The practical idea of inspection in the manufacture of injection mold

The inspection process of injection mold manufacturing is not a simple matter. The problem with precision inspection is that inspectors need to know and understand the fit and function of mold parts, and few people really understand this outside the actual injection mold making r.

This may sound condescending to some, but it is a simple matter of experience rather than an indication of the inspector's skills and abilities. As precision measurements become less subjective, tools become easier to use and processes become more reliable.

Precision measurement

Most tool manufacturers pride themselves on being able to make highly accurate measurements of the mold parts they manufacture. Over time, they learn what a personal micrometer feels like, know that their dial gauge reads slightly differently from one direction to the other, and can tell when something is wrong.

This method is very effective when you are making disposable parts or custom injection molds that can only be done by a few mold manufacturers. Communication between the two injection mold manufacturers is relatively easy and they know where to adjust the differences to make the mold work properly.

This does not work at all when the mold has multiple cavities (such as 16, 32, or 64). A single hole quickly becomes a high hole.

Latest inspection

Obviously, tool makers still need skilled precision measurements, but the mold making process has become an expert and near-perfect fit for parts. This production-like process requires standards to be adjusted and adhered to in order for everything to function properly.

Outsourcing various components is common, even on a global scale. This requires that everyone uses the same standards and that the inspection process is at least similar no matter where the parts are manufactured. In some ways, it doesn't matter whether parts are made across factories or oceans.

These are several precision measurement tools commonly used by injection mold manufacturing inspection departments. In fact, most of these tools are found in stores and are used by tool makers every day.

Internal inspection

Having a dedicated internal inspector is a very good idea for several reasons. First, it keeps the mold maker honest; Second, it puts everyone on the same page. With an impartial inspector, tool makers should be more vigilant about quality and getting accurate dimensions.

The typical problem for an internal inspector is understanding what to measure and what is important. Injection moulds are often designed with very close tolerances for nonsensical dimensions, such as the location of secondary vent holes or the depth of core pins.

The inspector may not know or understand that the primary pad may be in the 0.005 inch range and work fine, but the tolerance on the print may be +-.0002 inches. In order for this process to succeed, there are many such situations that need to be understood by all.

Over time and with training, full-time inspectors have a positive impact on the quality of work, while also enabling better communication between each department within the workshop.

CNC milling departments need to ensure that their work is done accurately, surface grinders must maintain the required precision tolerances, and EDM operators must ensure that their work is done as designed. Then, when the injection molding machine assembles the tool, each part fits perfectly together, and the manual assembly becomes a very small part of the process.