Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik has long been a leading supplier to the world's mechanical engineering industries. Recently the company decided it wanted to increase sales to mould shops. Managing Director Klaus Winkler discusses the reasons for the interest in the sector.

Czech Republic-based Tirad, a locally owned and operated specialist in custom bases and plates for injection moulds, said it can machine parts weighing up to 6,000 kg.

Manufacturing mould tools with a weight of 19 tons does not mean that the milling is less complex than with smaller tools. When German-based Pestel Pur Kunststofftechnik reached the limits of their CAM programming in difficult areas, they had to look for an alternative and turned to Solidcam.

Delivery times for the unit are quick due to easy availability of parts, according to the manufacturer.

Turkey – Mould base manufacturer Tekis said it will begin 5-axis machining by November with its new processing centre, which has travels of 2,200 x 2,400 x 800 mm, and a capacity of 8,000 kg.

The company’s 5-station mould is said to be the first ever tool of this type in the world. It produces a thick, three-material part in only 15 sec.

The Chinese die and mould industry will meet in June at Die & Mould China. The industry, which was once known for its cheap and low quality products, has come a long way and able to compete on a global scale.

Whether PET bottle, car headlight or medical packaging – precisely shaped plastics are produced in moulds made of high-grade steel. At NPE 2018, Schmolz + Bickenbach USA will be showcasing innovations and established solutions of mould steels from Deutsche Edelstahlwerke (DEW) and Finkl Steel.

Germany/Switzerland - Additive manufacturing enables the production of metal mould inserts that feature conformal cooling to ensure and control temperature homogeneity for shorter cycle times. GF Machining Solutions and EOS collaborate to integrate AM into companies’ production process. By Barbara Schulz

Germany - On the occasion of a recently held press conference, the Aachen-based IKV opened its doors to give selected journalists an insight into the institute's research activities. Speakers will also tackle these and other current topics in research at IKV's upcoming Colloquium in February 2016.