Zone: Die/Mold Machining

For Mold Shops, Machining To Zero Means There Is Nothing To Hold Them Back

Advanced machining technology enables mold shops to produce cores and cavities without leaving extra stock. Following this trend of “machining to zero” will help make mold production more competitive.

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Video: Understanding The Role Of L:D Ratio In Micromachining

When milling with tiny tools, changing the length-to-diameter ratio can significantly change the cutting parameters it is possible to achieve.

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MFG.com: Marketplace For Manufacturing

(Sponsored content) An MMS InMotion presentation along with a collection of user profiles all describe how machine shops are winning new business using this online resource.

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Most Recent Content in this Zone:

When to Mill Keeps Changing
2/8/2010 Modern Machine Shop: Technology improvements steadily expand the range of tool and die parts that justify high speed machining.
Video: Getting the Most Out of Your High Speed Spindle
2/4/2010 Modern Machine Shop: Here is an introduction to machining center spindles designed for high speeds, with practical tips for using these high speed spindles effectively.
Video: The Role of Heat in High Speed Machining
1/13/2010: In high speed machining of die/mold steels, the heat has a more beneficial effect than the role it plays in conventional cuts.
Video: Balancing Tools And Toolholders
12/9/2009 Modern Machine Shop: This video provides both the argument and methodology for performing offline balancing of tool/toolholder assemblies for high speed machining centers.
Industrial Supplier Aids Job Shop’s Lean Efforts
11/9/2009 Modern Machine Shop: As a small shop, Cross Paths Corporation relies on outside help to maintain a lean, efficient working environment. With fast deliveries of needed products, a free CAD library and a focus on customer service, Reid Supply Company helps the shop keep inventories low and maintain its focus on producing quality parts for customers.

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Overview Of:
Die/Mold Machining

Die/Mold Machining primarily refers to the machining of complex 3D forms. Stamping dies, forming dies, forging dies, injection molds and blow molds are all examples of tooling that might have complex shapes precisely mirroring or matching the intended shape of some final, mass-produced part. Complex fixtures and composites layup tools are also examples of milled parts that might have a similar complex 3D shape. High speed machining is an important topic for die/mold machining, because of the need to take light milling passes productively in order to realize both the required geometry and the required surface finish. Hard milling is another important issue, because many molds and dies are milled in their hardened state, to prevent heat treating from affecting the geometry. In addition to milling, EDM is another machining technology used to produce dies and molds. For certain machined features and for certain hard workpieces, the more efficient way to produce the 3D form may be to mill that shape into a ram or sinker EDM electrode, then use that electrode to machine the shape into the final die or mold tooling. Hole making is another class of machining operations relative to die/mold machining. Dies and molds are assemblies that often consist of plates and other components with various holes for cooling, venting, ejection and other necessary functions of the tooling. Producing an injection mold, for example, can involve considerable drilling, tapping and helical milling of various holes in order to produce the needed components.