Machining is a process that helps us manufacture goods. It does so by working on the parent material and taking away parts of it through manual instructions. With the evolution in technology, we now have CNC machining. CNC or Computer Numerical Control Machining is done by programming the software used in the machining process.
CNC Machining plays a great role in modern-day manufacturing. It has applications in industries ranging from electronics, aerospace, automotive, military, and die and mould manufacturing.
What are Dies and Moulds?
Dies and moulds are things we have all used as children too but in a kid-friendly manner with play-doh! Both dies and moulds are tools used in manufacturing that shape the goods being produced. Different processes like stamping and forming are used to form the parent material into the finished good.
Dies are typically used to shape sheet metal whereas moulds are typically used with molten casting metal or resin or plastic.
While the dies and moulds help us manufacture goods, where does die and mould manufacturing happen? That’s where CNC machining comes into the picture.
Before we get there, let us understand the needs and challenges of die mould manufacturing,
- Die mould manufacturing is capital-intensive
- Lack of skilled people in the die mould manufacturing industry
- High precision and tolerant machining required
Role of CNC Machining in Die Mould Manufacturing
The precision required for die mould manufacturing can only be achieved through CNC precision machining. The metals and materials required for it are not found as easily, and therefore it’s important to get it right with a higher tolerance. CNC machining also gives consistency in addition to tolerance, precision, and repeatability.
This kind of quality and consistency is paramount in die mould manufacturing. EDM or Electrical Discharge Machining is used heavily in die mould manufacturing. Wire Die EDM uses an electro-thermal process that heats the wire and lets it cut through the metal.
Wire Die EDM creates an electrical discharge between the parent metal and the wire to create heat and ultimately, the end product. Another method used is called the Die Sinker EDM. It uses the parent metal and the wire as well, but it is submerged in insulating liquids. The liquid used in Die Sinker EDM for insulation is usually oil or dielectric water.
There are many sophisticated machines that exist in the market for die mould manufacturing. Some of these world-class CNC precision machinery we have here at Phillips India. From Phillips Turning and Phillips Grinding to Phillips Milling, we have all your CNC machining requirements covered for die mould manufacturing.
We also offer, with official partnership, the Haas VM2 machinery that is a “complete package” having high 12000 RPM, two X- and Y-axis slots, spindle orientation, auto-air gun, micros, 1Gb memory, ethernet, and proprietary software and controllers. To know all the technical and commercial highlights of the Haas VM2, you can watch this video by Phillips India here.
After knowing so much about the die and mould industry, it is amply clear that mass production can not happen without dies and moulds. And, die and mould manufacturing can not exist without CNC precision machining!
Also Read: CNC Laser Cutting Applications in Electronics Industries