What is toolmaking?
Toolmaking encompasses the design, manufacture and maintenance of devices and tools for production. In the context of shaping rubber, plastic or metal, this is also referred to as moulding. Mould making forms the technical backbone of the Series production and has a direct influence on product quality, Cycle time and economic efficiency.
Tasks and importance
Tools in the area of Injection Molding or (Transfer) compression moulding are moulding devices in which a blank (e.g. a Rubber blank or melted plastic granulate) is moulded into the desired geometry under temperature and pressure. The mould construction takes over:
- 3D design using CAD system
- Creation of the tool concept for the integration of Inserts, cooling or ventilation systems
- Selection of materials and finishing steps (e.g. Hardening) of the moulds
- Production of the moulds
- Maintenance and optimisation of existing tools
Tool types in elastomer processing
- Injection moulding toolsComplex tools for parts in large quantities
- Compression moulding tools (Compression moulds): mostly for thick-walled components or composite components
- Transfer toolsCombining the advantages of compression moulding and injection moulding
- Extrusion toolsso-called matrices for continuous profiles or hoses by the metre
Influence on production and quality
A well thought-out mould concept in elastomer production offers the following advantages:
- Optimum mould filling and venting
- Short Cycle times through targeted temperature control
- Long service life and low maintenance costs
- Minimisation of Burr formation and rework