MoldMaking Technology

SEP 2017

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00 00 00 Great Tips from This Issue 5 TRICKS OF THE TRADE CONTENTS September 2017 Volume 20 / Number 9 4 MoldMaking Technology —— SEPTEMBER 2017 Features 12 Software: Leveraging CAD/CAM Advances Often-overlooked software tools can enhance moldmaking business competitiveness. 18 Automation: The True Cost of Cobots Defining expectations and determining the ROI of collaborative robots help guide sound investment choices. 22 Cutting Tools: Cutting Tool Data When You Need It From the tool crib to enterprise resource planning systems, tool lifecycle management breaks down expensive data silos. 26 Global Competition: Exit Planning for Reshoring Developing a strategy for leaving a foreign location is a crucial part of reshoring that involves re-engineering processes, automating production and understanding all associated costs. 30 Education/Training This article is part of a series highlighting ways organizations are shaping the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Supplier-Based Training Programs Fuel Mold Industry Needs Moldmaking industry supplier companies are establishing workforce development programs to help increase the flow of new talent for themselves and for the industry at large. ON THE COVER Image courtesy of CNC Software/Mastercam. This month's cover shows a partially programmed mold core. It's machined from 420 stainless steel and will eventually become a housing for a medical filtering system. The darker tool motion in the image illustrates a variety of strategies, including Mastercam's Dynamic Motion and remaining stock cleanup. The lighter tool motion with the tool is the beginning of a multi-axis finish pass that uses one of the newer- shaped cutting tools that are coming onto the market and delivers a very large radius cutting surface for faster machining and a cleaner finish. Moldmakers who use contemporary toolpath strategies that maintain a consistent chip thickness report a substantial positive impact on lead times and operating costs, and this cutting strategy is a relatively easy approach that a mold shop can take to become more competitive. See related story on page 12. Images (left to right) courtesy of CGTech, Extreme Wire EDM Service Inc. and Audi Toolmaking. 1. Safety First It is important to recognize the fact that a safe robot does not mean a safe system. You need to consider the overall expense of cobot implementation. PG. 18. 2. At The Center A centralized database can replace the cost of all homegrown systems or silos that require maintenance, so total cost of ownership is reduced. PG. 22. 3. Be Aware Molds and processes are not the only "gotchas" when leaving a foreign location. Companies must also consider employment contracts and must obtain the proper permits from the Chinese government to shut down a factory. PG. 26. 4. Getting Hands On An emphasis on project- based learning is key when training because collaboration and creativity are a big part of how injection molded parts are designed. PG. 30. 5. Clean It Up When you are ready to begin your weld on pre- hardened 40 Rockwell material, ensure that the mold is free of oil, rust, scale residue or any other potential contaminants. PG. 72. 46 42 30 VIDEO ACCESS Departments 6 From the Editor: Apprentice Success 8 2 017 Editorial Advisory Board: Francine Petrucci, B A Die Mold 10 Profile: Big 3 Precision 40 C ase Study: EDM 46 Int ernational Perspective: Driving a New Generation of Toolmaking 50 Skills C enter: Manual Machining 54 T he Bottom Line: Income Tax Nexus 58 L eadtime Leader Q&A;: Five-Axis Machining 60 Gar dner Business Index: MoldMaking 61 End Mark et Report: Automotive and Consumer Products 62 Product Focus: Westec and EMO 71 MoldMaking Mark etplace 71 A d Index 72 TIP: Mold Mat erial

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