In mould construction economics, the number of vents for mould venting is often overlooked. However, to produce quality parts and avoid defects, mould venting is crucial. Failing to produce adequate mould venting can lead to poorly finished parts.

The new home of grinding technology, Grinding Hub, celebrated its premiere in Stuttgart in May 2022. More than 370 well-known manufacturers from 23 countries presented numerous innovations across the entire grinding technology process chain — with a clear trend towards automation and digitalisation.

Combining different manufacturing processes often pays dividends for manufacturing companies. This also applies to grinding and precision machining. Grinding Hub will provide a compact overview of the market for production technologies in this challenging environment.

Whether injection moulding or machining, tooling is essential. Cheaper production and cooling close to the contour are the main arguments for producing tools using additive manufacturing. But there is more to it than that.

In 2018, the mould making department at Procter & Gamble optimised its portfolio in order to meet the requirements of multicavity moulds requiring small high accuracy geometries. In addition, the company wanted to consistently continue the changeover from copper to graphite electrodes, which began in 2014. With the investment in OPS-Ingersoll’s Eagle G5 Precision die-sinking EDM machine, they have fulfilled this task.

UK — Following major acquisitions between 2010 and 2012, most market experts expected the 3D printing market to consolidate very soon. But this consolidation process never happened — will it happen now?

Formula One powerhouse McLaren Racing is responding to tighter vehicle production time and budget limits from the FIA by 3D printing tens of thousands of parts with large next-generation Neo 800 stereolithography 3D printers from Stratasys.

Cutting tools are the be-all and end-all of tool and mould making. Since efficiency and quality requirements in this industry are constantly increasing, suppliers respond with tools that are highly specialised to meet the demands of diverse customer applications.

Direct energy deposition is also suitable for surface finishing — in contrast to powder bed processes. Listemann wants to start using this method and later manufacture entire components additively.

IMTS 2022 — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which runs 12 to 17 September at Chicago’s McCormick Place, is chock full of exhibitors, conferences, and other attractions focused on advanced manufacturing technology.