An operator at C&M Mould Tools sets ultra-precision moulds for contact lens manufacture on the new ONA NX3 die-sinking EDM machine.
(Source ONA)
The first CNC machine tool UK mould maker C&M Mould Tools acquired was a die-sinking EDM machine from ONA Electro-Erosion S.A. As the company expanded through the 1990s, it came to operate two ONA CNC die-sinkers and some other CNC machine tools. More and more space and machinery became necessary as C&M started to focus on mould tool modification and repair of large tools for, primarily, German and Chinese mould makers supplying the automotive industry. Then, recently, it began to undertake jobs at the small end of the product spectrum, and for this the company acquired from UK agent Warwick Machine Tools an NX3 die-sinking EDM by ONA, still its machine builder of first resort.
Modification and repair
Company director Nick Moth says C&M’s tool modification service is a matter of providing local support for customers. His company uses customer-supplied CAD data to alter tools to the correct standard. Many projects involve large mould tools, for which a purpose-built factory area with suitable cranes was constructed.
Moth cites its design as one significant advantage of an ONA EDM machine. Because its head moves, rather than the table, large moulds such as those for automotive grilles and bumpers, which exceed the capacity of the tank, can be supported outside of the tank, and the machine operator can work just on the area of the tool that needs repair or modification. The mould tool is static, so its weight does not affect the machine’s dynamic performance or positional accuracy. Also, one of the ONA machines, modified to C&M’s specification, has an additional 200 mm in the z-axis, allowing deep tools to be machined.
Having dedicated resources to do this kind of work, says Moth, means that performing urgent repair work on moulds for other customers does not delay progress on tool modification projects. Some 30% of the company’s turnover comes from this side of the business, an area that produces good profit margins because such minimal material outlay is required.
Stand vom 23.03.2021
Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.
Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes
I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planckstr. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here
Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.
In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here.
Right of revocation
I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://support.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.