Novel technique produces tools faster

Truflo Air Movement has developed a revolutionary new technique that uses laser cutting to produce laminated steel press tools as a fast, inexpensive alternative to conventional machined tools.

Truflo Air Movement has developed a revolutionary new technique that uses laser cutting to produce laminated steel press tools as a fast, inexpensive alternative to conventional machined tools.

Truflo has applied for patents in its new technology, which will be of particular value for prototyping and short production runs.

It employs CAD to generate a sequence of slices through the three-dimensional shape required for the tool.

These are then laser-cut from steel plate to form a complete set of laminates which are assembled by means of bolt holes also cut by the laser.

The result is an extremely robust, solid tool, which performs in much the same way as a conventional tool but dramatically reduces the costs and time involved in tool-making.

In some cases, a degree of hand finishing is required where the surface of the pressing is critical.

It is also possible to insert a "surface plate" into the tool so that smooth finishes or smooth contours can be produced without excessive handwork.

The steel plate used to cut the laminate can be of any grade or hardness consistent with the capability of the laser.

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