steven's blog for plastic mold and plastic molding

The Mound Laser and Photonics Center - MLPC (Miamisburg, OH) recently developed a technique for using an Nd: YAG laser marking system to engrave EDM electrodes. It has done engraving in graphite such as Poco EDM-3 with excellent results, achieving depths of up to 0.045". Graphite is an excellent absorber of the Nd:YAG laser radiation and consequently can be engraved deeply. Metal electrodes (e.g., copper and NAK-55) also can be engraved to a depth of about 0.010" to 0.015", but it takes considerably longer. The advantages of laser engraving are described below. Variety of Engraving The laser can engrave numbers, letters and graphics such as logos. The characters can be engraved in normal orientation or in reverse. The artwork can be deep engraved into the EDM electrode or left standing - depending on requirements. Detailed Artwork Detailed artwork from a customer can be converted for use in the laser in as little as five to 10 minutes, if a good electronic file is availa...

Table Of Content: General: 1.1 Basic information Control of tool building progress Packaging and transportation Product Responsibility Flow diagram 1.2 Documents Drawings / CAD-files Moldflow report Preliminary Tool Drawings Final Tool drawings Progress reports Trial reports Cooling plan Hot-runner plan Hydraulic plan Checklist A General Technical Information: Tool Construction Tool base design Steel quality and Heat Treatment Screw bolds Tool centring and Tool Clamping Inter Locks Hoisting holes and lifting bolts Hoisting blocks Isolating plates Lubrication and cavity protection Date stamps and recycling inserts Painting Tool marking Cavity and Core Cavity/Core Marking Texture Coatings Cooling-connectors principles Venting O-rings Guiding Welding in Cavity and Core Shrinkage allowance Hot-runner Hot-runner Suppliers Principle of Hot-runner systems Principle of wire connections Heating central nozzle Cams and Slides Ejection Dismantling of Tool Spare Parts Switches Remarks General: 1.1...