Moldmaker invests more than $1 million in new machining centers

facility. The new machines will strengthen the ISO 9001:2000-certified company’s high-speed machining operations, helping to create intricate molds for a variety of applications, including fluid management systems, fuel and engine components, and consumer products.

Two of the machines are from Makino—a V99 and S56. The HSK100 V99 vertical machining center has a spindle speed of 13,000 rpm with rapid traverse and cutting feedrate of 787 in/min, making it ideal for quickly roughing and finishing hardened steel cores or cavities for workpieces up to 4.4 tons. The S56 has the stiffness and rigidity required for hard-cutting applications, with a speedy 1574 in/min feedrate necessary for high surface quality in demanding mold applications.

Specifically designed to handle large-capacity vertical machining, the third addition is a Hurco VMX64, complete with 24-station automatic tool changer, 50-taper spindle, and a redesigned head and column that can withstand heavier cutting loads while maintaining high cut quality.

“Given the type of molds we build—the mechanically complex tooling that requires innovative, accurate solutions for our customers—these additions to our high-speed operations will provide improved capabilities for faster delivery times,” says Tim Peterson, VP of Industrial Molds Group. “Industrial Molds believes that this technology investment in our future is also an investment in our customers’ futures, and in the success of manufacturing.” —[email protected]