Mould and Die Manufacture

Code:

EM633

Acronym:

FM

Instance: 2006/2007 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://www.fe.up.pt/~fonseca/FabMoldes/FabMoldes.html
Responsible unit:	Industrial Design Section
Institution Responsible:	Faculty of Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LEM	7	Plano de estudos de transição para 2006/07	5	7	7	-
MIEM	6	Plano de estudos de transição para 2006/07	5	-	7	-

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To familiarize the students with many aspects of tool design and mould construction, and with types of injection moulds, standardized components and machining processes. To implement the design with the aid of 3D CAD systems and databases, including the definition of parting lines and surfaces.

Program

Mould architecture: standardized mould components, current design solutions (slides, unscrew cores, two or three mould plates, inserts and cavities/cores, types of runners and gates, etc.). The use of databases in the mould design.
Manufacturing with conventional machine tools (a short introduction to milling and turning lathe machines) and CNC machines. Technology and application of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). EDM process: definition, electrical discharge mechanism, discharge models, etc. Electrode materials: physical properties, theoretical no-wear capability and wear capability comparison. Manufacturing processes of electrodes. White layer and black layer.
Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling: New industrial sectors, New challenges. Necessity of product development to compete in the global market. Why rapid prototyping, rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing.

Teaching methods and learning activities

After the presentation of some components of the mould, are analyzed examples to context his application. In the last lessons is dedicated attention to the project of one mould.