Navigating the Die Refurbishing and Repair Process: A Comprehensive Guide
One of the many different services that Dura Mold offers as a Tool and Die shop is Die refurbishing and repair. We have a comprehensive and highly detailed 16-step process that guides each refurbishment from start to finish, ensuring that the end product not only looks brand new, but also performs like new.
Dura Mold’s Die Refurbishing Process, Step-by-Step
Die/Mold Cleaning and Disassembly
- The first thing we do when we get a refurbishment order is review all relevant information on the mold, including the material list. We make sure to involve the customer, especially during this first step, not just to verify the information given, but also to quickly inform them of any unexpected issues that need to be addressed, such as missing or defective components, or damage not identified before shipment.
- As we disassemble the mold, our team then catalogs, inspects, and takes photographs for reassembly, including any features not previously discussed. This is vitally important to ensure each part is well documented and that a smooth reassembly is accomplished.
- Once disassembly is complete, we confirm all the elements with the customer that need refurbishment or repair. We then align on the work to be done and create a work order.
- Next, all of the parts of the mold are cleaned, labeled and further organized by whichever half of the mold they belong to–cover or ejector.
- Now that the mold is entirely disassembled and documented, our team removes broken steel on the surface and prepares any areas that require welding. The weld areas are properly pre-heated to NADCA specifications before welding occurs, and then a final stress relief is done to assist any residual stresses that might have been introduced during the surface prep.
- Finally, it’s time to machine the parts back to their original specifications. This includes performing a 3D scan on all the parts and comparing them to the models. If any features were missing, we need to refurbish or repair to match the 3D data.
Die/Mold Reassembly
- Now that all of the parts are refurbished or repaired, we review the work order and material list again by comparing them to the customer’s BOM. As needed, the BOM will be updated.
- Once again, we identify and double-check that all existing, defective, and missing parts are compared to the initial report created before disassembly and then update the BOM as required.
- After we confirm that all the parts are in place, documented, and the tool has been refurbished, it’s time to begin our reassembly checklist. This constitutes the final steps of our process.
- We replace ejector pins as required.
- We blue-off cavities and slides, ensuring that there are no open gaps to the atmosphere or openings where material could escape.
- The mold is polished.
- Any coatings or stress relief are applied according to customer specification.
- Plumbing is re-installed.
- Pressure checks are conducted to test for leaks or system bypasses.
- Finally, the mold is fully reassembled, tested, and packaged for shipment back to the customer.
Why Dura Mold?
Dura Mold believes in delivering service with integrity. All of our efforts are done to ensure that each customer has dedicated support that results in their receiving a high-performing tool that meets their specific requirements. Our process is a transparent one that involves the customer throughout refurbishment. Plus, our team has decades of combined industry experience.
Interested in our services? We invite you to check out our website today.
