Designing for the future

Mr Hogg (pictured) has worked in the industry for more than 30 years. According to Lodent director Paul Riley, Mr Hogg's knowledge of single op, progression and transfer tools of plate or cast construction is extensive and well regarded and matches the company's tooling products perfectly.

In the past, Lodent has outsourced its press tool designs. The process involved working closely with an external designer to formulate the design; then, following acceptance by Lodent, they were presented to the customer for final approval. Finally, tool manufacture commenced.

“This worked well for many years,” Mr Riley recalls, “and I'm sure if we're unable to meet our order commitments in house in the future, it's a service that we'll take advantage of again. The difference now however, is that it will all be managed through Bill.

“Having our own design manager has a number of benefits,” he continues. “We're able to set and establish our own in-house standards of working and filter those standards through to other departments in the company such as machining and inspection. Communication links will be significantly improved and our toolmakers will be able to work closely Bill and our machine operators to resolve any issues which may arise during tool assembly and prove out.”

Over the past twelve months, Lodent has seen the benefit of using simulation to prove the process before tool design commences – opting for Visi Professional Tool Design suite from Vero Software.

“We use the simulation to establish the tool layout and establish exactly how many stages are required to produce the part – the machining surfaces needed to allow for spring back for example. The past twelve months has shown us that through using simulation software up front we're able to deliver quality tooling on time. By adding in house design to simulation, we are closing the loop for our customers and controlling all aspects of the process in-house.

“Our current enquiry levels for new tooling is good and this is giving us the confidence to invest in our future,” Mr Riley concludes. “The next plan is to increase our CNC milling facility with the installation of new machines and technologies.”

Lodent Precision
www.lodent.co.uk