Meticulous Craftsmanship: CNC – The Bottleneck in Mold Manufacturing

In the precision world of mold manufacturing, every step is crucial. Once the mold is designed, high-quality steel forms the skeleton, while sophisticated machining technology is the key to giving the mold its soul. Among the many machining methods, CNC (computer numerical control) drilling and milling technology is undoubtedly one of the most widely used and highest-precision processes in modern Mold Manufacturing. Today, let's explore the world of CNC and its secrets in mold processing.

What is CNC?

CNC, or Computer Numerical Control, is a technology that uses computer programs to control machine tools. Simply put, it translates the designed mold drawings into a computer-understandable language. The machine then follows these instructions, automatically and precisely cutting, drilling, and milling the mold parts to complete the process.

CNC machining is the bottleneck of the entire mold manufacturing process. Unreasonable machine tool arrangement (large machines for small parts) and unreasonable processes (CNC machining is also used for parts that can be processed by wire cutting and drilling machines) will lead to low machining efficiency and increased machining costs.

Tool selection:Select appropriate tools according to different materials and processing requirements to ensure processing efficiency and quality.

1. The tool must be clamped securely and should not be too short in the handle.

2. Before each use, check whether the tool meets the requirements. The length of the tool should be determined according to the processing depth indicated in the program sheet. Generally, it should be slightly longer than the processing depth value by 2mm and consider whether the tool handle will collide.

3. When using an extended cable nozzle, you should especially understand the data such as the cutting depth and the required knife length.

4. Before installing the cutter head on the machine, its taper matching position should be wiped clean with a clean cloth, and the corresponding position of the machine tool tool holder should also be cleaned to avoid iron filings on the matching surface that affect the accuracy and damage the machine tool.

5. Usually the tool tip is used to set the tool length (in special cases, the tool center is used for setting). When setting the tool, the program instructions should be carefully checked.

6. When the program is interrupted or the tool must be re-calibrated, attention should be paid to whether the depth can be connected with the previous one. Generally, it can be raised by 0.1mm first, and then adjusted according to the situation.

7. For retractable rotary cutter heads, if water-soluble cutting fluid is used, they should be immersed in lubricating oil for several hours every half month for maintenance to lubricate the internal parts of the cutter head and prevent wear.

8. During the processing, you must pay attention to the wear of the tool and replace the tool grains or tools appropriately. After replacing the tool grains, pay attention to whether the processing boundaries are consistent.

Cutting parameters: Reasonably set parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, cutting depth, etc. to avoid tool wear and workpiece deformation.

Cooling and lubrication: During the processing, sufficient cooling and lubrication should be carried out to reduce the cutting temperature and extend the tool life.