In recent years, the mould industry has not been as good as it used to be. Fierce competition has led to lower prices for mould orders, and some people have chosen to leave the industry. As someone who has struggled in the mould industry for more than a decade, I deeply feel the evolution over these years. Here, I would like to do some simple analysis, hoping to help everyone, especially those who have just entered or will enter the mould industry.
First of all, it must be mentioned that mould-making is the mother of industry. The mould industry, which enables mass production, improves efficiency, and reduces costs, is impossible to eliminate. Especially in the current era of rapid development in China's industrialization process, the mould industry is still a sunrise industry and remains full of opportunities!
The problem is that China's mould industry mainly processes low-grade to mid-range moulds, with not many high-end products. I believe that in the near future, with China's unstoppable momentum of rising, the transformation of the manufacturing industry will also be unstoppable. Our mould industry will naturally follow this trend as well.
The mold industry is experiencing significant advancements in several key areas, shaping its future trajectory:
1. High Precision Manufacturing: Historically dominated by Japan and Germany, the field of high-precision mold manufacturing has seen China emerge as a formidable competitor. This progress is underpinned by two critical factors: cutting-edge equipment and highly skilled personnel. Chinese companies have made substantial strides in this domain through decades of persistent learning and innovation.
2. Automation and Efficiency: The industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards high automation, dramatically enhancing production efficiency. This transformation is driven by the widespread adoption of automated equipment and the increased intelligence of standardized mold components. As a result, mold designers face growing demands, requiring not only a deep understanding of automation systems but also active involvement in their design. In the highly mechanized future, factories may primarily consist of three categories of workers: management, technical specialists, and robotic systems.
3. Technological Innovation: Continuous technological advancements are revolutionizing mold design and manufacturing. Complex processes are being simplified, and previously impossible structures are becoming feasible. This evolution presents both opportunities and challenges for mold designers and manufacturers. Those who master these innovative technologies will gain a competitive edge, as the industry increasingly relies on cutting-edge techniques and superior quality.
4. Integration of Product Development and Mold Design: A holistic approach is emerging, blending mold design with product development. This integration represents a significant shift in manufacturing methodologies, surpassing the impact of traditional assembly lines. It involves creating a new role that oversees the entire product lifecycle, from conceptualization and institutional design to mold creation, processing, production, and final product assembly. This integrated approach is becoming the cornerstone of the manufacturing industry.
A brief analysis of the various competencies required of a qualified mold designer
1. Mechanical drawing
This is the most basic skill. If you have learned it in school, that's fine. You can adapt to professional mold drawing along the way. If you haven't studied this as a newcomer, you need to buy a specific book to learn from. The good thing is that this book is very common, general college and university textbooks can be, preferably with a problem set, learn fast. Basically, mastering the laws of projection is most important, even if you learn other aspects well.
2. Processing technology
Understanding of processing technology should be the same as or even more in-depth than that of a mold master. This is mainly because the impact of some external processing technologies on design should also be taken into account, which general mold masters often don't care about. This ability is highly important; a mould designer who lacks an understanding of processing may encounter significant issues in the design and production of the mould.
So, how can newcomers master all the mold processing technology? In fact, getting it right is not difficult. The standards for mold design understanding of processing and clamp masters are not the same. Clamp masters' standards focus on capability, precision, efficiency, and speed. On the other hand, mold design understanding of the processing process mainly involves knowing the principles, scope of work, methods, accuracy, time, cost, and effects. It does not necessarily require hands-on operation. Of course, having hands-on experience would provide a more thorough understanding.
3. Theoretical knowledge of plastics, injection molding machines, and products is essential.
Molds are crucial for product manufacturing, so it is important to have a good understanding of plastic performance and the operation of injection molding machines. It is beneficial to take advantage of opportunities to observe test molds in order to gain a deeper understanding of injection molding machine parameters. Problem-solving skills related to trial molds and various product issues should also be developed gradually over time. Patience is key as these skills cannot be rushed; steady progress over six months to a year will yield significant improvement.
4. Mold Structure
This is the essence of the most crucial aspects, with others being supplementary. Therefore, how can a novice learn about mold structure? Firstly, obtaining information is essential. Begin by reading books to understand the basic structure of molds and familiarize yourself with their components and functions. Then, study actual molds at your workplace to apply what you have learned. At the very least, you should be able to identify all parts within the company's molds. Once you have grasped mold structure, delve into books on mold design processes and principles!
5. Software capabilities
Learning software should be divided into steps, the first is the most simple, the most basic CAD. this thing is a must, although there are now many companies in the full 3D transformation, but, CAD the classic drawing software is not out of date. Then the 3D software. Now the mainstream 3D software is UG, PRO-E, and then there is a certain market is SOLDWORK, CATIYA, etc., Choosing a software that meets their habits will make learning twice as easy.
Post time: Jul-11-2024