Like most European manufacturers, Portuguese mould makers are unable to compete on price alone. Those who take advantage of the latest technology, such as a combination of EDM technology and high-speed machining, will have an edge up on the competition.

The development follows two recent introductions of machine tools with capabilities for both additive manufacturing and milling operations.

The medium-sized Knarr Group, located in Helmbrechts, Germany, is a tool and mould-maker that manufactures and supplies all standard parts through to complete mould bases according to customer requirements. In addition to the company’s highly motivated employees, its modern machine tools and its CAM system provide the basis for the company’s steadily growing business success.

They know it’s corny, but Terry Smith and his partner Steve Browning, owners of Hightown Engineering, like their company motto: “If spindles aren’t turning, we’re not earning." Smith says it keeps them focused every day on what’s most important. That is what they have done for 12 years now: kept spindles turning.

Germany – For users with constantly changing tool requirements and high demands on machining flexibility, Gühring has developed a new end mill that covers five operations with one tool: the RF 100 Diver can perform drilling, ramping, slotting, roughing and finishing operations, the supplier said.

Germany – Measuring tools can be a time-consuming task which cannot be neglected without compromising the quality of a company’s products.

Poland - Kowary-based mould maker C-Form is relying on Meusburger’s expertise in standard parts as well as the company’s H-1000 clamping system, which helped C-Form to significantly minimise clamping times and increase machining precision.

USA – A focus on mould operating temperature and welding effects will help determine the right aluminium alloy for future mould builds. By Matt Kaye, vice president, sales and marketing from Clinton Aluminum, USA.

UK – Veker Extrusions and Gaskets provides high quality seals and jointing solutions for many industry sectors. The company’s decision to invest in an advanced CNC wire EDM machine from Excetek made the supplier more flexible and efficient.

France – The debate between graphite and copper as the best EDM electrode material to use has been long-standing. Many argue that graphite is the preferred material while others stand firm with their preference for copper. Poco Graphite completed a test to find out.