Product category:
Mould and die making, machining, CAD/CAM, software
News Release from: Trumpf | Subject: PowerWeld HL124P mould tool repair system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 March 2003
Laser repairs keep moulding tools in
trim
Using an Nd:YAG laser to repair mould tool edges by the controlled micro-deposition of a filler material means that a rotary switch manufacturer's tooling is always ready for use.
By using a Trumpf PowerWeld HL124P, Worksop-based Moeller Manufacturing has created a win-win situation that pleases both their customers and their financial director They supply a wide range of rotary switches on short delivery times with a minimum of stockholding
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 Jun 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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In this lean environment tooling must therefore always be ready to use, and premature wear, or accidental damage to a key injection moulding tool can play havoc with typical end-product delivery times of only 2 or 3 days.
With their PowerWeld, Moeller are always now only minutes away from being able to use any tool - even if it needs repairing first ! The Trumpf PowerWeld machine range has been specifically developed to enable mould tools to be repaired with a previously unattainable speed and quality.
PowerWeld is a self-contained, small footprint machine that uses an NdYAG laser to repair mould tool edges by the controlled micro-deposition of a filler material.
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Not only is it fast, precise and predictable, but it is 'minimally intrusive' and therefore will not thermally distort delicate tooling elements or metallurgically alter the parent metal.
According to Moeller's MD David Howell, installation and integration were quick and easy - as was the training in this new technology.
He states:- "Our existing TIG welders picked it up in '5-minutes' and they like it - because its much easier to use." The in-built fume extraction and particulate filtration create a clean working environment, and adjustable chair and armrest lead to fatigue-free operation.
The work is viewed through a 25x magnification stereo-microscope, enabling precise targeting of the worn or damaged area of the tool.
The work-piece can easily be moved by small, precise amounts because the work-table surface is air-cushioned; movement is controlled by either joy-stick or CNC, the latter providing a unidirectional, controlled straight-line feed.
Process parameters can be selected by a display and keypad, and can be saved for use on repeat operations.
Apart from the speed, precision, and overall predictability of the operation, one of the biggest benefits to Moeller has been is the virtual elimination of follow-on hand-work or dressing.
According to David Howell:- "Subsequent dressing takes only 'a couple of minutes' with a diamond file - in fact the total time to repair a 50mm long worn tool edge is no more than 5 minutes!" Instead of hours - or even days; Moeller are now only minutes away from being able to use any tool, even if it needs refurbishing first - a win-win situation that surely satisfies both the FD and the customer. Request a free brochure from Trumpf ...
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