Tuesday, October 16, 2018
All News
Machines Grind Super Hard Materials
September 26, 2017
Agathon will introduce a line of machines designed for super hard materials, including PCD. The machines are designed to provide flexibility, higher productivity, and time and cost savings in small- and medium-batch precision manufacturing.  The company will also showcase its AGC+5 control software for its indexable insert grinding
Services Meet Needs of Low-Volume, High-Mix Segment
September 26, 2017
Westec 2017 and EMO 2017: Proto Labs has added a range of services designed to address the on-demand manufacturing needs of the growing low-volume, high-mix product segment. New Product Post: 8/16/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop
Flexible Gage Software Integrates with CNC Machine Tools
September 26, 2017
EMO 2017: Renishaw will exhibit its software for the Equator flexible gauge, which allows users to fully integrate the system with CNC machine tools, its contact scanning system for CNC machine tools, its on-machine and mobile apps which are designed to simplify the use of machine tool probing, an enhanced non-contact tool setter for machining
Vibration Monitoring Module Minimizes Machine, Tool Damage
September 26, 2017
Marposs will highlight its Artis VM-03 vibration monitoring module with temperature and gravity sensing capability. From its location on the spindle, the module determines the spindle’s position in space while monitoring tool temperature, vibration velocity and acceleration, helping to minimize machine and tool damage. The VM-03 detects
Computer Tomographs Provide Flexibility with Speed, Large Measuring Ranges
September 26, 2017
Zeiss will highlight its Metrotom 800, which has an extended performance spectrum, and its Metrotom 1500. These computer tomographs are designed to address companies’ need for flexibility as new materials and hybrid processes are developed, with features including speed and large measuring ranges.
Hot Runner Certification Deepens Knowledge and Sharpens Skill
September 26, 2017
Studies by hot runner makers show that 60–75 percent of all molds that are built today incorporate a hot runner system. The MoldTrax Hot Runner Certification course gives attendees a better understanding of typical hot runner components and critical areas in maintenance. The course also covers the situations that warrant project
Manifold Hot Runner System Caters to Special Gating Requirements
September 26, 2017
MHS - Mold Hotrunner Solutions presents new Contour manifold hot runner systems that offer injection mold designers the ability to place gates at any angle for plastic parts with curves or special gating requirements. At the core of this new technology is the Rheo-Pro Swing Lock, a fully adjustable mechanism that allows each nozzle to securely
Gating Solutions Increase Productivity and Eliminate Cold Runners
September 26, 2017
Husky Injection Molding Systems launched the Ultra Helix valve gate, which Husky says the Ultra Helix valve gate will last as long as the other parts of the mold. The Ultra Helix valve gates can last for millions of cycles, which increases productivity and lowers cost. Husky says that when combining the Ultra Helix valve gate with the Ultra Sync-E
Hot Runner Cleaning System Uses Sand for a Safer, Less Caustic Scrub
September 26, 2017
The main component of the hot runner cleaning system by Alliance Laser Sales Inc. is an insulated reactor that contains sand particles. The sand is heated to over 850°F and brought to a bubbling, fluidized state by injecting air from the bottom. A flame shield at the bed surface directly heats the reactor so as to achieve the extreme
Controller Can Monitor Hundreds of Zones
September 26, 2017
SISE Plastics Control Systems, Inc. has a new generation of multizone controllers (MV3), which can control up to 336 zones. It comes in five platforms (XS, S, M, L and XL) with three available power cards (2.5A, 15A and 30A) that are adaptable to a variety of markets, including the packaging, automotive, cosmetics, medical and technical parts
Alarm System Detects Nozzle and Hot Runner Leaks Early
September 26, 2017
The Airtect System from Plastixs, LLC detects leaks of molten plastic material at the main injection nozzle, within a hot runner mold or at any location where the detecting leaking plastic material reduces damage. The Airtect Plastic Leak Alarm System detects leaks directly by sensing small changes in air flow rate or pressure. The system responds
Hot Sprue Nozzle Has Two Heaters for Thermoplastic Resin Processing
September 26, 2017
OSCO Inc. Runnerless Molding Systems has a new 35 Series hot sprue nozzle (HSN-35) that is designed to fit ¾″ bores and is engineered to process virtually any thermoplastic resin, such as Peek, LCP, Ultem, Nylon and other high heat resins that are filled or unfilled. Two new heater designs characterize the HSN-35. A new
Technology Removes Cosmetic Flaws on Sequentially Filled Parts
September 26, 2017
Synflow technology by Synventive Molding Solutions retains all of the functionality of previous versions. Synflow helps molders eliminate cosmetic defects on sequentially filled parts that are caused by sudden flow front accelerations and stagnations created when the delayed pins open.  Synventive plans to release the third
Controller Has Touch Screen for Quick Information Access
September 26, 2017
Orycon Hot Runner Systems introduces the T-500 Hot Runner Controller. The controller architecture is based on cards of six zones each. Orycon says that a touch screen with fast response, high resolution graphics provides an intuitive operator interface. A zoom screen provides access to detailed information for each individual zone, including amp
Interchangeable Nozzles Suitable for Common Thermoplastics
September 26, 2017
Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co KG now has the smartFILL single nozzles from PSG. By using this nozzle, the melt is tempered homogeneously to the injected part. Different types of gating are possible with the interchangeable nozzle tips, which makes the smartFILL nozzles suitable for a wide range of applications and all common thermoplastics
Electrodes Demonstrate Applications for Graphite
September 26, 2017
Poco Graphite manufactures more than 100 grades of graphite used in EDM, semiconductor and other industrial applications. All the materials are said to feature consistent properties and performance for maximum EDM efficiency and overall cost reduction. The company will display several machined electrodes of various material classifications to
Moldmaker Adds Automated CNC, EDM Capability
September 26, 2017
Industrial Molds Group specializes in engineering molds for medical, packaging, industrial, consumer and automotive markets. A multi-million-dollar investment over the past 18 months in automated CNC and EDM work cells gives it the capability to improve lead times, accuracy and precision, the company says. Additionally, it provides mold tryouts,
Poco Graphite Increases Manufacturing Capacity for High-Performance Materials
September 26, 2017
Entegris, Inc., a supplier of specialty chemicals and advanced materials solutions for the microelectronics and other industries, announced that Poco Graphite, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Entegris, Inc., is expanding its capacity to produce graphite material and specialty coatings for semiconductor and high-performance industrial applications by
Amerimold 2017: Multitudes of Metalworking Materials and Machines
September 26, 2017
Amerimold proved once again that it is THE event for moldmaking. Amerimold proved once again that it is THE event for moldmaking. Whatever aisle one ventured down during Amerimold on June 14-15 in Chicago, displays of cutting tools, machine tools, mold materials and components, EDM supplies and so much more filled the senses. Attendees commented
SLIDESHOW: The Final Countdown to Amerimold
September 26, 2017
It’s Amerimold Eve! Our exhibitors are assembling and putting final touches on their booth displays today and there are so many new companies – plus familiar companies who have something new to show attendees. Amerimold 2017 is not to be missed. It’s Amerimold Eve! Our exhibitors are assembling and putting final touches on their
MC Machinery Systems Officially Opens New Headquarters
September 26, 2017
On June 30, 2016, MC Machinery Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, announced its plans to build a new, larger facility located at 85 Northwest Point in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The announcement came with company representatives and partners from The Opus Group, Elk Grove Village and Heitman Architects overturning that first
2017 Leadtime Leader Awards Honorable Mention: Concours Mold Inc.
September 26, 2017
In perusing Concours Mold Inc.’s website or walking through the company’s headquarters in Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada, one gets a very strong message that “team” matters. It’s not just some catchphrase; the shop lives and breathes it. It’s something that, together with a stated goal of “first-time
2017 Leadtime Leader Awards Winner: Graphic Tool Corp.
September 26, 2017
If you’ve used products such as aerosol sprays, cosmetics or medications, you’ve probably used products packaged in containers for which Graphic Tool Corp. built the molds. Such molds are extremely precise, often holding tolerances of 0.0001 inch, and the team at Graphic Tool is proud of having won the trust of customers who are among
Three Takeaways from Die/Mold Expo
September 26, 2017
What do you gain by attending events like the Makino Die/Mold Expo that was held last week at the company’s Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan? I asked a few of the moldmakers I met there to share their personal takeaways. There is always an opportunity to learn and see and share when attending events like the Makino Die/Mold
Extra Large Wire EDM Capacity Places Shop on Path for Growth
September 26, 2017
Extreme Wire EDM Service Inc. is an all-AgieCharmilles EDM shop that strives to grow by taking on large wire EDM jobs that require details most other shops can’t or won’t do, like wire EDM lathing. According to Brian Bernt, vice president, another way to grow is to offer the same services, but on much bigger projects, offering customers
End Mills Designed for Titanium, Stainless Steel, Nickel-Based Alloys
September 26, 2017
YG-1 will showcase its TitanoxPower end mills for titanium, stainless steel and nickel-based alloys. They are available in a variety of corner radii and flute options, and the true double-core design is said to provide optimal performance while roughing, semi-finishing and finishing. The roughing tooth pattern is said to enable maximum material
Tool Presetting Machines Reduce Setup Times by 70 Percent
September 26, 2017
Westec 2017: Haimer will feature its Microset tool presetting machines, which are said to streamline tool setting processes to reduce set up times by as much as 70 percent.  New Product Post: 8/4/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop
Technology Showcase: Case Studies for MoldMaking
September 26, 2017
It’s time for another foray into past case study features that have been published in MoldMaking Technology Magazine. It’s time for another foray into past case study features that have been published in MMT. I’m taking a slightly deeper dive and highlighting those from the first six issues of 2015. Stay with me, though, because
End Mill Material Improves Edge Strength, Sharpness, Durability
September 26, 2017
Westec 2017: YG-1 Tool offers the Only One powdered metal composition (HSS-PM60) for its end mills, designed to provide high performance in unstable and “less-than-perfect” setups. New Product Post: 8/18/2017 Edited by Jedd Cole Associate Editor, Modern Machine Shop
WESTEC 2017: Vises and Grippers Designed for Production and Five-Axis Machining
September 26, 2017
Fixtureworks brings a broad spectrum of its products to WESTEC 2017. Fixtureworks will highlight its TriMax vises, its TG GripSerts carbide workholding grippers and the new Fairlane GP-Series rubber gripper pads.  Fixtureworks says that TriMax Production Vises offer the benefits users need to maximize a machine’s potential with multiple
WESTEC 2017: Toolholding Collet System Uses Mechanics to Create Grip Force
September 26, 2017
REGO-FIX Tool Corp.will showcase the benefits of its powRgrip toolholding collet system at WESTEC 2017. The company says that visitors can see how the system generates clamping forces equally as strong, if not stronger, than shrink-fit holders. The powRgrip system is a collet-holding system that consists of three main components—holder,
Geometrically Enhanced Endmills Suitable for Range of Applications
September 26, 2017
Monster Tool will showcase its LRNF and HPNF line of high-performance solid carbide end mills for aluminum and nonferrous applications. They are available in a range of sizes, including diameters of 0.125" to 1.00", stub to extra-long flute length, reduced necks for extended reach applications and corner radius assortment from 0.010" to 0.250".
Technology Showcase: More Case Studies for Moldmaking
September 26, 2017
This week’s Tech Showcase brings yet more case studies featuring the practical application of products for moldmaking. Two weeks ago, I featured a few case studies that were originally published in MMT in 2015. As I said then, technologies may evolve but overall, hearing about how other shops are using various products to their advantage can
Small Drilling, Milling Tools Machine Stainless, Heat-Resistant Materials
September 26, 2017
EMO 2017: Mikron presents its small-dimension milling and drilling tools for machining stainless and heat-resistant materials, including the CrazyDrill Cool SST-Inox. New Product Post: 8/22/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop
Vero Software Hires New Sales Account Manager David Lee
September 26, 2017
Vero Software hired David Lee to serve as the new sales account manager. He will represent the company’s Edgecam by Vero Software and Surfcam by Vero Software brands from his office in Bellevue, Washington. He worked as an account manager selling 3D computer graphics software programs before joining the Vero Software team. Vero Software says
Leveraging CAD/CAM Advances
September 26, 2017
Mold builders have experienced difficult times as inexpensive labor enticed customers to look offshore in search of bargain pricing. This trend persisted even though many of these shoppers frequently paid hidden costs in terms of communications barriers, quality and leadtime challenges. In recent years, many of these issues have been resolved
Cutting Tool Data When You Need It
September 26, 2017
There are a lot ways to make a shop better, more efficient, more productive and more profitable, but one practical method that is often overlooked is tool lifecycle management. This is about more than cutting tools. Fundamentally, it’s about data: ensuring that cutting tool data is available where and when it is needed. It links CAM systems,
Lighter Stepovers and Deeper Stepdowns
September 26, 2017
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Every mold shop is looking for a way to cut parts better and faster.
CAM Software Provides Strategies for Roughing, Finishing, Drilling
September 26, 2017
Open Mind Technologies will present HyperMill Maxx Machining and other new CAM software solutions. Maxx Machining provides strategies for roughing, finishing and drilling, covering machining functions including 2.5D through five-axis milling and drilling, mill-turn, and specialty applications. Based on the Volumill toolkit, the roughing
Three Unexpected Machine Monitoring Benefits
September 26, 2017
If you aren’t monitoring your machines to boost productivity, here are some additional reasons why you might want to start. Last week I received a press release from Shop Floor Automations, Inc. that reads almost more like an email or letter describing some “unexpected” benefits of monitoring machines in the shop. In the age
Cutting Tool Trends and Observations
September 26, 2017
At Ingersoll Cutting Tool’s annual Die and Mold Seminar, there were many new and different products to learn about, but as important was hearing the trends in cutting technology. At Ingersoll Cutting Tools annual Die and Mold Seminar, there were many new and different products to learn about, but as important was hearing the trends in cutting
Seventy-five Percent of 2017 Top Shops Winners Use the Same Software
September 26, 2017
Three of the four winners of Modern Machine Shop’s Top Shops award use JobBOSS ERP management software to run their shops. Exact JobBOSS provides of ERP software solutions for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses. The company extends congratulations to JobBOSS customers Land Sea Air Manufacturing for being the Top Shops Honors
Improving Five-Axis Mold Finishing Operations
September 26, 2017
In an interview with MMT’s European Correspondent Barbara Schulz, Open Mind’s Peter Brambs explains how its five-axis tangent plane machining strategy can achieve time savings of up to 90 percent. Blog Post: 9/15/2017 Barbara Schulz European Correspondent, Gardner Business Media Injection molds are known for tight tolerances,
Throwback Thursday: Reusing CAD Data
September 26, 2017
This Throwback Thursday blog is focused on CAD data and how designers can better work with customers’ CAD designs without “reinventing the wheel,” so to speak. This Throwback Thursday blog is focused on CAD data and how designers can better work with customers’ CAD designs without “reinventing the wheel,” so to
MMT is Looking for our 2018 Leadtime Leader Winner
September 26, 2017
It’s all about what you do with what you have. In this video, Graphic Tool demonstrates that size does not matter when it comes to bringing home MMT's annual Leadtime Leader Award.  Check out a video feature of Graphic Tool, MoldMaking Technology’s 2017 Leadtime Leader Winner and then visit our Leadtime Leader Zone to
FANUC: 35 Years of Making Robots in the U.S.
September 26, 2017
For 35 years, FANUC America has manufactured all paint robots and door openers in Rochester Hills, Michigan.  Company President, Mike Cicco remarked: “We have dedicated ourselves to 35 years of product innovation and manufacturing efficiencies to provide our customers with the highest quality paint robots that we design, assemble, and
Collaborative Robots Load, Unload Machines Without Need for Barriers
September 26, 2017
FANUC America will demonstrate machine load/unload with its CR-7iA table-top size collaborative robot equipped with iRVision. During the demonstration, the robot will pick up a part and load it into a lathe’s chuck, then remove the part from the chuck and place it back onto a part tray, showing how a collaborative robot can be used for
Haas Automation to Host HaasTec Open House at SoCal Facility in October
September 26, 2017
This October, Haas Automation, Inc. will open its doors again for HaasTec 2017, a four-day open house at its headquarters in Oxnard, California. The event is scheduled for October 10-13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It will include machine demos, factory tours, a catered lunch and more. In 2015, the event drew nearly 3,300 attendees from 48
Technology Showcase: Heading to Westec?
September 26, 2017
If you’re planning to head west to attend Westec, billed as “the West Coast’s Leading Manufacturing Event,” today’s blog is a slideshow preview of products you can expect to see there. If you’re planning to head west to attend Westec, billed as “the West Coast’s Leading Manufacturing Event,”
VMC Includes Four-Pallet Automation
September 26, 2017
Matsuura Machinery will feature its MX-520 PC4, a four-pallet automated version of the MX-520 single-table, five-axis VMC, which was designed for customers seeking an automation solution. The VMC is equipped with 90 tools and a Universal Robot interface for added automation potential. It offers multiple configurations for different