Mould is critical in automobile manufacturing industry, 90% of a car’s parts might be formed from moulds. Manufacturing a normal car will present about 1500 sets of mould. The development of the automobile manufacturing industry is also the driving force for the development of related mould industry. Here are some development trends of automotive mould industry in China.

1. Forming process simulation to be more prominent

In recent years, with the rapid development of computer software and hardware, simulation (CAE) is becoming more important. In the United States, Japan, Germany and other developed countries, the CEA technology has become an essential part in the design and manufacture of moulds, which are widely used to predict the possible errors out, optimize the process, improve reliability and reduce the time of mould trial.

In China, many automotive mould makers also have made significant progress with the CAE technology, which bring good results. The application can help those manufacturers reduce costs and shorten the mould making process, and it has become an important means to ensure the quality of mould.

2. 3D Mould Design still important

3D mould design is an important part in digitalizing moulds, and also an important basis of mould design and manufacturing. Besides, the 3D mould design also has another advantage is to interfere easily in checking and motion analysis, to solve design problems in 2D design.

3. Digitizing mould to become a main direction

In recent years, the development of mould digitalizing technology has helped auto mould manufacturing industry effectively solve the problems that it is facing when the automobile manufacturing industry develops fast. This technology mainly includes the following aspects:

- Design for Manufacturing (DFM), which, particularly, is to review and analyze the manufacturing in design to ensure the successful production and efficiency.
- Improve and develop mould surface design technology.
- Support for simulation, predict and resolve defects or problems that might occur.
- Replace the traditional 2D design with 3D design.
- Use CAPP, CAM and CAT in mould design
- Guide digital processing solutions for mould trial.

4. Automation in mould manufacturing growing rapidly

Advanced technology and equipment are the foundations of the development, which improve productivity and ensure product quality. Understanding this, auto mould manufacturers are stepping up investment in mould manufacturing technologies, such as using double bench CNC machine tools, automatic tool changer (ATC), automated-processing optical control system, embryonic lines measurement systems or even robot.

5. Mould materials and surface treatment to be reused

Mould material directly affects the mould quality, longevity and cost. In recent years, people have successfully developed the mould materials that have better quality. These materials can be handled more easily, but the hard surface gives better performance with lower costs. 

6. Scientific management and Informatization be development directions of mould manufacturers

Scientific management and informatization are important aspects in the development of auto mould industry. Scientific management helps mould manufacturers continue Just-in-time Manufacturing and Lean Production, get more precise management, increase productivity dramatically, organize effectively and streamline staff better.

Also, with modern management techniques, many advanced informatized management tools are being used, including systems for enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM), project management (PM) and some other tools.

7. Improving mould quality is necessary

Improving product quality is essential in any industry, mould industry is not an exception. Mould manufacturers not only enhance the quality of mould but also must focus on improving productivity to reduce production time and costs.

(According to mouldsnet.cn)