Plastics News staff reporter Rhoda Miel wrote these news briefs from MoldMaking Expo 2005, held April 19-21 in Rosemont, Ill.
Makino Inc. exhibits machining prototype
Makino Inc. said its E33 high-speed vertical machining center will combine milling capabilities with ease of use when it debuts with the Pro.5 controller.
The company displayed a prototype and will begin producing the commercial version this summer, said spokesman Mark Rentschler. The system has an HSK 40,000-rpm spindle with a standard 30-tool automatic changer and optional 60-tool changer.
The E33 has an x-axis of 650 millimeters and y and z axes of 450mm. The standard worktable of 850mm by 500mm will handle a load of 1,100 pounds.
Pro.5 has a Windows-based graphical user interface to aid programming and operation.
Mold-Tech process restores mold texture
Mold-Tech has new processes to reduce gloss problems and quickly supply three-dimensional texture on molds.
MicroMatte brings down gloss levels on parts, said Paul Williams, an account manager at Mold-Tech's Carol Stream, Ill., headquarters. As tools' texture wears, gloss can result. Remedies such as sand blasting may damage a mold and provide only a temporary fix, Williams said.
The company's Digital Transfer Technology, meanwhile, allows a 3-D pattern to be etched onto a mold in one pass.
Interlock's inserts can cut repair costs
Mold-component supplier D-M-E Co. has launched interchangeable mold-interlock inserts that allow molders to cut repair costs by replacing only the wear surfaces.
The inserts for side interlocks debuted in March. Molders can replace only one part rather than an entire set, which also can speed repair time, said John Harding, Midwest sales manager for D-M-E. based in Madison Heights, Mich.