Ireland - Replacing some electric discharge machining processes by high-speed cutting has cut an Irish toolmaker's mould lead-times by up to 20% to typically 14 weeks. Two machines have been automated with pallet changers so that they can be operated around the clock, unmanned at night.

Uddeholms AB has introduced Uddeholm RoyAlloy stainless holder steel as a replacement for its Uddeholm Ramax LH steel grade. RoyAlloy, originally developed by Edro Specialty Steels Inc., is now formally an Uddeholm product within the Uddeholm Stainless Concept portfolio, distributed exclusively worldwide. It is a prehardened corrosion-resistant steel specifically designed for the construction of long-lasting high-performance plastic-injection-mould bases.

OPS Ingersoll claims that its new EDM machine Eagle G5 Precision can achieve the highest precision results and the lowest electrode wear, which were not possible before – thanks to a whole new, innovative machine concept.

The display of machines at the Jones & Shipman Hardinge booth at AMB include the Kellenberger 100 platform concept cylindrical grinding machine and two Hardinge Super Precision turning and turn/grinding CNC centres.

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.

The more a cutting edge is tangentially engaged during milling, the faster the machining. LMT Tools has found a solution for radial cutters that ensures significantly shorter throughput times and better surface quality. What exactly is behind the increase in performance and where are radial cutters used?

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.

Using traditional turning methods on heat-resistant and hard materials can result in uneven rest materials and irregular surfaces. Maintaining a constant chip load is crucial in the manufacturing process, which is also vital for machining quality parts and for prolonging tool life.

Germany – At Moulding Expo, Deutsche Edelstahlwerke will present its newly developed Formadur 400 for the first time. This plastic mould steel sets a technological milestone in the area of surface quality, the company, which is a subsidiary of the Schmolz + Bickenbach Group, says.

There are high demands for optimisation in cutting manufacturing. Productivity needs to increase and the quality needs to improve or at least stay at the same level with reduced costs. But where in the process chain is the best place to start?