Thermwood Unveils a New Additive Way to Make Metal Molds

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, Oct 25, 2023

Tags: plastics, Announcements, molds, thermoforming, Additive Manufacturing, CLA, injection molding, metal molds, blow molding, Cut Layer Additive

Molds, for plastics processes, such as thermoforming, blow molding, rotational molding and reaction injection molding are commonly made of aluminum. Often, they are large.

Thermwood has developed a simplified, low cost way of making these large molds, using its new Cut Layer Additive process.

metal_mold_image_large-1

How Does This Work?

Cut Layer Additive works by laminating layers, cut from thick sheets of material, such as aluminum, to create a structure. In addition to building highly efficient structures, the process offers unique capabilities that make it ideal for large plastic molds.

The most important element of a mold is the mold face, essentially the cavity that defines the size and shape of the part. It’s the one thing you absolutely have to have.

Depending on the process, other functions may also be needed, such as vacuum, venting and/or temperature control. Adding these functions usually increases complexity and cost, sometimes significantly.

Thermwood’s new approach incorporates these functions in a mold face that is only a couple inches thick. So, the entire mold, including all required functions, is just the mold face.

It’s simple and less expensive. Cut Layer Additive makes it possible.  In this process, the mold face is built using machined aluminum layers, stacked and permanently attached. Since, prior to assembly, each layer is machined individually in a nest, it is possible to include holes or slots so that, when assembled, they match up, creating internal channels or chambers. These void areas in the mold are then accessed by boring holes from underneath into the opening. 

Design Flexibility is Incredible

A channel with an access hole on each end can be used to circulate temperature-controlled liquid, to control mold temperature.

An internal chamber can be also be used for vacuum. Small holes are drilled into the chamber, as is normally done with thermoforming molds. Vacuum applied to the chamber then forms the part.

Thin slots can be machined between layers to provide vents, should they be needed for certain processes.

Design flexibility is incredible.

In this way, all required functions can be included in a relatively thin mold face.

For mounting, selected mold layers are extended downward to create standoffs supports.

This means large molds can now be produced at surprisingly low cost.  This new approach also supports some advanced features.

Inner views of layers of the mold with holes and slots in place

Inner views of layers of the mold with holes and slots in place

Inner views of layers of the mold with holes and slots in place

Because you can create a multitude of channels or chambers inside the mold face, you can easily do things that are not normally possible. For example, you can circulate liquid at different temperatures through different parts of the mold, or you can create vacuum chambers under different areas of the mold and regulate the flow and timing of vacuum to those areas to aid in forming difficult parts.

There are few, if any, restrictions as to the size or geometry of molds that can be produced using this approach.

Although the basic idea is quite simple, there are a lot of details that must come together to make it all work. Programing all these details using traditional CAD would be difficult at best. The effort would likely make the whole approach impractical.

With Cut Layer Additive, the basic mold doesn’t require programming, at least in the usual sense.

Machine Intelligence in the Cut Layer Additive machine actually knows how to make these kinds of molds, so all you need to do is tell it what you want.

This is done in two steps, show it the shape and tell it how you want it made.

Just show it the shape and tell it how you want it made.

The basic shape of the part is all CLA needs

CLA just needs a CAD file of the basic shape

You show it the shape by sending it a CAD file. Not a detail file, just the basic shape you want. Don’t worry about the inside just yet.

In telling it how you want it made, you need to tell it the material you want to use, how thick you want the face, where you want channels, where you want standoffs, and any other details of what you want.

This is actually a lot easier than it sounds. You simply answer questions about how you want it made. The system guides you and makes the entire process rather easy. This part can often be done in less than five minutes.

CLA can add in holes and slots to each layer to create channels and chambers

CLA can add in holes and slots to each layer to create channels and chambers


To make molds, Thermwood has added the ability to add holes and slots to each layer to create channels and chambers. New features, while you are defining the part, make this rather easy to do. It does take a bit more effort than just making a cut layer part, but overall, it’s straightforward and the results are stunning.

Truly sophisticated molds are now possible at low cost, with zone temperature control, zone vacuum and more. Cut Layer Additive does it using a tiny fraction of the time it would otherwise take.

It makes the whole thing practical.

CLA can quickly create the mold with holes and slots that couldn't be made any other way. 

CLA can quickly create the mold with holes and slots that couldn't be made any other way. 

Attend CAMX 2023 FREE and see CLA for yourself

CLA will be on display at CAMX 2023 Oct 31st-Nov 2nd in Atlanta, GA!  Visit Thermwood Booth #FF18 to see molds and tools produced on CLA, experience live demonstrations of the software and speak to our representatives to help answer your questions on this exciting new addition to the world of additive manufacturing!

Use the code 119734 to register and attend CAMX 2023 Free from Thermwood at the link below:
https://www.xpressreg.net/register/camx1123/start.asp

CAMX 2023

 

Thermwood 5 axis CNC for trimming, patterns, molds, aerospace, composites and more

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, Feb 28, 2018

Tags: Thermwood, Composites, aluminum, Woodworking, 5 Axis, aerospace, molds, patterns, plastic trimming, 5 axis plastics, defense

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose Five Axis Series are designed for trimming formed parts, patterns or molds using five-axis simultaneous motions.  

Whether you are interested in a moving table for high-speed plastic trimming, a fixed table for large aerospace/aviation applications or a machine for other applications ranging from patterns and molds/plugs to trimming & machining production products for various industries such as composites using large/heavy fixtures, aluminum and non-ferrous metalswoodworking, automotive, or the defense industries, we have a solution for you.


Multi-Purpose 67

The Multi-Purpose 67 is a versatile five axis CNC router available with a variety of either single or dual moving aluminum table sizes.

Thermwood Model 67 7x10 CNC Router

Model 67 7x10 Single Moving Table

Thermwood Model 67 10x5 CNC Router

Model 67 5x10 Dual Moving Tables


Videos

Thermwood Model 67 Large Sculptures at John Cox's Creature Workshop

 

Thermwood Model 67 5 Axis CNC Trimming Plastic


Multi-Purpose 90

The Multi-Purpose 90 is a heavy-duty, high-speed five-axis CNC router designed for trimming and pattern machining, available in single or dual moving aluminum tables.

Thermwood Model 90 5x12 Dual Table CNC Router

Model 90 5x12 Dual Moving Tables

Thermwood Model 90 10x5 CNC Router

Model 90 10x5 Single Moving Table


Videos

Thermwood Mastercam Solidworks Walkthrough Machining Aluminum Shield on 5 Axis Model 90

 

Thermwood Model 90 Machining Bust in Low-Density Foam

 

Model 90 5'x5' 5 Axis CNC Router Machining Carbon Fiber Prosthetic Component

 

Model 90 5'x5' 5 Axis CNC Router Machining Medium Density Foam Tray


Multi-Purpose 77

The Multi-Purpose 77 is a heavy-duty, high-speed contained system for the machining of large materials (various sizes available). 

Thermwood Model 77 10x10 with canopy shown

Videos

Thermwood Model 77 10'x10' CNC Machining

 

Thermwood Model 77 5 Axis Pattern/Modeling RenShape

 

Thermwood Model 77 10'x10' CNC Machinine Carbon Fiber


Multi-Purpose 70

The Multi-Purpose 70 is a heavy-duty CNC router designed for applications utilizing large/heavy fixtures (various sizes available).

Thermwood Model 70 10x20 CNC Router

Model 70 10x20 Fixed Table

Thermwood Model 70 10x10 CNC Router

Model 70 10x10 Fixed Table


Video

Thermwood Model 70 10 Position Rotary Automatic Tool Changer

 

Thermwood Model 70 Continuous C-Axis Rotation Modeling

 

Thermwood Model 70 5 Axis Demonstrations


More Info

Click to Calculate the Value of a CNC Investment

Universal Plastics - Forming Customers for Life

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Wed, Mar 11, 2015

Tags: CNC, plastics, tooling, Model 67, aerospace, molds, medical, plastic trimming, vacuum forming, thermoforming, 5 axis plastics, pressure forming

Thermwood CNC machines are used across a wide variety of Industries.  One Thermwood Customer – Universal Plastics and Mayfield Plastics - are involved in the thermoforming of plastic materials.

Since Universal Plastics was founded in 1965, they have been a leader in the thermoforming industry.

The Universal plant has over 95,000 square feet and over 80 employees.  As Universal Plastics has grown, they have refined and further developed the thermoforming process to allow the manufacture of large and complex products that could never have been conceived in the previous generation. Today’s thermoformed products can match the quality and finish of injection molding, in high performance plastics, and in sizes that dwarf the capabilities of most molders.

Universal Plastics with one of their Thermwood CNC Routers

Universal utilizes Thermwood CNC machines for trimming of complex thermoformed parts as well as producing thermoforming tooling.  In fact, Universal and Mayfield Plastics have purchased 10 Thermwood C67 machines in the last seven years.

Thermoforming tooling can be built from wood, composite, cast aluminum, or machined aluminum billet. Temporary molds are commonly built of wood or composites, which can be easily machined. Permanent tools are either machined or cast aluminum, depending on the depth of the tool. Thermoforming tools can be modified easily, so changes can be made quickly and for much less money than the hardened steel tooling typical of molded parts.  For this reason alone, thermoforming is often the better process if your design hasn’t been solidified.

Universal believes quality parts are a direct result of quality tools, and take great pride in making quality machined or cast aluminum tools that deliver consistent quality products year after year. Our 5 full time toolmakers have a combined 100 years’ experience in tool and fixture making and they build many of tools in-house.

Mold makers use cast aluminum molds for larger quantities production. Aluminum molds are designed by CAD designers.  Once designed, these mold designs are transferred to Thermwood CNC routers that produce the patterns required for the final mold.

Universal PlasticsUniversal PlasticsUniversal Plastics

Also of note, the Western Mass Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association conduct several tours of member companies each year to give the membership a view of the diversity of the companies that do machining.  About 25 members of the WMNTMA visited Universal in February for a tour of their facility and in particular, to review the mold making and machining capabilities. Universal produces about 30% of their tooling and the balance is purchased from tool vendors around the country and area.

The Western Mass chapter has machine shops as well as vendors to the machining industry in their membership.

For more information visit www.mayfieldplastics.com and www.universalplastics.com

Thermwood Model 70 and 77 for Large Format Aerospace, Composite, Pattern and Mold Machining

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, Feb 05, 2015

Tags: CNC, Composites, 5 Axis, CNC Router, aerospace, Model 70, Model 77, trimming, molds, patterns

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose Five Axis Series combines all the elements needed for the machining of large aerospace and composite materials as well as trimming and machining large format patterns and molds/plugs for the aviation and defense industries.

Here we look at the Thermwood Model 77 and Model 70.  These heavy-duty, high-speed, moving gantry machines are ideal for machining of large applications using large/heavy fixtures.


Multi-Purpose 77

The Multi-Purpose 77 is a heavy-duty, high-speed contained system for the machining of large aerospace and composite materials (various sizes available):

Features:

  • 12HP HSD Tool Change Spindle (3,000-24,000 RPM Spindle) (other spindles available)
  • Impact Resistant 5 Axis Head 
  • 36" Z (other sizes available)
  • 10 Position Rotary Tool Change System
  • Full 5 Axis Simultaneous Motion
  • Fixed Drill and Tapped Aluminum Table
  • Conventional Style Vacuum Plumbing
  • Heavy Duty Access Doors
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • Rapid Speed: 3500 inches per minute
  • Moving Gantry
  • Thermwood Q Core SuperControl
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • Volumetric 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor
  • Chip Collection
  • Multi-Function Nemi Pod Table
  • Machine Training and Installation
  • Free Lifetime Phone/Forum Support 
Thermwood Model 77 5x10 CNC Router

Model 77 10x20 Fixed Table


Videos (please click images to view videos on our blog)

 

 

 

 


Multi-Purpose 70

The Multi-Purpose 70 is designed for aerospace and composite applications utilizing large/heavy fixtures (various sizes available):

Features:

  • 12HP HSD Tool Changer Spindle (3,000-24,000 RPM larger spindle sizes available)
  • Impact Resistant 5 Axis Head 
  • Fixed Aluminum Table
  • Moving Gantry
  • 24" Z Standard (available up to 60")
  • Full 5 Axis Simultaneous Motion
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Thermwood QCore SuperControl
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • Chip Collection System
  • Multi-Function Nemi Pod Table 
  • In the Leg Tool Changer 
  • Bar Style Tool Changer
  • Automatic Lubrication
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor
Thermwood Model 70 10x20 CNC Router

Model 70 10x20 Fixed Table

Thermwood Model 70 10x10 CNC Router

Model 70 10x10 Fixed Table


Videos (please click images to view videos on our blog)

 

 


More Info

To find out more about either of these two machines, or any of our other 5 axis offerings, please give us a call at 1-800-533-6901 or click below to fill out an information request form.  We hope to hear from you soon!

Request More Information from Thermwood

Thermwood Model 67 and 90 for Trimming, Molds & Pattern Machining

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, Jan 21, 2015

Tags: CNC, 5 Axis, CNC Router, Model 90, Model 67, trimming, molds, patterns

The Thermwood Multi-Purpose Five Axis Series combines all the elements needed for trimming formed parts, patterns and molds using five-axis simultaneous motions.  

Here we look at the Thermwood Model 67 and 90.  These heavy-duty moving-table machines are ideal for high-speed trimming and pattern machining, and come in either single or dual table configurations:


Multi-Purpose 67

The Multi-Purpose 67 is an entry-level five axis available with a variety of either single or dual moving aluminum table sizes.

Features:

  • 12HP HSD Tool Change Spindle (3,000-24,000 RPM, larger spindle sizes available)
  • Impact Resistant Head 
  • Moving Aluminum Table/Fixed Gantry
  • 24" Z Standard (available up to 48")
  • Full 5 Axis Simultaneous Motion
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Thermwood Q Core SuperControl
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • Chip Collection 
  • Bar Style Tool Changer
  • In the Leg Tool Changer 
  • Remote Start/Stop 
  • Gantry Lighting 
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor
Thermwood Model 67 7x10 CNC Router

Model 67 7x10 Single Moving Table

Thermwood Model 67 10x5 CNC Router

Model 67 5x10 Dual Moving Tables


Videos

 

 

 

 

 


Multi-Purpose 90

The Multi-Purpose 90 is a heavy-duty five-axis designed for high-speed trimming and pattern machining, available in single or dual moving aluminum tables.

Features:

  • 12HP HSD Tool Changer Spindle (3,000-24,000 RPM larger spindle sizes available)
  • Impact Resistant Head 
  • Moving Aluminum Table
  • Fixed Gantry
  • 24" Z Standard (available up to 60")
  • Full 5 Axis Simultaneous Motion
  • Siemens Intelligent Servo Drives Throughout
  • 3D Laser Compensated Axis Alignment
  • Thermwood QCore SuperControl
  • Tool Center Point Programming (TCP)
  • Chip Collection
  • Multi-Function Nemi Pod Table 
  • In the Leg Tool Changer 
  • Bar Style Tool Changer
  • Automatic Tool Length Sensor

Thermwood Model 90 5x12 Dual Table CNC Router

Model 90 5x12 Dual Moving Tables

Thermwood Model 90 10x5 CNC Router

Model 90 10x5 Single Moving Table


Videos

 

 

 


More Info

To find out more about either of these two machines, or any of our other 5 axis offerings, please give us a call at 1-800-533-6901 or click below to fill out an information request form.  We hope to hear from you soon!

Request More Information from Thermwood

Advanced CNC router and 3D laser technology for making prosthetics

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Fri, Jan 29, 2010

Tags: Thermwood, CNC, plastics, CNC Routers, 5 Axis, Model 67, trimming, molds, Cad, 3D laser, polhemus, military, orthotics, prosthetics, medical

 

This is a news broadcast of medical technology making orthotics and prosthetics for military soldiers. A 3d laser is used to scan the soldier's foot or other parts of their body and is rendered in software. It is then taken to a Thermwood Model 67, five axis machine, and machined to the custom shape.

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Thermwood's new "CNC Routers by Application" section

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Mon, Mar 16, 2009

Tags: Thermwood, Composites, plastics, aluminum, Nested Base, 3 Axis, 5 Axis, aerospace, edgebander, trimming, solid surface, wood carving, molds

Thermwood has added a "CNC Routers by Application" section on their home page.  By selecting the different applications, you can view examples, videos and the machines related to each application.  We will continue to add more pictures and videos to each application.