Keeping an even temperature on the surface of the mould is a challenge. In their quest to maintain even temperatures, manufacturers have tried many things. 3D printing may offer a solution.

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?

Meusburger says one saves time and money in the production process from design to manufacturing with the use of tunnel gate inserts. The Austria-based leading company in standard components has recently expanded its range tunnel gate inserts with two new versions, especially for large contour steps.

Uk - Visi software supports this toolmaker with detailed tailored functions and automated algorithms for the design process. On the shopfloor, automatic feature recognition algorithms detect regular geometries and automatically generates the necessary NC data, maintaining company standards.

Spain – Now available from the exclusive UK and Eire agent, Warwick Machine Tools, the new range of ONA AV wire EDM machines is part of the Spanish company’s strategic plan to improve current product competitiveness with the introduction of high performance ‘Premium’ machines that was initially established with the recent launch of the highly capable QX die sink CNC EDM range.

UK - Machining tool steel die nests is a complex operation at the best of times. A particularly intricate job used to be a loss-making operation for a UK-based toolmaking firm. But now the purchase of a 5-axis machine is said to save enough time to make the process profitable.

Tool and mould-making is a key factor in industrial manufacturing. In addition to machining processes, spark erosion is also used, the electrodes of which are very complex to manufacture. Researchers are now developing a simpler method for this.

A company specialising in industrial rubber injection moulds and cold runner blocks for the automotive sector uses WorkNC to create 3+2 axis toolpath programs across a range of eight CNC machine tools as well as Workplan to consolidate information ranging from sales orders to invoices.

As 3D printers become larger, faster, and more accurate, their manufacturers face the next challenge: How do we bring additive manufacturing into an industrial manufacturing chain?

Germany – Additive manufacturing is booming with worldwide sales in 2016 forecast to increase by around 30% to more than US$7bn. An industry pioneer is Concept Laser of Lichtenfels, Germany. The company continues to lead today, now with its vision of the “AM Factory of Tomorrow”.