The automotive and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors requiring graphite moulds for glass end products and graphite electrodes present distinct challenges in terms of surface finish, precision, process reliability and productivity.

Denmark - Companies with high outputs need smooth and reliable mould action. When manufacturing billions of parts during long production runs, reducing wear and increasing lifespan of moulds is key. This makes Diamond-like Carbon an interesting proposition for the coating of moving parts.

Milling machine manufacturer Berthold Hermle has developed the C 650 machining centre, extending its Performance Line series by providing three models for economical, 3 and 5-axis machining.

Highlights at Ewikon’s booth will include a range of hot runner solutions focussing on multi-cavity applications and its new cold runner system that allows the efficient processing of liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

Additive Manufacturing - Applying foaming technologies in the injection moulding process usually means compromises in the surface quality. A special structure in the casting forms enables systematical heating and cooling. This geometry can be realised via additive laser melting.

New paths towards digital and automated production as well as additive manufacturing with powder bed technology will be showcased by DMG Mori at Moulding Expo.

The die and mould sector has progressed by leaps and bounds since the turn of the millennium. The factors behind the advances are diverse, but their effects have changed shops around the world, from the biggest OEMs to the smallest family companies.

Cornwall-based Pharmaceutical company West Pharmaceutical Services developes pharmaceutical packaging components. For their moulds, they recently acquired grinders by Jones and Shipman for the surface treatment of their high grade stainless steel moulds.

The Italian machine tool market has seen stark declines in recent years, but that hasn't stopped one company there from expanding. Based in Milan, FFG Europe first bought a number of Italian producers and then pushed into Germany, where it’s still on the hunt.

A joint project between three German companies has created a temperature control system in which CO2 replaces H20, according to supplier gwk.