Technologies, Services Moving Moldmakers Forward

Submicron-Grade Carbide End Mills Achieves Material Removal Versatility

Photo Credit: Greenleaf Corp.

Greenleaf Corp. has announced Greenleaf-360, a new line of high-performance solid carbide end mills to complement the XSYTIN-360 line of solid ceramic end mills. Greenleaf-360 end mills combine a proprietary flute design with a high-performance carbide substrate for fast and efficient material removal with less stress induced into the part. A combination of strength, toughness and heat resistance enables machining capabilities from roughing to finishing with extended tool life and predictability, well suited for materials in the aerospace, automotive, die and mold, medical and power generation industries.

New Hot Runner Controller Launches

Photo Credit: PCS Company

PCS Company introduced its new TC50 hot runner temperature controller line, featuring two models for 6 or 12 zones of control. The TC50’s standard features include self-diagnostics, mold memory, zone slaving, leak detection and injection press connectivity for I/O functions, among others.

Additional features of the TC50 include: group setup function; power balance detection and display; synchronous heat up and cool down; thermocouple type selectable: J/K; and temperature unit selectable: C/F.

Bypass Filtration System Exceed Oil Cleanliness for Injection Mold Machines

Photo Credit: PCS Company

PCS Company has introduced a new line of chrome high-pressure oil filters (CHP), systems that are designed for use with hydraulic and hybrid injection molding machines. According to the company, this dedicated bypass filtration system exceeds industry standards, filtering down to 1 micron, and maintains cleanliness levels several grades cleaner than brand new oil. Three different units are available.

Upgraded CAM Software Tools Support 3D Mold Embossments

Photo Credit: BobCAD-CAM

Creating 3D embossments for molds from 2D text or images has been simplified via BobART, an add-on module of BobCAD CAM V35, a software that supports two- to five-axis machine and controller configurations popular with moldmakers. Using BobART, moldmakers are able to customize tooling, adding 2D or 3D text, shapes, textures and more to existing 3D models. Recent updates improve workflow while adding flexibility and functionality — such as updating the 3D model as users make adjustments — with a complete UI upgrade.

New Solid End Mills Assortment Applicable for Cutting Molds, Dies

Photo Credit: Sandvik Coromant

Cutting tool and tooling system specialist Sandvik Coromant is introducing a new range of high-end versatile solid end mills. The CoroMill Dura will replace the existing versatile CoroMill Plura end mills. The concept is developed for roughing to finishing with different engagements in all applications and materials, giving it a variety of uses for industries like mold and die.

Preheating Capabilities Facilitate High-Quality 3D-Printed Tool Steel for Tool and Die Industry

Photo Credit: Trumpf

The TruPrint 5000 from Trumpf, a highly productive, automated metal 3D printing machine, is said to create new possibilities for the tool and die making industry as a result of its preheating capabilities.

Previously, toolmakers could not 3D print carbon tool steel, as the material often cracked when returning to room temperature after laser processing. Now, Trumpf says, the TruPrint 5000 3D printer can be preheated to 500ºC (932ºF), which reduces the temperature drop following laser melting and significantly improves material and surface quality of carbon steels. Moreover, the machine’s automatic process start enables for fast setup, and the build and supply cylinders can be exchanged quickly and safely for work parallel to production, ensuring a high machine utilization rate.