Mold & Die Making

Geomagic, a provider of 3D software for creating and inspecting digital models of physical objects, has launched some new products for 2012 for reverse engineering and inspection. The release in November of the company's 3D imaging products includes Geomagic Studio 2012, Geomagic Wrap 2012, Geomagic Qualify 2012, Geomagic Qualify Probe and Geomagic Wrap OEM Edition.

The new Form 200 mS diesinker EDM from GF AgieCharmilles with rotary tool changer (RTC) takes die-sinking electric discharge machining to the next level, claims GF AgieCharmilles, by bringing precise geometric quality and increased lights-out operation to micro machining and other applications.

Quick-Coupler-type water jumpers from DME Molding Supplies (Madison Heights, MI) can plumb a mold for cooling using significantly less mold space, according to DME. They can either be embedded in the mold itself or run on top of the mold.

Air quality in mold manufacturing facilities is a big concern, and many companies take measures to improve it, such as through-the-wall fans that suck up smoke and vent it outdoors, and/or vacuum systems over carbon-grinding machines that vent to a filter unit outside.

There are many causes—and sources—of air quality problems throughout the metalworking sections of a plant. Most metal/aluminum machining and polishing processes create an extremely fine dust that can create a smoke-like haze throughout the entire facility.

A new surface pressure indicating sheet from Sensor Products Inc. (Madison, NJ) is said to improve yields and reduces defects in the injection molding process by minimizing flash, shorts, and burns, among other defects. The primary purpose of Mold-Align is to indicate mold face planarity. When placed between mold halves that are compressed together, the material instantaneously changes color revealing how pressure is being distributed between the mold faces.

Delcam (Birmingham, UK) has released the 2011 version of its PowerMILL CAM system for five-axis and high-speed machining. The latest release makes the programming of safe toolpaths easier than ever thanks to new stock-model-engagement options that protect both the cutting tool and the machine from excessive loading.

New for the Moldex3D computer assisted engineering software is an interface with Siemens' NX software, that company's flagship digital product development software. Called eDesignSYNC for NX, the new interface serves as the bridge allowing NX users to access Moldex3D/eDesign from within the NX environment.

Laser sintering has reportedly set new standards in terms of part quality and reproducibility, at the same time improving cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness, with the EOSINT M 280 from EOS (Frankfurt am Main, Germany). "The EOSINT M 280 adopts all features and advantages of the well-established EOSINT M 270 system, and makes it even more attractive for a wide range of demanding applications including tooling and series production," says Peter Klink, executive VP global sales at EOS.

Delcam plc (Birmingham, UK) has launched the 2011 version of its Delcam CAM system for SolidWorks. The new release includes comprehensive options for the programming of turning and mill-turn equipment, alongside the company's industry-leading technology for drilling and two- through five-axis milling.

The new a51nx and a61nx horizontal machining centers from Makino (Mason, OH) offer larger work envelops and next-generation productivity, accuracy and reliability according to the supplier. Improved casting designs and spindle and axis guide enhancements lead to rigidity, speed and precision far beyond that of typical 40-taper machines.