Advertising in MoldMaking Technology offers
Issue link: https://mmt.epubxp.com/i/706095
moldmakingtechnology.com 41 South Coast Mold's moldmakers often batch together smaller CNC programs from different jobs to create one long program for an extended run, speeding the machining process. control (DNC) technology, there is no limit to the length or size of the programs, he adds. Additionally, the toolmakers know how to batch many small programs together to create one long program for an extended run. "In essence, these long runs simulate a second shift for us," he says According to Novak, the company adopted this strategy of lights-out machining two decades ago, when it had a lot of cut- ting work to do but not a lot of machines to meet expected deliv- eries. "We tried running at night, and it was amazing to come into the shop the next morning to see a finished mold seg- ment, so we continued to do more machining over nights and weekends, developing ways to increase output," he says. "Now, it's become a key capability because it greatly improves delivery." Moving Machining Forward In the near term, South Coast Mold plans to continuing work- ing on standardization of setups and custom components used for building investment casting molds. Long term, Novak says a five-axis machining center is definitely in the cards for faster machining of aerospace parts like blades and airfoils, for example. Another motivating factor for this purchase is the time savings that comes from the ability to eliminate multiple setups on each job. "It's quite possible that a five-axis machine can replace two standard CNC machines," he says, making it clear he's already begun to research his options. FOR MORE INFORMATION South Coast Mold Inc. / southcoastmold.com / 949-253-2000 DMG MORI USA / 855-DMG-MORI (364-6674) / us.dmgmori.com CAMX - Anaheim, CA Booth# Q48 To pick up a copy of our new catalog, visit us at the following shows: IMTS - Chicago, IL Booth# W-2206