Month: April 2023

SMC mold (sheet molding compound mold) is a plastic mold that will be filled with resin, The compression mold of reinforcing fiber and filler is prefabricated into a sheet, and then the sheet is heated and formed in a hot mold to make a molded part. SMC molds can play an important role in medical applications, such as:

1. Transparent containers: SMC molds can be used to manufacture transparent medical containers, such as test tubes, centrifuge tubes, petri dishes, etc. These vessels have high transparency and optical performance, which can help doctors observe processes such as cell culture, drug response and virus detection. In the manufacturing process, SMC molds can achieve different shapes and sizes through a variety of molding processes, such as stamping molding, injection molding, etc., and can achieve different optical properties through surface treatment, such as polishing, optical coating, etc.
2. Operating bed: The operating bed is another important application field. The shell and base of the operating bed need to have high strength and rigidity to ensure the stability and safety of the operating bed. SMC molds can realize complex shapes and structures through mold design and molding process, and at the same time, fillers and fiber reinforcements can be added to improve strength and rigidity.
3. Hospital beds and wheelchairs: Hospital beds and wheelchairs are also important applications of SMC molds in medicine. The shells and bases of these devices need to be high-strength and lightweight, so that patients and medical staff can move and transport. SMC molds can achieve different shapes and sizes through a variety of molding processes, and fillers and fiber reinforcements can be added to improve strength and lightweight properties.
4. Diagnostic equipment: SMC molds can be used to manufacture shells and structural components of medical diagnostic equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT machines, nuclear magnetic resonance machines, etc. These devices need to have high precision and stability to ensure diagnostic accuracy and safety. SMC molds can realize complex shapes and structures through mold design and molding process, and at the same time, fillers and fiber reinforcements can be added to improve strength and stability. In addition, the surface quality of SMC molds is also very important, and different surface finishes and optical properties can be achieved through a variety of surface treatment technologies, such as grinding, painting, etc.
5. Others: The medical device shell made of SMC mold has a smooth surface, easy to clean, and has high strength and rigidity, which can ensure the stability and safety of the device. The handles and housings of surgical instruments can also be made of SMC molds, which have high strength, rigidity and corrosion resistance, and at the same time have smooth surfaces, which are easy to clean and sterilize. The housing and base of dental equipment can be made of SMC molds, which have high strength and rigidity, and at the same time have a smooth surface, which is easy to clean and disinfect. The housing and structural parts of medical imaging equipment can be made of SMC molds, which have high precision and stability, and at the same time have a smooth surface, which is conducive to optical imaging.

In general, SMC molds can be used to manufacture various parts of medical equipment. The advantages are that the material has the characteristics of high strength, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, etc., as well as good formability and surface quality, as well as good optical properties, and It is also beneficial to the weight reduction of medical equipment and the reduction of manufacturing cost.

MDC Mould is a well-known mold manufacturer at home and abroad. The picture below is the MRI machine Shell Mold made by MDC Mould. The molds developed by our company have the advantages of high difficulty, long life, short cycle time, reasonable price, prompt delivery and considerate service, especially in the field of SMC molds, which are favored by customers at home and abroad. If you have any needs, welcome to contact us.

SMC(sheet molding compound) mould has excellent corrosion resistance, soft quality and easy engineering design, flexible and other advantages. Its mechanical properties can be compared with some metal materials, and the products manufactured by it have the advantages of good rigidity, deformation resistance, and wide temperature range. SMC molds require heating channels instead of cooling channels in injection molds. Normal heating systems are steam, oil, electricity or high pressure water. The working temperature of SMC mold is usually 140 degrees to 160 degrees. When designing the temperature system, it is necessary to keep the mold surface at a close temperature. Molds with uniform temperatures will fill more easily and produce parts with less warpage, improved dimensional stability and a uniform surface appearance.

In the process of mold processing, different mold materials and shapes will affect the heating method, and different heating methods will also have different effects on the performance and processing efficiency of the mold. This article will introduce in detail the common mold heating methods, their respective characteristics, applicable scenarios and their impact on SMC molds.

Electric Heating

Electric heating is a mold heating method commonly used at present. The electrothermal effect occurs on the surface of the mold by electrification, thereby heating the mold. It can be achieved by heating rods, convection heating and other different ways. Electric heating has the advantages of simple operation, fast heating speed, uniform and stable heating temperature, high temperature control accuracy, and no need to wait for heating or cooling time. It is suitable for mold heating of all materials. At the same time, electric heating can also realize the control of different temperature regions through the adjustment of heating elements, so as to realize different processing schemes and patterns. However, electric heating has a relatively large demand for electricity, and the cost of using an electric heater is also relatively high.

Electric heating is often used for heating plastic molds, especially for molds that require high precision, such as SMC molds. Compared with traditional heating methods, electric heating can control the mold temperature more precisely, so that the manufactured molds are more accurate and the shell quality is higher.

For SMC moulds, electric heating can help speed up the mold heating speed and temperature rise, thereby reducing manufacturing time, speeding up production rhythm, and improving production efficiency. performance, thereby ensuring the service life of the mold. Electric heating can also increase the hardness and strength of SMC composites, thereby improving the performance and quality of products. However, there are some factors that need to be paid attention to when using electric heating, such as the reasonable setting of voltage and current, and the control of heating time and temperature, so as to avoid affecting the performance and service life of the mold and damaging the mold.

Steam Heating

Steam heating means that steam is transported into the mold through pipelines for heating. The temperature control of steam heating is more precise, and the heating speed is relatively fast. Steam heating is suitable for molds with complex and irregular shapes and needed temperature is not too high. However, steam heating requires a complete steam pipeline and supporting equipment. This method is more energy efficient than electric heating, but relatively consumes more energy. Steam heating is a commonly used mold heating method. Its basic principle is to use the heat energy of high-temperature and high-pressure steam to contact the mold, thereby increasing the temperature of the mold to meet the processing requirements.

This heating method has the following characteristics:

1. Uniform heating: Steam can be evenly distributed on the surface of the mold, so that the entire mold is heated evenly, avoiding thermal stress caused by excessive temperature gradient.

2. Efficient and safe: The steam heating speed is fast and the efficiency is high. At the same time, because there is no open flame in the steam heating process, it has higher safety.

3. Precise temperature control: When steam is heated, sensors can be used for real-time monitoring and adjustment, so as to achieve precise temperature control.

Steam heating is widely used in plastic molds, die-casting molds, rubber molds, etc., and can also be used for preheating and annealing of metal molds.

For SMC molds, SMC molds are usually made of composite materials, which have high strength and corrosion resistance, but there are also some shortcomings, such as thermal stress and surface adhesion. The uniformity of steam heating and the accuracy of temperature control can effectively solve these problems, avoiding the thermal stress caused by the local temperature being too high or too low during the heating process. At the same time, steam heating can also promote the fluidity of SMC materials, thereby improving the molding quality and production efficiency of products.

Oil Heating

Oil temperature heating, also called heat conduction oil heating. It means that the electric heating tube is placed in the heating oil tank, and the high-temperature heat transfer oil is used to transfer heat to the mold for uniform heating and maintain a certain temperature range. This method is easier to control the temperature, can achieve precise temperature control, and heat evenly, so as to ensure that the mold will not be damaged due to excessive temperature. Heat conduction oil can transfer high-speed heat and heat up quickly, so it is suitable for some bigger and complex shapes molds and molds that require high temperature heating. At the same time, heat conduction oil heating can also maintain the flatness of the mold surface during mold making and processing, avoid problems such as slack and cracks, and make the mold surface deform more uniformly, and it is not easy to appear towering and uneven. However, oil temperature heating also has some disadvantages, for example, the heat transfer oil needs to be replaced frequently during operation, and the heating speed is relatively slow.

For SMC molds, heat conduction oil heating can reduce the internal stress left by shrinkage during processing, make the mold more uniform, and is more effective than electric heating in processing time, which can speed up the production efficiency of the mold, and can also avoid material overheating damage. However, some matters need to be paid attention to during the heating process of heat transfer oil, such as heating on site and safety protection measures.

The above are common heating methods, and the selection of different mold heating methods depends on factors such as mold material, shape and processing requirements.

As a professional SMC mold supplier, MDC Mould have experienced engineers, imported equipment, precise processing flow, years of research in SMC mold design and SMC mold technology, and a supporting SMC mold trial line to ensure that SMC molds can meet customer needs from initial design to subsequent mass production.

As an important composite material mold, SMC mould is widely used in automobile, aerospace, electronics and other fields. Its production process requires strict control of parameters such as the size, shape, and position of the mold to ensure stable and consistent product quality. However, traditional measurement methods, such as manual measurement and traditional measuring instruments, have problems such as low measurement accuracy and low measurement efficiency, which are difficult to meet the requirements of SMC mold production. And advanced measuring equipment and instruments, such as Three coordinate measuring instrument, have been widely used in the production of SMC molds due to their high precision, high efficiency and multi-functional characteristics.

The basic principle and structure of CMM

The Coordinate Measuring Machine(CMM) is a measuring device based on a three-dimensional coordinate system. Its basic principle is to obtain the position and shape information of the object in the three-dimensional space by measuring the movement of the probe on the three coordinate axes, so as to realize the precise measurement of the object. and detection. A Coordinate Measuring Machine usually consists of a coordinate measuring system, a measuring probe, a workbench, a computer and related software.

The coordinate measurement system is the core component of a Coordinate Measuring Machine, usually composed of three mutually perpendicular measurement axes and corresponding sensors, used to measure the position of the probe on the three coordinate axes. The measuring probe is the part that is in contact with the object to be measured. It can trigger the measurement action through the trigger, and transmit the measurement result to the computer for processing through the sensor. The workbench is used to place and fix the measured object, and usually has high-precision planes and fixtures to ensure the stability and accuracy of the measurement. The computer and related software are used to control the movement of the measuring instrument, process the measurement data, and generate measurement reports and data analysis.

Features of CMM

Coordinate Measuring Machine has many advantages that make it one of the advanced measuring equipment.

• High precision: The Coordinate Measuring Machine adopts advanced sensor technology and measurement algorithm, and has a high degree of measurement accuracy, usually at the micron level. This enables it to meet the measurement requirements for high-precision products, especially in SMC molds, and can accurately measure parameters such as the size, shape and position of the mold.
•  High efficiency: The Coordinate Measuring Machine has a fast measurement speed and an automated measurement process, which can greatly improve the measurement efficiency. At the same time, it can also realize the rapid detection and sorting of large batches of molds through the application of batch measurement and automatic measurement procedures, thereby improving production efficiency.
•  Multifunctional: The Coordinate Measuring Machine can not only measure parameters such as size, shape and position, but also perform complex measurement tasks such as shape and position tolerance measurement, curved surface measurement, and contour measurement. At the same time, it can also perform data analysis, report generation, CAD comparison and other functions to help users conduct comprehensive quality control and data analysis.
•  Non-contact measurement: The Coordinate Measuring Machine usually adopts a non-contact measurement method to avoid contact with the measured object, thereby avoiding measurement errors and damage to the object. This is especially important for SMC molds that require high surface quality, and can ensure the integrity and quality of the mold.

Application of CMM in SMC mould

CMM is widely used and important in SMC mold production. The following are its main applications in SMC mold production:

1.  Mold size measurement: The Coordinate Measuring Machine can quickly and accurately measure the size of the SMC mold, including parameters such as length, width, height, and diameter. This is very important to ensure that the size of the mold meets the design requirements and ensure the accuracy and consistency of the product.
2.  Mold shape measurement: The Coordinate Measuring Machine can measure the complex shape of the SMC mold, including surface shape, contour shape, etc. It can realize comprehensive and accurate measurement of the shape of the mold through high-precision sensors and measurement algorithms to ensure that the shape of the mold meets the design requirements.
3.  Mold position measurement: The Coordinate Measuring Machine can measure the position of the mold in three-dimensional space, including the position, posture and relative position of the mold. This is very important to ensure the positioning accuracy of the mold, the matching accuracy of adjacent parts, and the assembly and disassembly of the mold.
4.  Shape and position tolerance measurement: SMC molds usually need to meet certain shape and position tolerance requirements to ensure the assembly and use performance of the product. The Coordinate Measuring Machine can measure the shape and position tolerance, including parallelism, perpendicularity, position tolerance, angle tolerance, etc., to help ensure that the shape and position tolerance of the mold meets the design requirements.
5.  Mold quality control: The Coordinate Measuring Machine can carry out comprehensive quality control on SMC molds. Through the analysis and comparison of measurement data, it can judge whether the mold is qualified, provide measurement reports and data analysis, and help manufacturers find and solve molds in time. Quality issues, to ensure the quality stability and consistency of the mold.
6. Mold improvement and optimization: CMM can also be used for mold improvement and optimization. By analyzing the measurement data of the mold, the existing problems and potential improvement space of the mold can be found out, and a scientific basis can be provided for the optimal design and production of the mold.

To sum up, the Coordinate Measuring Machine has important application value in the production of SMC molds, which can ensure the accurate measurement and quality control of parameters such as the size, shape, position and geometric tolerance of the mold, and help manufacturers improve product quality and reduce reduce production costs and improve production efficiency.

As a professional SMC mould manufacturer, MDC Mould have a lot of equipment and measuring and testing instruments continuous improvement. We have purchased advanced measuring equipment and instruments such as imported Coordinate Measuring Machine, which allow us to understand the quality situation of each product, process, and standard, and provide the best service for our quality control department. Our QC department will conduct product inspection and submit test report within 24 hours after mold test. The report will include comprehensive testing and analysis on product size, appearance, injection technology and physical parameters. We use different inspection standards and tools for different products. In our laboratory, we have carried out different tests on high pressure injection, high speed injection, clamping time, etc. The quality control department proposes modification and improvement suggestions for unqualified products. We have accumulated rich experience and applied it in mold production to provide customers with good solutions.

In modern manufacturing, mold is a key production tool, which is widely used in the manufacturing process of various products. In the production of composite products, Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) mold is a special type of mold. SMC is a high-performance composite material composed of resin, glass fiber and fillers. It has the advantages of light weight, high strength and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in automotive, aerospace, construction and other fields. However, in order to produce high-quality SMC products, die design is a crucial link.

Die design refers to the comprehensive consideration of various factors such as reasonable mold structure, material selection, product design and mold processing in the manufacturing process of SMC molds, so that the mold can be realized in the production process efficient and stable production, and guarantee the quality and performance of the final product. High-quality SMC mold design should have the following characteristics.

Reasonable mold structure

Reasonable mold structure is the basis of high-quality SMC molds. The rationality of the mold structure directly affects the molding quality and production efficiency of SMC products. When designing the mold structure, factors such as the fluidity, shrinkage, and shrinkage rate of the SMC material need to be considered to ensure that the SMC material can fully flow in the mold cavity and fill every detail when the mold is closed. At the same time, the mold structure should take into account the shrinkage and deformation of the product to ensure the dimensional accuracy and shape consistency of the final product. In addition, a reasonable cooling system design is also a part that cannot be ignored in the mold structure, which can effectively control the mold temperature, improve production efficiency and prolong the life of the mold.

Release performance of SMC mold

SMC materials usually require a long curing and hardening process in the mold, therefore, the release performance of the product has a direct impact on the life of the mold and production efficiency. Reasonable product design should include proper demoulding slope, demoulding sequence, demoulding force, etc., so that when the mold is demolded, it can be easily separated from the mold without damaging the product or the mold.

Characteristics of SMC materials

Product design also has an important impact on the quality and performance of SMC molds. Product design should fully take into account the characteristics of SMC materials, including its fluidity, shrinkage, molding difficulty, etc. Reasonable product design can reduce the internal stress and deformation of SMC materials during the molding process, thereby ensuring the dimensional accuracy and appearance quality of the final product. In product design, it is necessary to reasonably set parameters such as product wall thickness, line angle, corner radius, etc., so as to obtain good filling effect and finished product quality during mold molding.

suitable material selection

The mold material should have the characteristics of high strength, high hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, so as to ensure that the mold will not have problems such as deformation, wear and corrosion during the long-term production process. At the same time, the mold material should also have good thermal conductivity in order to better control the mold temperature and improve production efficiency. In terms of material selection, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as the use environment of the mold, production batch, product requirements, etc., and choose a suitable mold Material.

Structural Strength and Stability

SMC products usually need to have high strength and stability to meet their requirements in practical applications. In product design, it is necessary to fully consider the mechanical properties of SMC materials, and reasonably set the wall thickness, ribs, support structures, etc. of the product to ensure the strength and stability of the final product.

Precision and quality of mold processing

High-precision mold processing can ensure the dimensional accuracy and shape consistency of the mold, thereby ensuring the quality of the final product. In mold processing, it is necessary to pay attention to the dimensional control, surface finish, surface coating, etc. of the mold to ensure the appearance quality and performance of the final product. At the same time, high-quality equipment can also improve the precision of the mold.

In conclusion, a good quality SMC mold comes from a good die design. Reasonable mold structure, appropriate material selection, full consideration of product design, and high-precision mold processing are all important factors to ensure the quality and performance of SMC molds. In the design and manufacturing process of SMC molds, the above factors need to be considered comprehensively to ensure that the molds can achieve efficient and stable production in the production process, and produce high-quality SMC products to meet the ever-growing market demand.

As a professional mold maker, MDC Mould has a team of experienced engineers using the latest engineering tools and software to help you build high-quality SMC mold. This also enables our tooling engineers to create the best and most cost-effective tooling for your project requirements. We can review your CAD files or part drawings and provide feedback on possible quality issues or areas for improvement to help ensure your product is manufacturable. We support a wide variety of file formats, including major software. MDC Mould can also create a full 3D model of your target part, or we can convert your 2-D drawing into a 3-D solid CAD model. If you have any needs, welcome to contact us.

SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) compression moulding is a manufacturing process used to produce composite materials. It involves compressing a pre-prepared mixture of chopped fibers, typically glass or carbon, and a thermosetting resin, such as polyester or epoxy, between two heated moulds to create a finished part.

The Process of SMC Compression Moulding:

1. Preparing the SMC: Sheet Molding Compound is typically produced by mixing chopped fibers (such as glass or carbon) with a thermosetting resin, along with other additives such as fillers, pigments, and release agents. The mixture is typically in the form of a sheet or a mat.
2. Placing the SMC in the mould: The SMC sheet is placed in the mould, which is usually made of steel and consists of two halves that can be opened and closed. The mould is typically coated with a release agent to prevent the SMC from sticking to the mould during the curing process.
3. Closing the mould: The two halves of the mould are closed, and pressure is applied to compress the SMC sheet. The pressure is typically applied hydraulically and can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds per square inch (psi), depending on the specific material and part requirements.
4. Heating and curing: The closed mould, with the compressed SMC, is heated to a specific temperature, typically in the range of 120 to 180 degrees Celsius (250 to 356 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the resin used. The heat causes the thermosetting resin to cure and harden, forming a solid composite part.
5. Cooling and demoulding: After the curing process is complete, the mould is cooled, and the pressure is released. The mould is then opened, and the finished SMC part is demoulded. The part may require additional trimming, drilling, or other post-processing operations to achieve the desired final shape and finish.

As a professional and world-famous mold manufacturer, MDC Mould specialize in SMC mold, compression mold. The company has a skilled and experienced R&D team, as well as a group of high-quality production workers, committed to providing customers with the best quality mold solutions. If you have any need, please feel free to ask us.

Last time we introduced Spark Erosion Machine we use in the manufacturing of SMC molds. Today we are gonna to talk about another machine we use to improve the machining accuracy – CNC precise machines.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) precision machine is a type of machine tool that uses computerized control and precision tools to produce high-precision parts. The machine is programmed using a set of instructions that control the movement of cutting tools, achieving high accuracy and repeatability during the manufacturing process.

CNC precision machines are used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical treatment, where accuracy and accuracy are crucial. These machines are capable of machining SMC molds with complex shapes and features while ensuring high-quality surface finish. Some examples of CNC precision machines include CNC lathes, CNC milling machines, and CNC milling machines.

Another advantage of CNC precision machines is that they can operate continuously for long periods of time, making them an ideal choice for mass production. They also have the ability to produce parts with strict tolerances, which helps reduce waste and improve efficiency in the manufacturing process.

In short, as a well-known compression mold manufacturer at home and abroad, if you have any needs, then MDC Mould will be your best choice.