Because automobile lights are designed to deliver a precise optical performance, the machining process must be strategically and methodically thought out from the very beginning of every tool build. Complex moulds such as wrap-around lenses, reflectors and housings can be a huge challenge for even the most experienced tool shops. Retractors, slides, lifters and inserts, in combinations of each other make today's machining more complex than ever before. It is with confidence that we can state we are at the leading edge of technology and are capable of building these types of moulds.

3 dimensional  CNC  Machining:
Platinum Tool Technologies’ facility has state-of-the-art, High Speed Machines, capable of 2685 inches per minute Feed rates and 24,000 RPM spindle speeds, all thermally controlled. Every CNC machine is connected to it's own high-end computer and has the latest version of (Delcam) PowerMill "Computer Assisted Machining"(CAM) software. The very best tooling is used - such as balanced "shrink fit" tool holders and high performance, high feed, coated end mills.

The entire shop is networked to a central server where the latest solid models of your mould data would reside. The CAM programming and machining process is done at each perspective CNC machine, simultaneously. This is to ensure the greatest of flexibility needed to fine-tune the machining process. The result is the utmost in quality. In our opinion any other process does not compare.

Shop Floor Programming - Platinum’s Ownership had a significant role in the development of Delcam’s shop floor programming over 10 years ago. An article written in Modern Machine Shop recognized our advancements some 5 years ago.
 

Platinum Tool Technologies Inc. prides itself on our complete machining process. Highly trained and motivated machinists cut part data into steel by utilizing the combination of the best available CNC machines, tooling, computer software, hardware and our proven machining techniques, to produce mould surface finishes that are uncompromised. High speed machining is like a high tech art and a science combined. Many variables must be taken into account and adjusted during the process. Improvements and refinements to this process occur on a daily basis. By achieving superior surface finishes, the need for polishing is minimized as well as inaccuracies that handwork could create. The process greatly reduces the time needed for polishing and spotting. In being this diligent, the result is part data and steel that are identical.
  
    
EDM (Electric Discharge Machine):
High speed, 4 axis EDM machines with orbiting capabilities are used for burning ribs, retractors and other difficult to cut areas. All electrodes are CNC machined using solid models and a high speed CNC machining centre. Hirschman tooling for machining and burning are used to ensure that the transfer of electrode from CNC to EDM is fast and accurate. A Tool Changer is used with multiple electrodes to extend the unmanned process for greater efficiency.

CNC Plate Machining:
Plate machining is another area of great advancement in the last 5 years. We utilize solid models directly from design and have dedicated CNC machines specifically for plates. High-pressure coolant pumps support carbide "coolant through the tool" drilling system. Sharpening drills is a thing of the past. Again, the CAM programming is done at the machine. New tooling is tested regularly, to ensure we remain at the cutting edge.