Today’s new mold manufacturing technologies
Today’s technology is developing very rapidly, especially in the field of mold making. The use of modern technologies makes production fast, accurate and cost-effective. In this context, exhibitions and fairs on mold manufacturing technology and mechanical processing are becoming an important place to introduce, exchange experiences and update the latest trends of the industry. And among them, METALEX Vietnam 2024 is considered a worth-waiting event in this field.
1. What is mold manufacturing?
1.1. Concept
Mold making is the process of manufacturing precision molds or cutting tools to produce products of the correct shape and size as required. Current mold manufacturing technology uses advanced methods such as CNC mold processing, NC machines or using laser engraving technology. Mold mechanical engineers need to have professional knowledge of mechanics, materials, machining techniques as well as use fabrication technologies to produce products accurately and in accordance with customer requirements.
1.2. Today’s situation
The mold processing industry in Vietnam has many development opportunities with increasing demand in many manufacturing industries. Mold manufacturing is considered as an auxiliary industry that is fundamental to modern industrial development. However, along with the positive development, the mold processing industry also faces many limitations, especially at the human and technological level. This industry requires a high level of manpower, complex techniques and high precision.
Therefore, for development, investment in human resource training and technical improvement is necessary. In addition, mold manufacturing technology is also in a slow transfer process and lack of synchronization in investment in machinery and equipment. In addition, the uneven distribution of mold manufacturing and manufacturing units also leads to an imbalance in the general mold development situation in Vietnam.
2. Popular mold manufacturing technologies in Vietnam
2.1. Traditional mold manufacturing technology
Traditional mold manufacturing technology is a method of making molds by hand or with simple mechanical tools. Technicians use mechanical tools such as knives, files, combs, pedals, brooms, shovels, pestles, hammers … to make molds.
This method has the advantage of low investment cost, suitable for small-scale production facilities and does not require mold manufacturing with high precision. However, they have limitations in accuracy and relatively long mold production time compared to modern mold fabrication methods.
2.2. CAD/CAM – CNC mold manufacturing technology
CAD/CAM – CNC (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing – Computer Numerical Control) mold manufacturing technology is a popular mold manufacturing method used in Vietnam. This technology uses CAD software to design molds on a computer, then uses CAM software to generate G-code (instruction set format for CNC machines) from CAD models.
The G-code is then sent to the CNC machine to perform the cutting, drilling, grinding and machining of mold parts from materials such as metal, plastic, wood, etc. The mold manufacturing process by CAD / CAM – CNC technology ensures high accuracy and minimizes errors due to human intervention.
This technology can be applied to a wide variety of molds, from simple products to complex ones with high precision. However, the initial investment cost for CAD/CAM machinery and software is quite expensive, so it is often used in large mold manufacturing companies and has large production needs.
2.3. Mold manufacturing technology through NC machine
NC (Numerical Control) mold manufacturing technology is one of the modern mold manufacturing technologies, allowing design engineers to create 3D molds through CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. After that, the molds are transferred to CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) programs to control the CNC machine to perform fabrication. CNC machines use computer technology to drive the motors to create molds with high precision and good reusability.
However, compared with CAD/CAM – CNC mold manufacturing technology, the technology adopts NC machines with lower manufacturing accuracy and speed, due to the use of older generation CNC machines and older measuring equipment.
2.4. Mold manufacturing technology using CNC machines
Mold fabrication using CNC machines is a more advanced technology than mold manufacturing technology through NC machines. This technology is often used in mass production plants with high precision requirements for the size and shape of products.
This fabrication technology uses CNC machines that operate based on previously designed CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawings. CNC machines use cutters or sets of drill bits to touch molds and remove unnecessary materials. This helps to create molds with high precision and fine detail.
One advantage of mold manufacturing technology using CNC machines is the ability to produce molds with high precision and faster speed than other technologies. However, it requires a large initial investment to purchase CNC equipment, as well as skilled and experienced personnel to operate and repair the equipment.
2.5. Laser mold engraving technology
Laser mold engraving technology is a new mold manufacturing method and is widely applied in manufacturing fields such as casting, stamping, pressing and precision mechanical processing. Using laser marking machines to create molds ensures higher accuracy and speed than traditional methods.
Laser marking machines are used to engrave mold fabrication directly on sheets of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium and other types of metals. The machine is capable of producing small parts and high precision, and can engrave complex shapes and convert from CAD/CAM files.
However, laser mold engraving technology has the disadvantage that the investment cost for machines and equipment is quite high. At the same time, if the correct process and technique are not implemented, laser engraving can cause many problems such as creating holes and crevices in the mold surface, affecting the final product quality.
3. METALEX Vietnam 2024
METALEX Vietnam 2024 is an international exhibition on metal production and precision processing technology and equipment. This exhibition will take place from October 02 to 04, 2024 at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
METALEX Vietnam 2024 is an important and attractive event for businesses in the field of metal production and precision processing. At the exhibition, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and industry experts will display and showcase the latest products, equipment and technologies. In addition, the exhibition also provides opportunities for businesses to find partners, establish relationships and learn about new trends in the industry.
At the same time, METALEX Vietnam 2024 also provides manufacturers and industry experts with a forum to exchange, learn and discuss important issues related to metal production and precision processing.
The main topics of METALEX Vietnam 2023 include: metalworking machinery and equipment, precision processing machinery and equipment, dynamic processing machinery and equipment, auxiliary equipment and materials, interior machinery and equipment, measuring and quality control equipment, CAD/CAM software, robotics and automation, and new technology products and solutions in the industry.
4. Summary
The current mold manufacturing technology or mold processing has many developments and applications in production, especially in the field of mechanical industry. Among them, technologies such as traditional mold manufacturing, CAD/CAM – CNC mold manufacturing, mold manufacturing through NC machines, mold manufacturing using CNC machines and laser mold engraving are commonly used in Vietnam. In addition, METALEX Vietnam 2023 will be an opportunity for enterprises in the mold industry to learn, exchange experiences and update the latest technologies, contributing to improving the competitiveness of the mold manufacturing industry in Vietnam.
