Technology drives die & mould industry

August 11, 2014 12:28 pm

Die and mould industry in today’s era is getting prospered in many ways with the help of technology. This article talks about such important technology drivers
 Today India is considered as one of the fastest growing economies in the world and many foreign companies can be seen investing in Indian projects. No wonder that like many other sectors, die and mould sector is also putting all its efforts to support the precision industries with some advanced technologies and trying to provide the best solutions to meet the ever-increasing requirements.
Let us have a look at these effective technology drivers that are making an impact being a vital part in growth path of the industry.
Technology drivers CNCCNC technology is changing rapidly, and the changes are helping to improve the productivity of machine tools used in the mould industry.
“Faster central processing units (CPUs) are at the heart of many CNC changes,” says Vaibhav Aggarwal, MD, Expo Machine Tools Pvt. Ltd. “However, the improvements go beyond just faster processing, and the speed itself touches on many different CNC advances. With so much that has changed in recent years, it’s worthwhile to present a summary of the state of mould-making CNC technology today.
Linear motorsA machine is only as good as its controller and its motion control system, since it is directly responsible for the movement of the axes.  The linear motor drive system is found to be superior to a rotary motor with ball screw drive system. The linear motor drive system relies on direct feedback from a linear scale for positioning, reporting an exact position and not a theoretical position.
“The linear motors and ceramics have revolutionised the electric discharge machines (EDMs), the V-LINE system in injection moulding machines are all solutions we have developed for solving customers’ problems,” says Ken Takahashi, Managing Director, Sodick Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. “These products are now the source of the competitive strength. Our products find applications in automobile, aerospace, medical, electrical, electronic industries and many more.”
This technology has improved significantly in recent years in both performance and acceptance. Commenting on the trend Mr Aggarwal says, “Every IMTS sees more machining centres offered with linear motors, and to date, Fanuc has shipped more than 1,000 units. Some of the GE Fanuc’s advances have resulted in machine tool linear motors with a maximum force of 15,500 N and a maximum acceleration of 30 G. Other advances have led to smaller size, lighter weight and more efficient cooling.”
It is clear that all of these changes serve to enhance the benefits linear motors offer over rotary motors. These benefits include higher acc/dec rates, superior position control and higher stiffness, improved reliability and inherent dynamic braking.
“Sodick has accumulated a rich portfolio of knowledge and expertise in linear motors including the know-how for the design and production of linear motors, best suited for various types of machines,” believes Mr Takahashi.
Linear motor drive system is simple in mechanism and easy to assemble as well. Moreover, it generates power efficiently due to little energy loss. Some of the more advantages of linear motor drive system are as follows:• High speed and high acceleration control system• Fast response due to no delay of motion control• High accuracy and repeatability when coupled with linear glass scales• Direct drive – no couplings or belts, no back lash or lost motion• No vibration on axes, no sticks-slips• No maintenance and longer life.
Five-axisAs CNCs have become more powerful, CNC manufacturers have been able to add more five-axis features. Capabilities once found only in high-end controls are now available in mid-range products. Most of the features have to do with making five-axis machining easier to use for shops that have little five-axis experience.

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