Page 11 - Die_and_Molds_User_Guide_7861458_2017

Cutting Tools in

Die and Mold Industry

In die and mold manufacturing, there are different machining operations: cutting (milling, drilling,
reaming, etc.), abrasive machining (grinding, polishing, honing, etc.) and EDM. Even water jet
cutting is used by die and mold makers. However, metal cutting remains to be the predominant
method of die and mold production.

Dies and molds have different shapes and sizes, varying from small to large. In many cases
machining dies and molds requires removing a large amount of material. A typical machining
process contains rough and finish cutting operations. The main parameter for rough machining
with a large stock allowance is metal removal rate, while for finishing, the most important factors
are accuracy and surface finish.

For the development of machine tools, CNC control and CAD/CAM systems cardinally changed
the die and mold industry by giving the die and mold maker new methods of multi-axis machining
and introducing advanced computer techniques of machining simulation and verification. Modern
cutting strategies, such as high speed machining (HSM), high feed milling (HFM) and trochoidal
milling have penetrated into die and mold production. Machining hard materials, long tool life,
stability, reliability and high performance intended for reducing or even full elimination EDM and
manual polishing – only the tool that meets these requirements can be considered a passport to
success in productive and effective die and mold making.

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Die and Mold