![\"BECGroup_Toolroom_MikeTharme\"](\"https:\/\/www.becgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/BECGroupMikeTharme_02_20210618-e1624349805225.jpg\")
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We caught up with Mike, our Toolroom Manager, this week to find out what goes on in the #BECToolroom. \u201cHaving everything on-site means customers can trace their job right from initial concept to the final manufactured product.<\/em><\/p>\n The customer\u2019s in control throughout. With a direct line – to me – in the toolroom, they can visit for key project sign-off stages and because we work collaboratively, the whole manufacturing process stays super-efficient.<\/em><\/p>\n Manufacturing what the customer wants so we complete the project within timeframe, budget and to the standard of quality they\u2019ve requested.<\/em><\/p>\n BEC customers get involved in design really early on \u2013 it cuts cost-in-time from initial point of order.<\/strong><\/p>\n “You only need to tell a customer that once! If I\u2019ve got a CAD part, I can even start ordering raw materials within 24 hours – while I\u2019m getting the mould tool design finalised – that can mean the tool is under manufacture by Day 3.<\/em><\/p>\n Using my CAD software, I\u2019ll fully draw up the tool, knowing where it\u2019s going in our moulding machines, putting screw holes etc in the right places. That might take a sub-contractor 2 weeks before tool design CAD is released for manufacture.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Customers might think that\u2019s risky? So, it\u2019s on us to get it right.<\/em><\/p>\n Our customer wants the component, and we want to make a tool we can mould.<\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s in our interest to create the best tool:<\/em><\/p>\n A) so the customer can get his\/her part<\/em><\/p>\n and<\/em><\/p>\n B) so we can get on with moulding it.”<\/em><\/p>\n Conforming to customer\u2019s requirements. I don\u2019t want the tool in and out of the toolroom \u2013 that\u2019s not only inefficient, it\u2019s annoying!<\/em><\/p>\n For me and<\/strong> the customer.\u00a0<\/em>I\u2019d rather give the customer what they want from the start. There are always bits that need tweaking but 9 times out of 10 we\u2019re there at the outset.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n How do we keep a tight grip on quality controls, so customers get high quality end products? Nothing\u2019s lost in translation with us \u2013 we catch up with our customers regularly, conducting a thorough Design for Manufacture<\/a> review with them, so everyone involved signs off what\u2019s being made. They can visit us when they want, come in to sign off at every stage or do everything virtually if they prefer. Reassured we\u2019re in the same country if they need to visit.<\/em><\/p>\n We keep tight control of tooling (and store them for FREE) – throughout the tool\u2019s lifespan. Modifying, maintaining and repairing tools onsite so they always run efficiently.<\/em><\/p>\n Regular maintenance keeps the mould tool running reliably (just like your car) so it lasts longer, and we\u2019re more likely to spot issues that can impact on production before they arise.<\/em><\/p>\n I\u2019m responsible for making sure the tools carry on running for the life that they\u2019re under our roof. Sometimes we need to change tool parts or repair<\/a> the tool and get it back in the machine \u2013 within the hour if we\u2019ve got the parts in stock, or in a day if we have to buy the parts in. That ensures minimal downtime!<\/em><\/p>\n Although customers do contribute to running repairs and refurbishment when we\u2019re doing 100\u2019s of 1000\u2019s of mouldings.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Tooling is definitely made with longevity in mind isn\u2019t it?<\/strong> We even make prototype parts for testing prior to signing off a full production mould tool.<\/em><\/p>\n I\u2019m really proud of our dedicated team<\/a>; a mix of long serving staff with 30 year\u2019s toolmaking experience on CAD\/CAM, 3 and 4 Axis CNC Milling\/Turning giving on the job training to the next generation of highly skilled toolmakers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Quality Equipment: Here\u2019s the BEC tooling process: Although depending on the complexity of the mould tool, sometimes T0 and T1 merge into one.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like Mike\u2019s expertise for your next injection mould tooling project, give us a call on 01425 613131 or email hello@becgroup.com <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Mike Tharme heads up BEC’s toolroom. Find out about BEC’s approach to making injection mould tools and understand why many companies choose BEC to make their theirs…. Continue reading
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\nOk so we know we\u2019ve got design, tool and moulding under 1 roof, but so what?<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\nBecause I\u2019m in the workshop, designing and overseeing the toolmaking<\/a> – unlike a sub-contractor who\u2019s nowhere near the mould shop – I\u2019ve got full visibility of the moulding process so I can plan ahead, saving time and minimising possible delays and errors later on.<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n\u201cSometimes the design needs to change, but until you start cutting metal, the only risk is our time.<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n“I see the job in its entirety and because I see the end product being moulded on the factory floor, I have to think about the way the operators are going to run it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
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\n\u201cOur tools are made from top quality P20 Steel, sourced from a reliable UK supplier DMS Diemould,<\/strong><\/a> UK Leading Precision Engineered Components Company, who we\u2019ve partnered with for over 30 years.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"BECGroup_InjectionMouldToolingRepairs\"](\"https:\/\/www.becgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/BECGroup_Tooling_Manufacture_01.jpg\")
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\n\u201cFrom a few hundred off for a specialist bespoke project, to consistently producing several thousand mouldings every year, for over 20 years, for customers like Bioline and Thomas Dudley<\/a>, we\u2019re on hand to scale-up or down as the customer demands.<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n\u2022 XYZ 3 and 4 Axis CNC Machining centres
\n\u2022 CNC Lathes
\n\u2022 Various manual machines including Bridgeport mills, Pillar drills and Bandsaws
\n\u2022 Spark erosion machines (EDM Machines)
\n\u2022 Surface grinders
\n\u2022 Polishing and Surface finishing equipment (rotary and reciprocating files Shot blasting machine)
\n\u2022 Welding including MIG, TIG and a new micro TIG welding machine, all for in-house tool repairs<\/p>\n
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\n1. Receive Client Approved CAD with PO
\n2. Design the Tool using CAD\/CAM software
\n3. Manufacture the Tool
\na. CNC Milling
\nb. Turning
\nc. Grinding
\nd. Sparking (EDM)
\n4. Tool Assembly
\n5. First Off Tool Trials
\na. T0 \u2013 trialling tool function
\nb. T1 \u2013 first mouldings run off for initial sample inspection report (ISIR) with sample sent to customer for approval
\n6. Sign off and into production<\/p>\n