Sweden – The mould designer can significantly contribute to optimum tooling economy by thinking standard, that is, using readily available standard steel grades, standard steel sizes and standard machined plates.

Formenbau Kellermann, one of the few mould houses in Europe to be run by a woman, has officially opened its new production plant in Bavaria. The ceremony was put on hold until a key machine for checking tool quality finally arrived.

Complicated injection moulding tools tend to be treated poorly as regards corrosion protection and storage – often as a result of time constraints. Properly functioning means of production are essential for a reliable source of revenue.

Germany - Dr. Dirk Sellmer, head of research and development at Mapal, discusses innovation and how additive strategies are shifting design principles towards new product solutions.

Cutting Tools – A new design of a milling cutter body and insert increases the economic advantages by making available a double-sided milling insert with six corners, Sumitomo says.

Netherlands – The main reason for coating professional cutting and forming tools is the improvement of tool life. Netherlands-based IHI Hauzer Techno Coating gives some insights into the current trends influencing the development of tool coating technologies.

Cutting Tools – Mitsubishi Materials has developed a line of ceramic end mills, the CESRB series, which is said to be ideal to machine nickel-based heat resistant alloys such as Inconel 718.

Switzerland / Czech Republic – If you could rebuild a damaged or worn-out mould insert instead of replacing it with a new one, wouldn’t you? By Christiana M. Fuges

UK – Aerospace manufacturing has long relied on machining that prioritises precision over speed, in the time honoured ‘slow and steady’ tradition. Now a new approach using barrel tools claims to offer the best of both worlds. By Adrian Smith, Open Mind Technolgies

USA - Precision Electrochemical Machining (PECM) is a non-conventional machining process that can help deliver high-quality components productively. We have asked Kennametal Precision Surface Solutions product manager Patrick Matt to explain more about the process.