise motion, position and pressure control.

Milacron is delighted to show the Roboshot superior accuracy and technology in association with the Nexus’s dosing systems. Milacron will continue to leverage our shared presence in Cincinnati through their newly established subsidiary, Nexus Elastomer Systems Ltd. Following the MD&M show, Milacron will offer turnkey solutions including machines, molds, automation, dispensing units, as well as systems for thermoplastic technology.

Milacron is also anticipating another successful demonstration with a Nexus product on the MD&M West floor, following a successful trial of a Roboshot 140 LSR Cell at NPE 2018 and continue to push the boundaries of possibilities in plastics with breakthrough products.

Hasco Uses Parametric Data for Faster Injection Mold Design

Hasco supplies a range of attractive tools for optimizing the design of injection molds and the internationally operating standard-component specialist is increasingly supporting the design process through the provision of native data. These native databases, for Siemens NX, Catia and Cimatron in the first instance, are designed for those using the respective CAD software and are available directly in the system. The parametric structure of all the standard components is maintained by Hasco and competent CAD partners to ensure it is always up to date.

The key advantage of native data compared with STEP files, or other exchange formats, is that it can be easily modified, which also makes it much easier to handle the data of the required components in parts lists. Hasco was prompted to offer this data through the close cooperation it has enjoyed with the Radtke design office in Espelkamp/Germany. Over the past few years, this latter company has been working intensively on the use of native data and has shown how users can benefit from the options and advantages it opens up.

Horst Radtke, founder and owner of the Radtke design office in Espelkamp, had already decided, towards the end of his toolmaker training, that he would like to become a tool designer and set up his own business at some stage. In 1988, he started work in the design department of a well-known automotive supplier company in the area.

After founding his own business on the side in 1993, he finally switched to full self-employment in 1997. And, for Horst Radtke, this was also the time he made the move into 3D-CAD design. Today, the company employs four designers and one technical drawer for the design of injection molds. Since 2016, the company has been consistently pursuing the rejuvenation process required for the future. With the entry of the founder’s son, Florian Radtke, into the company four years ago, the future of the company has been secured.

A further key focus of the work carried out at the design office is on complex plug molds, especially for the automotive industry and white goods. Nested molds with up to 64 cavities are designed here. They are capable of processing TPE and LSR silicones, as well as PA66GF30, PC, PBT and other engineering plastics. In addition, Radtke and his team also design molds for medical technology and other sectors, including the consumer goods and packaging industries.

To be able to design molds of this type in as effective and time-saving manner as possible, the desire arose for the provision of native, parameterized data rather than the STEP data supplied by the standard-component manufacturers.

“When I download design data from the standard-component manufacturers from the internet, I have so far generally been working with STEP data,” Horst Radtke explains. But STEP data is dead data, compared with a screenshot.

Against this background, the Radtke design office began, a few years ago, to develop its own database of parametrized data for standard components. In the initial stage, Hasco provided Excel lists with the necessary parameters. “We have enjoyed a close working relationship with Hasco based on trust right from the start”, says Horst Radtke.

The actual design is, naturally, only one part of the entire process. Parts lists and order lists also have to be generated. This metadata runs in the background and is also now automatically updated – something that is not possible when using STEP data.

As a rule, this data is loaded directly into the customer’s CAD system via an exchange format. During the transfer, however, parameters and information for individual products can get lost.

The creation of a parametric component database was only the first step, because the parametric data can naturally be used intelligently in a large number of other ways.

Radtke has also designed a large number of component assemblies and saved them in parametric form, including a “starting assembly” with a variable configuration of ejector systems, plate numbers and tandem and stack technologies. Everything is parametric, with the corresponding metadata for compiling the parts list, which is updated in the background. Only the material grades and hardnesses have to be entered manually. All the other data is provided by the CAD system and read out into customer-specific templates and exported. Therefore, compilation of the mold base and the associated parts list requires considerably less effort.

Assemblies and mold bases are saved in the so-called reuse library. In the case of NX, this function is called “reusable components” and is included in the standard scope of delivery. This is what Radtke has filled with content. One key aim of the whole process is that parts lists should require as little manual editing as possible.

Today, the design of each new mold starts with a ready-prepared standard assembly.

On the basis of the experience acquired, Hasco, working in close cooperation with the Radtke design office, ultimately came up with the idea of meeting all its customers’ wishes by supporting them with native data. Andreas Kaersch, Technical Sales Engineer in the Hasco Team West recommends a close and intensive dialogue between designers, standard-component suppliers and moldmakers.

The main aim of the joint project was to offer a solution which would facilitate the work of as many users as possible, some of whom had already started to build up databases of their own. All customers wanting support now receive an extensive package that considerably facilitates and speeds up their work.

At the first stage, Hasco developed native data libraries individually tailored to the relatively widespread CAD systems of Siemens NX, Catia and Cimatron. The first packages are already available to customers. And the range is being continuously expanded.

Countless items of data can be allocated to a product. This can be information on the entire product group or product-specific data. In this latter case, the dimensions or order designations only correspond to one variant of the article. The attributes or characteristics relating to all the variants of a product group are inherited from the reference product and transferred to the required size. The material properties, supplier and designation are assigned as information to all the variants of a product group.

Users are able to deploy all this information directly. The attributes can be automatically transferred to parts lists and do not have to be entered manually. There is no need for the attributes to be written into the CAD system in a time-consuming process, and the ordering process is made much simpler. The direct link between all the information, for the product family and the article, allows individual standard parts to be exchanged very quickly. If a longer guide column is required, for example, all that is required is a click on the article, and the new size can then be selected, with this change having a direct impact on all the product groups.

Additive Manufacturing Conference Call for Speakers Open

The Additive Manufacturing Conference announced that the call for presentations for the 2020 conference is open.

The Additive Manufacturing Conference announced that the call for presentations for the 2020 conference is open. The event will take place September 15-16, 2020 at McCormick Place in Chicago alongside IMTS, North America’s largest manufacturing trade show.

“Our annual call for speakers has turned into a particularly rewarding part of developing our conference,” says Peter Zelinski, Editor-in-Chief of Additive Manufacturing. “Every year, through this call, we end up hearing from people advancing AM – people we weren’t aware of before they contacted us who are excited to share their work.”

This year, the call for speakers will serve a more focused purpose than it has in the past. Conference organizers are looking to the call to elicit presentations specifically from end users of additive manufacturing technology — that is, companies succeeding in a significant way at making production parts or tooling additively, or researchers unaffiliated with a technology supplier who are making important strides in learning what AM can do and how to advance its capabilities.

Additive Manufacturing Conference attendees represent companies of all shapes, sizes and specialties, ranging from multinational OEMs to independent contract machine shops, and covering a wide range of end markets and job titles. Their one common interest is in evolving their application of industrial additive manufacturing technologies.

Speakers receive a complimentary pass to the conference, access to the IMTS exhibit hall, download of the proceedings after the event and an invitation to all networking activities, including the grand reception.

The deadline for papers is April 30, 2020. Abstracts can be submitted online.

Gardner Business Media Launches First Edition of FITMA 2021

Gardner Business Media launches the first edition of FITMA 2021, the International Technology and Manufacturing Show (FITMA), aimed at the Latin American market, will have its first edition at the Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City March 9-11, 2021.

FITMA will be the most important biennial technology and manufacturing exhibition for the Latin American region, bringing together leading manufacturers, international OEMs and suppliers of machinery, equipment and services in the metalworking sector. The world-class exhibition will also present a unique international conference program. FITMA has the support of more than 90 years of international experience in marketing, research, editorial content and event production in the manufacturing sector. FITMA is presented by Modern Machine Shop México and its founding company Gardner Business Media.

For many years, the global manufacturing sector has needed an international event in Latin America. The lack of a world-class exhibition for the Latin American region, in the style of IMTS in the United States, EMO in Germany and Italy, JIMTOF in Japan, IMTEX in India, CIMT in China, SIMTOS in South Korea or TIMTOS in Taiwan, represented the ideal opportunity to bring a great international event for Latin America, bringing all Latin American countries under one roof. While there are some regional events, the mission of FITMA is to develop a specialized exhibition for the metalworking sector of an international nature that connects the global manufacturing supply chain with the rapid growth of the Latin American industrial market.

With an expanding population of nearly 640 million, a growing middle class and a driving technical workforce, Latin America is a growing region and will be demanding technology and services more and more. Supported by continued foreign investment in the region—about $147 billion in 2018 and $4 billion of total machine tool consumption by Latin America's top 5 countries—the economic outlook is very positive. FITMA represents a unique opportunity for OEMs and state-of-the-art machinery, equipment, technology and service suppliers to finally find an unprecedented context to meet, network and train.

“Mexico and the region needed an exhibition of machine tools and manufacturing that met the expectations of the country and the whole of Latin America. In the last 20 years, various events have been held in the sector, but they have been characterized by focusing on very specific regions. The industry needed an event dedicated to the metalworking and manufacturing sector that reflected the importance, size and real needs of Mexico and Latin America. That’s why Gardner Business Media and its flagship magazine, Modern Machine Shop Mexico, focused on this project to conduct an exhibition of machine tools and manufacturing technology in the style of the world's most recognized shows, such as IMTS and EMO Hanover,” says Eduardo Tovar, Editorial Director of Modern Machine Shop Mexico.

Mexico has established itself in Latin America as the production leader in various industries, such as automotive. Mexico is the seventh global producer of light vehicles, the fifth world producer of heavy vehicles, the first producer of vehicles in Latin America, the fourth global light vehicle exporter and the second global heavy vehicle exporter. Additionally, 25 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers have manufacturing plants in Mexico.

The Mexican aerospace industry is also very prominent. In 2018, Mexican exports from the aerospace industry reached a value of close to $8.5 billion, 12% more than in 2017 and representing a 20% surplus on the trade balance. Similarly, at the end of 2018, around 60,000 jobs were recorded. In this regard, the Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation’s forecast for 2020 is that Mexico will rank among the top 10 countries in the industry internationally, with exports of more than $12 billion, more than 110,000 jobs and 22% surplus on trade balance.

When it comes to the manufacture of electronic products, Mexico has a track record of more than 30 years as an exporter. Mexico’s production in the electronic sector for 2019 reached $80.6 billion, whose main export destinations were the United States, Canada, Colombia, France and the Netherlands. In addition, Mexico is the main exporter of household appliances in Latin America. Production of $9.6 billion and an average growth of 5.5% was achieved in 2018.

The production of medical devices in Mexico is more than $15.2 billion and generates more than 130,000 jobs. Currently, Mexico is the eighth medical device exporter worldwide, the top exporter in Latin America and the main supplier in the United States.

“The global launch of FITMA already has the interest of international brands to participate as exhibitors. These brands include global manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of machine tools, manufacturing machines, cutting tools, workholding systems, components for machine tools, additive manufacturing equipment, CNCs, CAD/CAM and manufacturing software, finishing equipment and coatings, and robots and automation equipment,” says Claude Mas, International Group Publisher of Gardner Business Media.
“We will be inviting buyers, influencers and decision-makers from the global manufacturing supply chain, from owners, machine shop owners, CEOs, area managers, process engineers, production, manufacturing and design, purchasing managers, plant managers, machinists and quality control managers, among many others,” adds Mas.

He goes on: “Gardner has been able to establish the necessary ties and connections with state-of-the-art technology companies for many years, and it is precisely them that we work for. We are confident that the platform we deploy with FITMA will become the event that will support the future of business within the region. A single investment covering prospects and clients from all over Latin America every two years, that's what we're visualizing.”

With more than a year before its launch, FITMA already has the support of companies such as Mazak, DMG MORI, Hermle, Protecnic (distributor of Sodick and Tsugami in Mexico), OSG Royco, PH Horn, Okuma, Makino, Renishaw, Emag, Haas, Sumitomo. FITMA is also supported by recognized associations such as AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology, FEMIA (Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation), AFM (Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Machine Tools), AMMMT (Mexican Mold and Dies Manufacturing Association), TAMI (Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry); TMBA (Taiwan Machine Tool and Accessory Builders’ Association); and JMTBA (Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association), to name a few.

Among the parallel activities that the event will present is the International Conference Program, which will feature high-level presentations by global experts who will be providing their knowledge and success stories on innovative technological solutions for machining processes, metrology, machine setup, data-driven manufacturing, automation, among many other metal part manufacturing topics, as well as trends, experiences and challenges of the Industry. The conferences will be open to all attendees on the FITMA show floor.

Strategically located, Mexico City accommodates direct flights from Central, South and North America, Asia, and Europe, making it the ideal venue for an international event. Gardner Business Media is among the most important publishers in North America’s manufacturing industry, providing unique and relevant information of great interest to the people who run the plants, machine shops and factories of the metalworking and many other sectors. Gardner strives to use all media channels, whether print publications, websites, electronic devices, newsletters, webinars, research or events, to offer its audiences best practices and useful information to explain the technology and help companies to be competitive in today’s challenging world.

FITMA will be the most important biennial technology and manufacturing exhibition for the Latin American region. Organized by Gardner Business Media, in partnership with Modern Machine Shop Mexico.

AMBA Conference 2020 Registration Opens

The American Mold Builders Association announces registration for the AMBA Conference 2020, April 29 – May 1, Hyatt Regency Downtown, Indianapolis, IN has opened.

The American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) announces the opening of registration for the AMBA Conference 2020, April 29 – May 1, Hyatt Regency Downtown, Indianapolis, IN. Each year, this annual conference provides profit-impacting programming to senior-level executives and their teams in the mold building industry.

The AMBA Conference 2020 theme, Ready, Fire, TEAM!, is designed to inspire mold manufacturing professionals to focus not just on building a team, but on how crafting the right team the right way can lead to consistent success. “AMBA Conference 2020 will hone in on the skills, best practices and communication strategies that are required to transform good employees into great teams,” says AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix. “This year’s programming will offer opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and other industry professionals and take back better practices and new insights that they can then employ in their own facility.”

A top-shelf lineup of speakers is complemented by a number of advanced learning opportunities for attendees to share best practices in moderated sessions, such as the returning AC labs. In these sessions, mold builders present indispensable insights, advice and tools on their experiences surrounding a particular topic. Programming also will include a series of breakout sessions on continuous improvement strategies, followed by a new Friday morning session, “Tech Trends – Ask the Experts,” where industry suppliers will share insights and answer questions on trending 2020 technologies.

AMBA Conference 2020 also will offer an Emerging Leaders Pre-Conference session – exclusive to under-40 AMBA members – where keynote speaker Kit Welchlin will coach attendees on communication strategies they can employ within their organization to influence others, promote change, listen and respond effectively to peers and more.

More than 200 mold manufacturing professionals are expected to meet in Indianapolis at AMBA Conference 2020 for this must-attend event! For more information on AMBA Conference 2020, including agenda, speaker information, registration and more, visit AMBA.org/conference/.