5 Axis Machining Now Benefits Injection Mould Making

The world of engineering never stands still, and the latest uptake of technology that has been around for some time, that of 5 axis machining, has been found to be just as beneficial to injection mould making as other manufacturing processes. Further innovation has come through the development of specialised clamping systems to hold the work pieces in place, allowing the operator to have confidence that once the initial set-up is completed, multiple product pieces of equal quality and precision will result without further human intervention. The savings in time and waste reduction are considerable, and well worth the investment required for the purchase of precision engineered work holding systems.

There is a steep learning curve with 5 axis machining for new operators, and one of the areas where a new player can have difficulty is in holding the work piece so that five sides of the piece can be machined effectively. The following information on the two most common methods may be of assistance to new operators:

Mechanical Clamping Systems:

These are the most common systems, and resemble a vice but with extra clamping force. This method allows minimal interference with the cutting area and enables the exposed surfaces to be machined with a high degree of accuracy.

This clamping system can hold small to medium sized work pieces quite easily, but for larger pieces, a riser is recommended in order to reach the work piece. These are not common type clamps but highly engineered pieces of equipment which apply force were it is most needed. Additional security is provided by the use of pointed grippers in the vice jaws.

Magnetic Systems:

A common method is to fix the work piece to a magnetic pedestal. Because the work piece is then elevated, the 5 sides can be machined in one set-up, which also dramatically reduces the margin for error. The machining process does not affect the magnetic pull because the 5 axis high speed method requires higher spindle speeds, lighter chip loads, and faster feeds. These reduce torque and cutter pressure, so there is no danger of the work piece moving while being machined.

Another method is the use of magnetic pallets which enable the movement of the work piece from one machine to another. This method requires careful planning and design at the outset, but pays dividends in the savings gained during the manufacturing process.

Business owners who invest in high-end 5 axis machines and then skimp on the cost of work piece holding systems will not get the full benefit of the efficiency and productivity gains available with this machining technology. CNC workshop operators everywhere are proving that systems such as these are well worth the initial investment.

Copyright (c) 2010 Nadine Davis

About the Author:
Injection mould making using 5 Axis Machining systems is becoming common place, generating productivity gains previously reserved for other processes. This technology is available locally in CNC Townsville workshop Arena Engineering.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: 5 Axis Machining

, CNC Townsville

, Mold Making

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