Tooling

Avoid Common Mold Set-Up Mistakes

Every molding machine has to shut down periodically for a mold set-up.

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Magnetic Platens Catch On for Giant Presses

Molders are overcoming their doubts and choosing magnetic clamping systems for quick mold changes. What's really new is the growing use of magnetic platens on high-tonnage presses.

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New Runner-Design Concept Boosts Quality & Productivity

Why 'naturally balanced' multi-cavity molds sometimes refuse to fill evenly is a mystery that eluded solution—until now. A simple concept called the MeltFlipper allows molders to increase cavitation and maximize output of quality parts.

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Sequential Gating & Gas Assist Team Up for the First Time

Two fast-growing injection molding techniques—valve-gate sequencing and gas-assist technology—have come together in one application for what is said to be the first time. The part that united the two technologies was a 14 x 30 in. x 120-130 mil computer panel being converted to plastic from metal by Hewlett-Packard Co. in Roseville, Calif. It posed a number of process problems that were best solved by combining the two procedures.

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New Software Makes 3D CAD Easier To Learn, Use and Afford

You can now can leapfrog the previous obstacles of cost, complexity, and a long learning curve.

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monitoring

Keep Machines Running in Top Form With New Software ‘Wizards'

Help has arrived for overworked plant managers, process technicians, and maintenance personnel. It comes in the form of three new Windows-based "Smart Manufacturing" software modules from Hunkar Laboratories, Inc. in Cincinnati. Hunkar's Smart Manufacturing philosophy is based on the principle of pre-emptive problem solving, which translates into "Fix it before it's broke."

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Rapid Tooling Is Ready For Prime Time

Despite the advantage of speedy mold building, rapid-tooling technologies have gained only a toehold in the general moldmaking arena. But that could change as new developments improve dimensional accuracy, durability, and cooling efficiency to compete with traditional methods for making production tools.

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CAD & CAE

NPE 2000 offered a brand-new option for processors and mold designers: the ability to “rent” flow analysis on a pay-per-use basis over the Internet.

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Experts Predict the Next Big Thing in Thermoforming

What changes are in store for thermoforming in this decade? We polled nine industry experts on new developments to watch out for in materials, machinery, tooling, and controls.

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Get Custom Hot Halves in a Hurry

If you need a complete bolt-on hot-runner system on short notice, and off-the-shelf systems come up short in design flexibility, there's a solution available from Husky Injection Molding Systems of Milton, Vt.

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Plastics Size Reduction
Blending & Dosing