Amegix

Amegix

The criticality of CNC machining technology in mold manufacturin

Table of Contents

With the rapid development of the manufacturing industry, mold manufacturing as an important link to support industrial production is receiving more and more attention. The improvement of the quality of mold manufacturing directly affects the efficiency and quality of product production. CNC machining technology, as an important part of modern manufacturing technology, has important application value and broad promotion prospects in mold manufacturing.

This paper, through the research and discussion of CNC machining technology in mold manufacturing, further promotes its application, to improve the quality and efficiency of mold manufacturing, and make positive contributions to the development of the modern manufacturing industry.

CNC machining technology in mold manufacturing there are still some problems

  

1. Cost

  The acquisition cost of CNC machine tools and related equipment is high. The price of such equipment is usually several times or even dozens of times that of traditional machine tools. For small mold manufacturing enterprises, the initial investment may become a major obstacle. CNC equipment is complex and costly to maintain and repair. Regular maintenance is required to ensure the accuracy and stability of the machine. In addition, once the equipment breaks down, repair costs and downtime can increase production costs.  CNC machining requires the use of specialized CAD/CAM software, which is expensive to purchase and update. As well, the use of software requires training of relevant personnel, which also increases costs. Despite the high precision of CNC machining, but in the process of manufacturing complex molds, will inevitably produce a certain amount of material waste. These material wastes will directly increase production costs.

2. Technology

  CNC machining technology in mold manufacturing technical problems mainly include processing accuracy and surface quality being difficult to control, high-speed and efficient machining technology not mature enough, complex surfaces and micro-structural processing of technical difficulties, processing of thermal deformation and stress deformation control difficulties, tool wear and frequent replacement, programming complexity is high, as well as the stability of the CNC equipment and systems and consistency still needs to be improved.

3. precision control

  In mold manufacturing, CNC machining technology, despite the advantages of high precision and high efficiency, still faces several problems.

The first is the thermal deformation during machining, resulting in workpiece size deviation; the second is the tool wear and its compensation problems, affecting the machining accuracy.

In addition, programming errors and limitations in machine tool accuracy can negatively affect the accuracy of the final product. Meanwhile, the machining of complex geometries and high-hardness materials puts higher requirements on the performance and stability of CNC machine tools, which requires further optimization of the control system and machining parameters to achieve higher precision control.

4. Processing tools

  First, high-precision and complex shape molds require high-performance tools, but tool wear and life limit the efficiency and quality of processing. 

Secondly, different material molds require specialized tool materials and coatings, which increases the difficulty of tool management and replacement.

In addition, tool vibration and stability directly affect machining accuracy and require precise control and adjustment. Finally, insufficient cooling and lubrication of the tool during machining may lead to poor machining surface quality and overheating damage to the tool, further affecting the efficiency and cost of mold manufacturing.

5. Machining efficiency

  CNC machining technology in mold manufacturing has improved the level of precision and automation, but there are still some problems in terms of machining efficiency.

First of all, the programming and debugging process of complex molds is cumbersome and time-consuming, which increases the preparation time.

Secondly, the processing speed of CNC machine tools is limited by the performance of the equipment and tool wear resistance, it is difficult to significantly improve.

Finally, tool wear and replacement are frequent, affecting the continuous production efficiency. To solve these problems, it is necessary to continuously optimize CNC programs, improve machine performance, and develop more wear-resistant tool materials.

CNC machining technology in the mold manufacturing application strategy

  1. Design reasonable part structure and process parameters  In mold manufacturing, CNC machining technology is crucial for the design of reasonable part structures and process parameters.

First of all, the part structure should be simplified to reduce the processing difficulty, such as the use of a reasonable pull-out slope, appropriate wall thickness, and corner radius, to avoid stress concentration and processing deformation.

Secondly, the selection of process parameters should be based on material properties, tool performance, and machining environment. Cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut need to be optimized to ensure machining efficiency and surface quality.

The feasibility of the machining path and process parameters is verified through CNC simulation analysis, and the best results are realized through feedback adjustment. Reasonable structural design and process parameters not only improve machining accuracy and quality but also extend tool life and reduce production costs.

2. Select the appropriate CNC machine tools and tools

  Selection of suitable CNC machine tools and tools in mold manufacturing is crucial and needs to consider processing accuracy, efficiency, and cost.

First of all, to determine the complexity of the mold and the required tolerance range, select CNC machine tools with high rigidity and stability, such as five-axis linkage machining centers, to meet the high precision requirements.

Secondly, choose tools suitable for the material and machining process, such as high-speed steel or carbide tools, to improve the machining efficiency and surface quality. At the same time, pay attention to the wear resistance and service life of the tool, combined with an intelligent software system to optimize the machining parameters to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the production process.

3. Reasonable planning of the machining path

In CNC programming, in-depth analysis and understanding of the geometry of the mold is required to determine the best machining path. By carefully planning the machining path, the path length of tool movement can be minimized, reducing unnecessary downtime.

This planning needs to take into account the distribution of cutting forces and cutting heat, especially when machining harder materials. Reasonable machining path planning can balance these factors and avoid problems such as localized overheating, deformation, or fracture of the material.

In addition, reasonable machining path planning also needs to consider the quality requirements of the mold surface. In mold manufacturing, the surface of the mold usually needs to be finely processed to meet certain precision and finish requirements.

By optimizing the machining path, the surface quality can be maximized, avoiding unnecessary repeated processing or grinding, thus improving processing efficiency and quality.
Reasonable planning of the machining path is one of the important application strategies of CNC machining technology in mold manufacturing.

By optimizing the machining path, the tool downtime and cutting time can be reduced to improve machining efficiency and quality. Comprehensive consideration of cutting force, cutting heat, and surface quality requirements can maximize the demand for mold manufacturing.

4. Strengthen tool management

  Firstly, it is necessary to reasonably select the tool material according to the specific needs of mold manufacturing to ensure the matching of cutting force and thermal conductivity, to ensure a stable cutting effect.

Secondly, the design of a reasonable tool structure is essential, according to the shape and size of the processing to choose the appropriate tool angle and length, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of processing. Regular maintenance and replacement of tools is also a key step, through regular inspection and replacement of badly worn tools, machining quality and efficiency can be maintained.

In addition, reasonable tool storage and layout are also an important part of tool management. Planning the storage location and categorizing different types and sizes of tools will help to improve efficiency and reduce time wastage. Strengthening tool management is one of the important strategies in mold manufacturing, which can improve machining quality and efficiency and enhance competitiveness.

5. Strengthen CNC programming skills training

  Establish a set of systematic training plans, including training content, mode, time, and other aspects, to ensure that all employees can obtain the necessary CNC programming skills training. 

Firstly, select professional CNC programming trainers with sufficient practical experience and theoretical knowledge to effectively teach CNC programming skills.

Secondly, provide practical training sites and advanced CNC machining equipment, so that employees can practice in a real working environment and enhance their practical skills. At the same time, the establishment of an online learning platform, providing teaching videos, learning materials, and practice questions, employees can learn independently according to their time and progress, to enhance the flexibility of learning.

The training process focuses on practical case analysis, combined with the production environment to explain the problem, and to help employees better understand the application of CNC programming and solutions.

Finally, adequate programming practice opportunities are provided, such as simulated programming competitions or participation in actual project programming, to continuously improve programming skills and levels.

Through such training and learning, it can improve programming efficiency and accuracy, promote the application level of CNC machining technology in the field of mold manufacturing, and bring higher competitiveness and development potential for the enterprise.

Conclusion

  In conclusion, CNC machining technology has a broad prospect and important significance in mold manufacturing. However, there are still challenges in the practical application, such as high cost and technical requirements. 

Therefore, while promoting the application of CNC machining technology, there is a need for continuous technical improvement and innovation to meet the needs of mold manufacturing. It is believed that through further research and practice, CNC machining technology will play a greater role in mold manufacturing and make a greater contribution to the development of the mold industry.

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