Mold Cooling Strategies
Next Chapter Manufacturing
Tooling to Production Simplified: The most efficient tooling in the industry
We get it, cycle time might not be the pressing issue, but what about part quality? As additive manufacturing continues to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape, it is imperative we address the challenges you face with adopting conformal cooling in your molds. This month we will look at strategies for getting the most out of your cooling in your molds, ensuring consistent savings and operations for years down the road. We know that cycle time is important however part quality is just as important to hit the tolerances and cosmetic requirements shot after shot.
Subtractive or Additive?
One of the biggest myths in additive tooling is that everything touching plastic needs to be done with additive manufacturing. Simulations provide a comparison between conventional milled and drilled waterlines and conformal cooling as well as finding out which cooling circuit can remain subtractive machined and which is most optimal with additive manufacturing and conformal cooling. The usual outcome is that a combination of both subtractive and additive provides the most efficient way of effectively cooling the mold to maintain desired cycle time and quality expectations.
Conventional and Conformal Simulations: Shows the elimination of warp, gate blush, and a reduction of cycle time by 40%
More Complexity = Harder to Cool.
The complexity of part geometry plays a significant role in determining the most suitable cooling method. Whether you are dealing with flat and long geometries or intricate contours and rounded shapes, evaluating the geometry can help you decide between conventional drilling and the benefits of conformal cooling. Making the right choice ensures effective cooling without compromising on quality.
Baffles and Bubblers
To achieve consistent cooling in standing steel areas like cores and ribs, consider the utilization of baffles and bubblers. These solutions might help, but complexity in mold design continues to rise from customers' needs daily. This demand drives the need for innovative conformal cooling solutions that can eliminate hot spots, maintain temperature uniformity, and enhance overall part quality.
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More than just Squiggly Lines.
When implementing conformal cooling, one of the challenges is to effectively route cooling from the mold's exterior to the embedded inserts. At NXCMFG we ensure each circuit is balanced for consistent cooling flow. By optimizing circuits, you can eliminate dead spots and achieve an optimal cooling distribution.
Below is an article on how to maintain your conformal cooling channels!
At Next Chapter Manufacturing, we're dedicated to supporting your additive manufacturing journey with innovative solutions and guidance. By embracing design considerations, analyzing part geometry, leveraging cooling solutions, optimizing circuits, and simplifying maintenance procedures, you'll unlock the true potential of additive tooling for remarkable outcomes.
Comment down below how you are supplying cooling to your tooling.
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