How to choose the appropriate tool mold processing and carving equipment?

The selection of suitable engraving equipment with knife dies needs comprehensive consideration of processing requirements, accuracy requirements, equipment performance and cost. The following selection guidelines are provided from multiple dimensions to help accurately match equipment requirements:

First, clear processing requirements and process objectives

Knife die type and material

Material characteristics:

Metal die (such as carbon steel, stainless steel): The equipment must have a high-power spindle (≥3kW) and a rigid structure. It is recommended to use a CNC engraving machine or a laser cutting machine.

Non-metallic knife die (such as acrylic, rubber, wood board): Co laser engraving machine or small CNC engraving machine can be selected, and the power is 30-100W W..

Tool die complexity:

Simple regular shapes (such as straight lines and circular arcs): ordinary CNC engraving machines (such as three-axis models) can meet the requirements.

Complex curved surface, hollow pattern or three-dimensional structure: five-axis linkage engraving machine or high-precision laser engraving equipment is needed.

Machining size and batch size

Workpiece size:

Small knife die (≤300mm×300mm): table engraving machine (such as 6040 model) is enough.

Large-scale die (≥1m×2m): gantry CNC engraving machine is needed, so pay attention to the bearing capacity of the workbench (≥500kg).

Production batch:

Small batch customization: optional multi-function engraving machine (supporting tool changing or laser/tool switching).

Mass production: priority is given to high-speed CNC engraving machine or automatic production line (such as tool magazine and automatic loading and unloading function).

Second, the comparison of core performance parameters

Reference standard for key points of parameter dimension selection

Spindle power and rotating speed Metal processing requires spindle power ≥2.2kW and rotating speed of 18,000-24,000 rpm; Non-metallic machining power is 0.8-1.5kW, and the rotating speed is 10000-15000rpm. Lack of power can easily lead to tool wear, and rotational speed affects surface finish.

Positioning Accuracy and Repetitive Positioning Accuracy Precise die should have a positioning accuracy of ≤±0.01mm and a repetitive positioning accuracy of ≤±0.005mm, which can be verified by laser interferometer. Out-of-tolerance error will lead to inconsistent die size.

Feed speed: The recommended feed speed for metal processing is 5-10m/min, and nonmetal can be raised to 10-20m/min, so the balance between speed and accuracy should be taken into account. High-speed machining requires equipment with rigid guide rail and servo system.

Numerical control systems (such as Fanuc, Siemens and Lei Sai) are preferred for the control system, which supports G code programming and avoids using simple PLC control. The high-end system supports complex trajectory operation and error compensation.

Ball screw (high precision) is selected as the transmission mode, rack transmission (high speed) is selected for mass rough machining, and linear rolling guide (precision ≤0.005mm) is recommended as the guide rail. The smaller the lead of the screw, the higher the accuracy (for example, the lead of 5mm is better than 10mm).

Third, the matching of accuracy and stability requirements

Accuracy grade division

Ordinary precision: suitable for packaging knife die and simple stamping die, with an error of ≤0.05mm, and an economical CNC engraving machine can be selected.

Precision grade: suitable for electronic die cutting tool die and printing plate die, with an error of ≤0.02mm, and industrial-grade numerical control equipment (such as three-axis linkage) should be selected.

Ultra-precision: Suitable for semiconductor tool dies and micro-structure dies, with an error of ≤0.01mm, requiring five-axis linkage machining center or wire cut equipment.

Stability guarantee configuration

Bed structure: cast iron bed (good shock absorption) is better than aluminum alloy, and equipment with weight ≥500kg is more stable.

Cooling system: the spindle should be equipped with water-cooling or oil-cooling system to avoid precision attenuation (temperature rise ≤5℃) caused by long-term processing and heating.

Dustproof protection: totally enclosed protective cover+automatic chip removal device to prevent chips from affecting the accuracy of guide rail (especially metal processing).

Fourth, the cost and cost performance evaluation

Budget stratification proposal

Entry-level (500,000-100,000 yuan): Desktop CNC engraving machine, suitable for small batch non-metallic knife mold processing, with spindle power of 0.8-1.5kW and positioning accuracy of 0.05 mm.

Industrial grade (100,000-300,000 yuan): Three-axis CNC engraving machine, supporting metal processing, with spindle power of 2.2-3.5kW and positioning accuracy of ±0.02mm, suitable for small and medium-sized factories.

High-end type (more than 300,000 yuan): Five-axis linkage machining center or laser engraving machine, suitable for precision knife die and mass production, with functions such as automatic tool changing and visual positioning.

Long-term cost considerations

Energy consumption: Servo motor saves more electricity than stepping motor (energy consumption is 30% lower), and long-term use of servo drive equipment is preferred.

Maintenance cost: Choose universal equipment for wearing parts (such as guide rail and cutter) to avoid high maintenance cost caused by customized parts.

Upgrade space: reserved expansion interfaces (such as adding the fourth axis and vision system) to facilitate subsequent productivity improvement.

Five, after-sales service screening

Key points of after-sales guarantee

The manufacturer is required to provide on-site installation and debugging, operation training (at least 3 days) and more than 1 year warranty.

Local after-sales outlets are needed, and the response time is ≤24 hours to avoid equipment failure affecting production.

Ask for the list and price of wearing parts, and confirm the supply stability of consumables (such as tool and guide rail oil).

VI. Field Testing and Case Verification

Trial processing with material

Take typical die materials to the factory for trial processing, and measure the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of the workpiece (Ra≤1.6μm for metal parts and Ra≤3.2μm for non-metal parts).

Observe the noise (≤75dB) and vibration of the equipment. Abnormal jitter may lead to the decrease of accuracy.

Refer to industry cases

Packaging industry: Co laser engraving machine (such as Dazu G4030) is preferred, which is suitable for cardboard and film die cutting.

Electronic industry: Choose five-axis CNC engraving machine (such as Beijing Jingdgr series) to meet the high-precision requirements of FPC die cutting tool.

Automobile industry: large gantry engraving machine (such as JT-1530 of Jiatie) is suitable for mass production of metal stamping die.

VII. Guide to Selection of Pit Avoidance

Avoid blindly pursuing high speed: the spindle speed needs to match the tool diameter (for example, the recommended speed of 3mm tool is 18000rpm, and the recommended speed of 10mm tool is 10000rpm). Excessive speed will easily lead to tool edge breakage.

Beware of the "multi-function" stunt: the laser+cutter integrated machine needs to confirm the switching accuracy, and the error of some low-priced equipment after switching exceeds 0.1mm, which is only suitable for rough machining.

Verify the authenticity of parameters: Require manufacturers to provide third-party test reports (such as measured data of straightness and positioning accuracy) to avoid false standard parameters.

summary

When selecting the type, the equipment matching with its own process shall be selected first according to the logic level of "demand positioning → parameter comparison → accuracy verification → cost evaluation → after-sales guarantee". If it is the first purchase, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer to provide customized solutions, and verify the equipment performance through trial processing to ensure the maximum return on investment.