Understanding toolmaking

A toolmaker understands the product design and creates parts, tools, and dies used to produce various parts. In the toolmaking process, many toolmakers use computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided machining tools. For example, if you require a die to cast your new components, the toolmaker will create this die, and if your die has been used for a long time and has become worn out, the toolmaker will repair it. In addition, certain delicate jobs necessitate hand cutting, grinding, and finishing by a toolmaker.

Toolmaking

In general, toolmaking refers to the creation of tooling used in the production of goods. Metal forming rolls, lathe bits, milling cutters, and form tools are all common tools. High precision or machine tools used to manufacture, hold, or test products during their production are examples of toolmaking. Because of the specialised nature of a tool maker’s work, it is frequently necessary to create custom tools or modify standard tools.

Die making

This is a very common and essential type of toolmaking. It entails creating dies for various molten casting processes and casting parts for plastic injection moulding. Then, the toolmaker creates the cast so the production can be repeated numerous times, effortlessly and flawlessly.

The original design of new machines and tools to match the production of a new product design usually involves toolmaking. This includes everything from the initial blueprints to the testing and construction of the tools that a factory will use in production. The toolmaker must understand the assembly process when it comes to parts for large machinery and factory equipment. Once a machine has been fully assembled, the toolmaker will test it to ensure that it can be used as intended.

What is an injection moulding tool?

The tool is a reverse-engineered void in the steel mould used to make a part. Each tool is made of two halves, one fixed and one moving. The mould is formed when these halves are joined together. The mould is then injected with molten plastic, held together by high clamp pressure from the machine. This procedure results in the final plastic product.

The process necessitates extensive knowledge and comprehension of the complexities involved in toolmaking and plastic moulding. A poorly constructed mould can result in lost production time, poorly constructed parts, and, in some cases, field failures.

Because the injection moulding process is intricate, each tool must be custom designed and manufactured. There are no off-the-shelf products available, and each customer has their own set of requirements. As a distinct competitive advantage, most tools/moulds are made with a high level of secrecy and intellectual property. This ensures that when a product is introduced to the market, it has the best possible chance of success.

The toolmaking process begins with a toolset, and each section is essentially a block of steel. The toolmaker then individually machines the plates according to a drawing to create the tool’s components. When the tool is finished, and the first production samples are made, the toolmaker measures all the components to ensure they meet the specifications before undergoing final adjustments and, in some cases, the final stages of polishing. The desired finish determines the time required to polish the part. A mirror polish, for example, can take weeks to complete, whereas a rough polish can be completed in much less time.

Some customers also prefer pre-hardened steel as part of the toolmaking process to avoid damaging specific parts of the tool. This can extend the life of the mould.

Contact Endres Dies & Moulds South Africa for details

If you are looking for toolmaking and moulding services in Johannesburg, Endres Dies & Moulds South Africa, is a leading injection moulding plastic manufacturer with almost 30 years of experience. Our toolmakers are trained in-house and have a minimum of 10 years of experience. In addition, we offer extensive CNC milling services.

Please get in touch with our team today for more information about our toolmaking and moulding services.