Automation in toolmaking

Among mold manufacturers, the introduction of precision and high-performance molds has led to ever higher quality requirements in recent years.

The precision of the shape is determined by the dimensional accuracy of the electrode. It is therefore critical to make accurate measurements of the size and shape of the electrode before mold processing. Changyuan Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (CHYUAN) from China specializes in designing and manufacturing automotive injection molds. With a planned production capacity of 450 million molds, the company is one of the largest individual manufacturers of automotive injection molds in northern China.

To produce precision molds more efficiently, CHYUAN has launched a fully automated production line for electrodes and mold inserts at its new plant. This enables the integration of dismantling, processing, inspection, repair and offline processes for the electrodes. Since the measurement system used is the key to optimal quality assurance, CHYUAN prefers the use of coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). These offer a very effective method for measuring and recording dimensional data. In this way, a CMM can replace a variety of tools for measuring surface quality and expensive combined gauges. In addition, the coordinate measuring machine reduces the time required for complex measurements from hours to minutes and guarantees both the efficiency and accuracy of measuring the size, shape and position tolerance of the electrodes.

CHYUAN relies on WENZEL coordinate measuring machines XOrbit 77 and LHF 2517. The numbers represent the measurement volume in the X and Z axes of 700 mm x 700 mm or 2500 mm x 1700 mm. The xOrbit was seamlessly integrated into the production line for electrodes and mold inserts in 2019* for automated 3D coordinate measurement. The CNC portal measuring device is ideally suited for the shop floor environment and can be equipped with switching, measuring and optical sensors. The xOrbit offers excellent value for money with high mechanical precision and low operating costs.

The decision for WENZEL was made after a strict selection process. Mr. Quan, quality manager at CHYUAN, states the reasons: “First, our automated production line requires a very stable measuring machine. With WENZEL measuring devices, the air bearing guides are integrated into the granite base plate. The three axes are uniformly made of granite and the surface is lapped by hand with high precision. This ensures excellent long-term stability.

Second, WENZEL has a sophisticated automatic testing system for electrodes, which can automatically load and unload various workpieces, automatically identify, recognize and interpret test results, and automatically save measurement results. Before making the purchase, our technicians traveled to a well-known mold manufacturing company in Europe to see the successful use of WENZEL's measurement solution live on site. The high measurement throughput and excellent stability of the measuring machines finally convinced us. ”

Quan goes on to say that operators are very satisfied with the solution as the CMMs are intuitive and easy to use. He is also impressed by the service: “WENZEL always puts the customer first and strives to deliver the most cost-effective solutions.” For Quan, it is clear that both companies are down-to-earth and share a common vision. He is pleased to continue a cooperative and successful partnership.