Photo Credit: OSG USA Inc.

OSG USA Inc. has released the latest edition of its Tooling Solutions Product Catalog in print and in digital versions. The 1700-page catalog edition includes more than 60 new list numbers of the company’s current cutting tool additions for automotive, aerospace, medical, and die and mold industries, to name a few. 

In addition to new list numbers, the Tooling Solutions Product catalog offers readers a refreshed design. Improved PDF usability makes bookmarks, in-document shortcuts and item links to the website, possible. QR codes enable more accessiblity when it comes to product series details and videos. Stock status columns help customers more easily identify product availability.

The catalog can be accessed digitally on osgtool.com. Customers may also request a free hard copy by contacting OSG customer service at 1-800-837-2223, or may order it online by visiting osgtool.com/Literature/Order.

OSG is a manufacturer of taps, end mills, drills and indexable cutting tools. Its extensive line of high technology cutting tools features exclusive metallurgy, cutting geometries and proprietary surface treatments to help increase productivity, reliability and tool life. OSG also serves the fastener industry by offering a complete line of thread-rolling, flat, cylindrical, planetary and trim dies. 

Photo Credit: Lyndex-Nikken

To solve manufacturers’ challenges of having poor surface finish on workpieces, or having to frequently change collet chucks, which increases downtime, Lyndex-Nikken has designed its SK collet chucks with accuracy and precision in mind. The design of the SK collet chuck provides increased rigidity and gripping force as well as the ability to reach tight spaces via its narrow body design, making it ideal for machining complex parts, such as molds and dies.

A custom heat treatment, grinding and slotting process enables Lyndex-Nikken to guarantee a 5 µm runout tolerance for its “on size” fractional and metric size precision collets. Moreover, a titanium nitride bearing nut improves rigidity — the gold ring reduces collet damage and micro vibration with the collet flange and eliminates friction with the collet. It improves the cutting rigidity and the quality of the cut compared to traditional collet chucks, according to the company.

The taper angle also provides increased gripping power. The SK collet chuck’s 8-degree collet sits deeper in the body of the holder, providing double the clamping force and precision than traditional 16-degree collets.

Lydex-Nikken’s SK collet chuck is versatile, applicable for all milling, drilling, reaming and rigid tapping applications. It covers sizes from 0.028-1" and offers 0.0002" or less concentricity with one-size collets. Moreover, it’s said to be 2X more accurate than ER collet chucks, within 10X optimized repeatability.

SK collet chucks are also available in Taper Plus which combines taper accuracy with flange rigidity. Additionally, SK collet chucks are available with coolant thru options — a high-pressure coolant collet system that allows for higher accuracy and gripping torque.

“Clear to pay” project dashboard. Photo Credit: CaptureMore LLC

CaptureMore LLC, the creators of the CaptureAssets tool tracking app, has released a new feature on its platform to help mold builders get paid on time for tooling.

With this new feature, suppliers can now track payment term schedules for their tools and easily notify their customers when tooling payment requirements have been achieved and are “clear to pay.” The feature comes equipped with an easy-to-use dashboard, status indicators, assigned approvals and automated notifications to make communicating payment milestones simple. It also links to the CaptureAssets Digital Tool Book, making the submission of tooling information such as tool designs, BOMs, pictures, videos, etc. a seamless process.

“Tooling payments often get delayed because companies are not on top of the payment milestone schedule, and don’t have their information organized,” notes Sean Brolley, vice president of sales and marketing at CaptureMore. “We help suppliers track changes to the payment schedules and package up the required information, creating a transparent approval process to get paid on time.”

Photo Credit: Edro Engineering and Specialty Steels LLC

Edro Engineering and Specialty Steels, an exclusive distributor of Bohler tool steels, highlights Bohler M789 AMPO, a newly developed maraging stainless steel powder designed for additive manufacturing (AM) applications.

Bohler M789 AMPO combines the mechanical properties of maraging 300 steel with the corrosion resistance of 17-4 PH stainless steel. Edro says the patented grade can be easily printed without preheating and can achieve a high hardness of 52 HRC with easy heat treatment. Bohler M789 AMPO also has excellent polishability which makes it the ideal choice for conformal cooling inserts in plastic injection molding and in any other application where high hardness and corrosion resistance is required.

For more information please visit Edro.com.

Rocklin Manufacturing introduces the MobiLase laser cleaner, a portable fiber laser cleaner housed in an all-in-one, 60-lb rolling suitcase. The 100-watt fiber laser rapidly removes rust, paint, oil, grease, dirt and more by cleaning the material or coating while not disrupting the part itself.

Unlike less efficient cleaning alternatives, there is no need for grinding, blasting, solvents, water or chemicals via the MobiLase dry laser cleaning process. Simply point the 1.4-lb handheld applicator at the surface and move the laser where a clean surface is wanted. The short pulse duration combined with a small output beam diameter delivers precise surface-level cleaning.

Photo Credit: Rocklin Manufacturing

There are few settings on the accompanying wireless device, enabling simple programming either wirelessly or offline as desired. The cleaning process is started by double clicking a trigger on the handheld applicator, while laser glasses, gloves and fume extraction options are available for added safety protection. The fiber laser source is rated for up to 100,000 hours of use with minimal maintenance required, and the MobiLase is fully supported out of Sioux City, Iowa.

Photo Credit: Nikon Metrology

Nikon Metrology has launched three new models in its VOXLS range of X-ray computed tomography (CT) systems for nondestructive inspection. The 30 Series is designed for users looking for an automation-ready system with the versatility to meet a wide range of industrial applications.

The VOXLS 30 C 225, 30 C 320 and 30 C 450 models have maximum source energies of 225 kV, 320 kV and 450 kV, respectively, for examining parts of various densities and sizes. They also have a more compact footprint than Nikon’s 40 Series while maintaining advanced features traditionally exclusive to larger, more expensive solutions.

The systems are designed for automated operations across the production sector, especially for quality control. The automotive, aerospace, medical and pharmaceutical industries are additional target markets.

At the core of this series is a metrology-grade, granite-based manipulator coupled with rigid steel towers, which provides a thermally stable and solid construction. High-precision motors, ballscrew drives and encoders provide precise positioning and accurate movement of all axes, including the synchronous vertical motion of the X-ray sources and detectors.

The 30 Series systems feature extensive CT acquisition technologies and reconstruction algorithms, including X.Tend Helical CT, Offset.CT, Panel Shift, Pixel Split CT, Half.Turn CT and Tilted CT.

According to Nikon, the 30 Series’ 225 kV model offers an industry-leading scan volume within its size class, while all models offer maximum scanning volumes of more than 600 mm in diameter by more than one meter high. 

The 30 Series cabinets utilize a manipulator-interlocked, glass outer door to give the operator visibility into the enclosure when the inner radiation safety doors are open. This design enables confident positioning of the scan object, minimizing the risk of collision with the X-ray source and detector while also providing a physical safety barrier between the operator and the moving manipulator. Multiple internal, high-resolution video cameras provide a view even with the inner radiation safety doors shut and X-rays on. 

Photo Credit: Hasco hot runner

Data management of existing molds has always been an important aspect when considering the maintenance, repairs and ordering of spare parts. Hasco hot runner announces that it is now bringing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to hot runner systems. With the launch of the Mould Tag A5910, an in-house-adapted variant of the company’s original Mould Tag, all newly ordered hot halves and wired systems will now come integrated with this RFID technology feature, enabling an updated and clear display of all relevant data for the hot runner system directly on a smartphone.

The novel Mould Tag is provided with an RFID chip to enable the easy and reliable digitalization of original Hasco standard mold units in injection molding tools. Whereas bar codes or QR codes can be easily copied, the Mould Tag is reported to offer unambiguous identification with forgery-proof certification of origin.

As with the original Hasco Mould Tag, which allows direct access to all relevant product information — order reference, product category, product type, material number or maximum mold size in order to ensure correct installation of the mold units — the stored data can also always be kept up to date with hot runner systems. This means that should changes come about through reconstruction, they are directly adjusted in the system and are thus available in an updated version without any need for the customer to intervene. This excludes any possibility of confusion after buying replacements for worn parts.

The Mould Tag app not only contains part lists or specifications of the systems, Hasco notes. It’s also possible to download or dispatch assembly drawings in a PDF format or 3D constructions of the entire system. An expansion of the Mould Tag as with a USB storage medium, for example, is not necessary. 

To use the RFID technology on newly ordered hot halves, customers can download the Hasco app, click “NFC Scan” and moves the NFC-capable end device close to the Mould Tag; from there, all data about the hot runner system can be called up directly.

Photo Credit: Moldex3D

Moldex3D plastic injection molding simulation software is proficient at achieving the levels of precision, efficiency and innovation required for injection moldmaking. It finds widespread application across diverse industries, from automotive and electronics to consumer goods and medical devices, serving as a critical enabler in crafting high-performance molds.

Moldex3D boasts state-of-the-art simulation capabilities that empower moldmakers to visualize and analyze the entire injection molding process. This includes predicting potential defects, optimizing gate locations and assessing the impact of various design parameters on final product quality.

The software’s virtual prototyping functionality also enables users to identify and rectify potential issues before physical mold production begins. This not only saves time but reduces costly errors and material waste, contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Moldex3D incorporates a comprehensive material database, allowing users to accurately simulate the behavior of various thermoplastics during the molding process. This ensures that the chosen materials meet the performance criteria required by specific end markets.

The CAE software facilitates the optimization of cooling systems within molds, a critical factor in achieving uniform part quality and minimizing cycle times. Moldex3D’s advanced algorithms assist in designing an efficient cooling strategy to enhance productivity.

Finally, Moldex3D promotes collaboration among design, engineering and manufacturing teams. The software provides a platform for seamless communication and data sharing, fostering a holistic approach to moldmaking.

Enhanced .dfx format support. Photo Credit: SprutCAM

CAD/CAM/OLP software company SprutCAM Tech announces the release of version 17.0.11 for SprutCAM X and SprutCAM X Robot, software that provides offline features for programming various CNC machines used for cutting, wire electrical discharge, as well as two-, three- and and multi-axial machining. Use of industrial robots can enable more efficient production of products and parts with complex surfaces, such as molds. This update introduces a host of enhancements, compatibility with Moka robots and bug fixes. 

SprutCAM X now enables users to import sketches in .dxf format and seamlessly convert them into sketches within the built-in 3D CAD module. This enhancement facilitates the creation of 3D models of parts for machining projects based on imported sketches.

Moka industrial robots — hollow welding, handling, loading and unloading robots, robots for die-casting and grinding, stamping robots, etc. — have also been added to MachineMaker, the application for creating digital twins of equipment in SprutCAM X Robot. The components library now includes the following Moka robot models: MR07S-930, MR08-1840, MR10L-2050, MR10Z-1440, MR12-2010, MR12Z-1550, MR20-1800, MR20E-1840, MR25ED and MR30-1700.

Updates include improved smart hints for roughing and finishing waterlines, 2D contouring and pocketing operations for a more user-friendly experience. Moreover, the company has updated the list of operations for the 2.5D milling configuration and added chamfering and 2.5D contouring operations to the cutting configuration for robotic machining.

More user interface settings include updates to the font size in the CLData Viewer (postprocessor debugging application) interface, and to the Approach/Return tab in G-code based operations.

Also read, “Robotic Programming Suite Introduces Enhanced Functionalities, Improvements.”

Source: PCS Company

PCS Company’s MCS Hot Runner Control Systems use the latest technology to accelerate temperature control precisely and effortlessly. Featuring fast control behavior and optimized intuitive operation, the system is said to bring controller functions that even untrained users can operate safely and confidently.

“The fast control response makes the MCS Hot Runner Control System universally effective for the control of all standard hot runner systems, as well as for demanding high-performance applications with slim nozzles of low mass,” Derrick Jones, PCS Company VP of sales, notes. “Integrated interfaces optimize communication between the controller and the injection molding machine, enabling comprehensive support and error detection functions to provide immediate feedback in the way of analysis, diagnoses and reports for users, helping to reduce costs and downtime.”

Standard controller range for the MCS Hot Runner Control System is 6 to 120 zones. Molders can conveniently access data and control systems on-site or remotely, as needed.

Additional features include leak detection; a softstart function; digital control of inputs; sequentially heat or cool groups of, or individual, zones; tool storage; group heating to prevent thermal imbalance; and zone diagnostics. The systems also enable controlled heating in the event of a thermocouple failure, a service file containing technical data and industry-standard power and thermocouple connectors.

PCS Company provides replacement items and accessories for the MCS Temperature Control Systems from its headquarters in Fraser, Michigan, including HMI touchscreen monitors, various communication cables, floorstands and monitor mounting stands.