Molding Machine Planning - DFM Thinking

get hands-on involved in machine assessment

Get a full list of the available machinery at your vendor.

Check the data on tonnage, manufacturer and age.

What machines are planned for YOUR program?

Did anyone from your team inspect the machines on site?
Get eyes-on the equipment that the vendor plans to use on your program.

Warning

Sometimes the trial and testing machinery are different AND of better quality that the planned mass-production machinery.
Be careful out there.

do you have room to do all the things you need to do?

Pay attention to the machine and tool opening sequence information.

Dry run all movements, openings and support equipment in your DFM process. Test things on paper as much as possible.

Is all support equipment included in the DFM planning?

Robots, tables, controller equipment, conveyors. Everything.

Will the part be removed automatically or semi-automatically?

Is there enough daylight opening (between platens) for safe tool functioning?

Check machine capabilities and the opening requirements of your tool.

Do you need extra clearance for robot removal?

Pay attention to all the basics.

This will get you off to the best start.

spend time assessing how your vendor controls their molding process

Try to see the planned equipment running at the beginning of your program. Check your machines running other parts (NDA permitting).

This will help avoid a few sneaky surprises at DVT.

How repeatable is the cushion?

Is the screw recovery stable and smooth?

How is the material feed and drying system?

Is it automated or a bit agricultural?

Spend time on present and practical assessment.

Watch the machine performance for more than 30 minutes.

What else do you notice?