Parts that become more and more complex with increasingly deep cavities as well as moulded and reinforcement ribs in plastic injection moulds and pressure die casting moulds necessitate the use of extra long tools with diameters that can be very small. Complex part geometries and various material characteristics place the highest demands on machining and tool life.
For designing, engineering and constructing medium- and large-sized cold forming tools, cast iron is often used due to material properties such as compressive strength and easy machinability. The main components here are mould plates and mould inserts. Here, MAPAL has a lot of experience with milling (2D and 3D) and drilling operations (drilling, reaming, thread cutting).
When it comes to pre-series or prototype moulds, it is not unusual to use materials that are easy to machine. Aluminium alloys or uriol (plastics) are often used. In these cases, solid carbide tools with positive and partly polished cutting edges, or better still, PCD-tipped tools ensure high productivity and short machining times.
Manufacturing of electrodes for EDM processes requires machining of copper alloys and graphite materials. The selection of the electrode material depends on the requirements of the mould to be created. Copper alloys are comparatively expensive and are generally used for finishing the electrodes, when it comes to high surface quality and shape accuracy. Solid carbide end mills with special geometries by MAPAL guarantee high-precision machining results here.
Graphite has a highly abrasive effect on the tool and causes strong wear on the cutting edge. The profiles to be machined tend to burst with increasing wear. Therefore, a tool with suitable geometry and optimum cutting material is required. For machining graphite, MAPAL uses diamond-coated solid carbide tools or PCD-tipped tools.
Application example:
Electrodes for spark eroding (EDM)
From the unmachined to the finished part
Find the right tool with just a few clicks: Depending on the machining, the specific operation and the tool requirement, you can quickly find the tool you want.
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2D surfaces
On the one hand, this category includes machining processes carried out directly on the machine, such as face milling, milling of pockets and straight walls. On the other hand, it also includes operations for complex geometries that are programmed using CAM software.
In the die & mould sector, the manufacture of increasingly complex forms is part of everyday life. Continuous further developments in machine tools and CAM software raise performance and productivity to an ever higher level. The tools used must therefore always be state-of-the-art. To achieve optimum results, each design starts with a process analysis.
Mould inserts also have machining tasks that are required for casting or various attachment parts. Users are increasingly machining open pockets (circumferential machining) using trochoidal milling. This machining method helps to optimise machining times and to extend tool life.
Closed pockets are usually produced by roughing in Z planes. When milling, a ramp is often selected as the machining entry. The tool selected depends on the depth of the walls and the mould incline to be generated on the component. MAPAL’s broad portfolio with modular systems also covers the machining of deep pockets with large diameters.
A major focus in milling operations is on reducing the machining time. With specific tool geometries for machining closed, round pockets, it is often possible to eliminate the pre-drilling process. With helix milling, milling paths are programmed with helical entrances that are suitable for pocket dimensions.
Operations to create even surfaces occur very frequently and in different areas in the die & mould sector: It could be component-related, strategy-related due to the respective milling process or due to requirements for mould closing surfaces as well as sections and cutting dies. The right tool is then selected depending on the application and requirements.
Plastic injection moulds and die casting moulds often have ribs and thin walls. Ribs, for example, are increasingly being milled, as this process is more cost-effective than EDM (spark eroding). As a rule, long or extra-long carbide tools with small diameters are used. Customer-specific solutions (RibCutter) to match the respective rib shape are also possible here.
There is a wide range of full bore operations in the die & mould sector: From large bores for guide pillars and deep bores for the cooling system to high-precision bores for ejector pins. MAPAL offers a comprehensive portfolio of drilling and reaming tools for the individual production steps.
Optimised purchasing management is important for a clear organisation of the tool stock.
2. Tool logistics
Cost-effectiveness even in the periphery of machining: Intelligent dispensing systems significantly reduce non-productive times.
3. Engineering
The machining specialists provide support with process engineering, e.g. in the form of CAM simulations, general advice and the development of economic machining strategies.
4. Measuring and setting
Reliable setting and measuring devices are convincing due to their accuracy and user-friendly operation when setting the tools.
5. Tools and clamping technology
From the spindle to the cutting edge – MAPAL offers a wide range of tools and clamping technology for the die & mould sector.
6. Machining
Efficient machining processes and customised machining strategies at the highest technological level.
7. Digitisation and automation
Quick and easy digitisation: The c-Connect Box digitally transmits measurement data from the setting fixture to the machine tool. It also monitors the machine status among other things.
8. Reconditioning
Customers receive their reconditioned tools back in manufacturer quality within a very short time. Also available with pick-up and delivery service upon request.
Engineering Workflow - From theory to practice
Finding the perfect solution for the customer is MAPAL’s main goal. In addition to individual custom solutions and a broad standard product portfolio, comprehensive services are available to optimally design the entire process from the product idea to the chip. Customers can rely on the technology leader’s many years of experience in machining.
1. Demandes client
Les représentants de MAPAL se tiennent en permanence à disposition pour toute demande sur mesure. À travers un entretien personnel avec les clients, ils étudient les demandes concrètes et leur étendue (usinage partiel ou complet) et discutent des détails en s'appuyant directement sur le modèle 3D du composant.
L'équipe Fabrication des moules et des matrices MAPAL se réjouit de recevoir votre demande par e-mail et établit un contact direct le plus rapidement possible.
2. Analyse du projet
Sur la base de modèles 3D et de données de machine, les spécialistes analysent les opérations à effectuer et développent des stratégies d'usinage adaptées.
Les éléments de l'analyse de projet sont :
Suggestions pour toutes les étapes de l'usinage
Liste d’outils
Optimisation des processus
3. Conception des processus
Que l'accent soit mis sur la flexibilité ou la productivité, les experts en usinage simulent le processus à l'aide de modèles 3D pour ainsi identifier les potentiels d'optimisation. Ils vérifient et améliorent les paramètres d'usinage pour la programmation FAO et garantissent ainsi une fabrication à la fois sûre et rentable.
La conception des processus comprend :
L’analyse de la durée de vie du composant
La définition des données technologiques
La programmation FAO
4. Solution Outils
Le grand catalogue de base de MAPAL pour la fabrication des moules et des matrices propose des outils parfaitement adaptés à tout type d'application. Le cas échéant, des solutions sur mesure sont également disponibles.
Avantages pour l'utilisateur :
Large programme de base
Mise à disposition des données d'outils
5. Test des outils & offre
Une fois l'opération d'usinage clarifiée, MAPAL aide le client à utiliser les outils nécessaires au processus. Ce point est essentiel pour proposer une offre exhaustive et adaptée au cas d'application.
6. Collaboration
Les succès communs passés n’empêchent pas les spécialistes de MAPAL de rester en contact étroit avec le client. Si d'autres potentiels d'optimisation sont identifiés ultérieurement ou s'il s'avère que d'autres outils sont plus adaptés, MAPAL aide le client dans cette démarche afin de renforcer la productivité et la rentabilité.
Pour assurer une production efficace à long terme, MAPAL propose également des possibilités complètes de gestion des outils.
Options dans le domaine de la gestion des outils :
CORMOL from Portugal manufactures stamping tools, for which it has been working closely with MAPAL since 2022. With the OptiMill-3D-HF, CORMOL has found a reliable and economical tool solution.
The mouldmaking company Krämer+Grebe optimises production with MAPAL reamers and milling cutters and ensures process reliability in international competition.
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