CNC machining is known as computer numerical control manufacturing , a very useful manufacturing process in the injection mould making process. We use CNC machining to manufacture mold core, mold cavity, and other mold components. In today’s mold making technology, no mold can be manufactured without a CNC machining process.
A CNC machining uses a pre-programmed computer software to dictate the movement of the machine. As CNC machining offers accurate, high efficiency, and labor-saving, this is why it’s widely used to make mold tool for nearly 100 years.
In order to deliver a better machining result, we imported most advanced high speed of 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machines from Switzerland, Germany, and Japan. At present, we have 5 sets of ordinate CNC, 3 sets of 4-axis CNC, and 1 set of 5-axis CNC.
Our CNC programming and operation staff are professional trained with over 15 years of solid experience. We will choose proper machining tool, reasonable working routine, and appropriate speed. Ensuring the machined mold parts will be accurate, smooth, and neat.
As we know, EDM is a well-known manufacturing process to obtain desired shape by using electrical discharges to remove material from work piece. However the discharges requires a high electric voltage, workpiece-electrode(made of copper), and steel piece. This is why we need to machine a workpiece-electrode first.
All of mold manufacturers have to outsource mold steel and mold base, however a direct outsourcing mold base does not include mold locating features on the four corners, as well recessed slots for core and cavity block. So when we received mold base from our mold base supplier, we will have to use CNC reworking it immediately.
Mold cavity and core are the most key components of a mold tool, because they are used to form a product shape. When we received mold steel from our supplier, our CNC department will arrange a CNC milling process immediately. The first thing is to have a CNC programmer which guide the manufacturing process automatically. For different mold quality requirements, our CNC operators will choose proper CNC machines as it will deliver different manufacturing result. Basically, we use high speed CNC machine for export mold, and use medium speed CNC machine for production mold.
Most of slider and lifter should be manufactured by wire cutting machine, however the forming surface of slider and lifter must be machined by CNC or EDM process. If any EDM process needed, we will keep 0.2~0.5mm remain on the work piece. Compared to mold cavity and core, it takes much less time to manufacture slider and lifter.
You might notify some plastic parts come with logo or text injection molded, which was designed by injection mold itself. So during the CNC machining process, we will use a CNC engrave machine to achieve them. Most of time, we prefer to make a small insert with logo or text and fit into mold cavity or core, in this way, it’s much easier for repair or interchangeable work.
