Injection mold toolmaking plays a central and value-adding role in production at OECHSLER. High-quality tools are the key to efficient and precise manufacturing processes – and thus to a competitive edge in a global market. But what makes OECHSLER’s award-winning injection mold toolmaking so special? What innovative technologies are used, and how is top-tier quality ensured?
In this interview, Andreas Kastner, Head of New Tooling, discusses the strengths of OECHSLER’s in-house toolmaking and the challenges the company faces in delivering tailor-made solutions at the highest level.
Mr. Kastner, What Role Does Injection Mold Toolmaking Play in OECHSLER’s Production?
High-quality tools are crucial for effective and efficient production processes. A powerful injection mold toolmaking division enhances our competitiveness by enabling faster and higher-quality production. This sets us apart from the market.
How Is a New Tool Developed?
First, we determine the tool’s requirements regarding output quantity, feasibility, and specific challenges for smooth operation. We then digitally design it using engineering tools such as filling simulations. In the concept phase, expertise from various departments, particularly application engineering, is integrated.
What Is OECHSLER’s Core Competence in Injection Mold Toolmaking?
Our special expertise lies in manufacturing high-cavity tools that allow the production of multiple components in a single injection molding cycle. These tools meet exceptionally high standards in quality, tolerances, and processing efficiency.
What Are OECHSLER’s Strengths Compared to Competitors?
Our strengths are diverse. First, we stand out for our flexibility and innovative spirit, allowing us to implement short-term changes and adjustments. Our tools produce significantly better First-Off-Tool (FOT) parts. Additionally, we offer outstanding spare parts management and maintenance-optimized tool design. Our deep expertise in surface technology, manufacturing technology, plastics engineering, quality assurance, and tool testing enables us to tackle any challenge.
What Modern Manufacturing Technologies Are Used in OECHSLER’s Injection Mold Toolmaking?
Our highly automated machinery covers all technologies within a seamless process chain, including milling, electrical discharge machining (EDM), coordinate grinding, cylindrical grinding, and wire cutting. A particular highlight is our EOS 3D printer. All processes are connected via an MES software, which collects all relevant information and plans process steps accordingly.
What Innovative Technologies or Trends Is OECHSLER Integrating Into Its Injection Mold Toolmaking?
A key factor is our extensive database with over 25 years of expertise. Additionally, we are increasingly using 3D-printed components in tool design. We have developed numerous in-house tools for tool testing and design, as well as automated data reconciliation, plausibility checks, and a digital shopfloor.
What Challenges Arise in Meeting Specific Customer Requirements?
Our goal is to ensure customer satisfaction. This means we must act as problem solvers and consultants, especially when dealing with complex components, including multi-component micro-injection molding parts. This technology combines different material properties in a single, miniaturized component, enabling high functional integration.
Conclusion
OECHSLER’s injection mold toolmaking is built on precision, innovation, and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. With a highly automated machinery park, digital process control, and decades of expertise, we deliver customized solutions for the most demanding customer requirements. With a strong focus on quality assurance, data analysis, and continuous development, OECHSLER remains a pioneer in the industry.
For more information about our toolmaking, click here: Our tool shop.
