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What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

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Engineer See All

Data Management Software
ERP Empowers Mold Builder to Increase Speed, Efficiency, Accuracy
Highly integrated but easy-to-use ERP system helps Delta Mold Inc. increase unattended hours, uptime, productive labor hours and improve mold delivery times.

Design & Mfg. Software
Mold Design Review: The Complete Checklist
Gerardo (Jerry) Miranda III, former global tooling manager for Oakley sunglasses, reshares his complete mold design checklist, an essential part of the product time and cost-to-market process.

Data Management Software
How to Customize an Interoperable Software Solution for Your Moldmaking Process
A connected software solution streamlines the moldmaking process by providing a unified source of design data, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors, with five key steps benefiting from this integration.

Data Management Software
How to Manage a CAD Library
Learn five ways to organize your mold design information.

Data Management Software
Design, Management Software Resources for Mold, Die Applications
As technology advances, so too do the options available to efficiently design molds or manage the data involved in their progress and production. Here’s a roundup of some of those solutions.

Data Management Software
New Year, New Popular Articles from MoldMaking Technology
The top ten most-viewed articles in January reflected not only what our readers wanted to see—but also what is new and trending in moldmaking.
Build See All

Aluminum
How to Machine Aluminum Molds to Enhance Efficiency and Quality
Ways to optimize the machining process to fully leverage the benefits of an aluminum mold.

Data Management Software
How to Manage a CAD Library
Learn five ways to organize your mold design information.

Machining
How to Implement Five-Axis Mold Machining for Higher Productivity, Versatility
Understanding the basics of five-axis capabilities justifies the investment, but exploring all the multi-axis machine benefits and approaches enhances the return on investment.

Additive Manufacturing
8 Ways the Plastics Industry is Using 3D Printing
Plastics processors are finding applications for 3D printing around the plant and across the supply chain. Here are 8 examples to look for at NPE 2024.

Mold Materials
Mold Materials, 3D Printing Technologies for Next-Gen Moldmaking
As moldmaking advances, so too do the materials and processes involved in their efficient production, including these latest mold materials and 3D printing technologies.

Automation
Real-Time Production Monitoring as Automation
As an injection molder, Windmill Plastics sought an economical production monitoring system that could help it keep tabs on its shop floor. It’s now selling the “very focused” digital supervisor it created, automating many formerly manual tasks.
Maintain See All

Tips
Reasons to Use Fiber Lasers for Mold Cleaning
Fiber lasers offer a simplicity, speed, control and portability, minimizing mold cleaning risks.

Surface Treatment
Mold Maintenance Continues to Matter: Enhanced Training Program in a New Facility
I attended a MoldTrax mold maintenance workshop in 2019 and shared my experiences, and despite changes in ownership, the workshop's remarkable value endures, as discussed in a recent Q&A with the current leadership.

Maintenance & Repair
How to Implement a Remote Validation Process
A review of the setup and use of a remote mold validation kit.

Maintenance & Repair
How to Maintain Heaters, Thermocouples, Valve Gates and Controls
An examination of real-world problems and solutions involving hot runner system maintenance.

Surface Treatment
How to Use Simulation to Achieve a High-Gloss Surface Finish
Combining simulation, conformal cooling, and a rapid heat and cooling process can predict and produce the required surface finish for high-gloss plastic parts.

Maintenance & Repair
What You Should Know About Injection Mold Safety Straps
Every mold should have one in order to be safe and OSHA compliant.
Manage See All

Basics
Mold Design Review: The Complete Checklist
Gerardo (Jerry) Miranda III, former global tooling manager for Oakley sunglasses, reshares his complete mold design checklist, an essential part of the product time and cost-to-market process.

Workforce Development
Aligning Your People Strategy with Your Business
Editorial Advisory Board member Marion Wells, founder of Human Asset Management discusses the why and how of developing a talent plan.

Workforce Development
2024 AMBA Conference Taught Me How to Elevate, Engage and Evolve
I returned home with a wealth of inspiration and instructions, including the importance of leaning into discomfort, having difficult discussions, delegating more, letting others shine and understanding the difference between a promise and a goal.

Education
The Intersection of Robotics, Hands-on Training in Mold Design Curriculum
A Q&A with Nicholas Vitelli, MoldMaking Technology EAB member and engineering lecturer at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

FAQ
Mold Maintenance Continues to Matter: Enhanced Training Program in a New Facility
I attended a MoldTrax mold maintenance workshop in 2019 and shared my experiences, and despite changes in ownership, the workshop's remarkable value endures, as discussed in a recent Q&A with the current leadership.

Education
Tackling a Mold Designer Shortage
Survey findings reveal a shortage of skilled mold designers and engineers in the moldmaking community, calling for intervention through educational programs and exploration of training alternatives while seeking input from those who have addressed the issue successfully.
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- Webinars
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Webinars See All

On Demand
Design for Maintenance: Five Tips to Extend Tool Life and Simplify Maintenance
Want to extend tool life? You need a design for maintenance approach. Incorporating design for maintenance into your tooling process can help you reduce running maintenance costs, enhance part quality and reduce the risk of human errors. In this webinar, you'll learn five essential tips for getting started with design for maintenance. Plus, discover how Canon Virginia, Inc.'s mold maintenance planning process and tooling solutions can add value to your business. Agenda: Understand business and technical values of design for maintenance and maintenance planning Learn five tips for design for maintenance you can put into practice today Adopt Canon Virginia, Inc.'s mold maintenance planning process and tooling solutions

On Demand
Unlocking the Potential of Polycarbonate: Best Practices for Successful Injection Molding
In today's manufacturing landscape, it's common to be tasked with doing more with less. You rely on a combination of factors to mold smaller parts with greater precision to satisfy growing demands and higher production levels — all within a smaller space. In this context, polycarbonate has become a popular material for modern products and injection molding applications. Manufacturers and designers increasingly select polycarbonate for its high impact resistance, stiffness, optical clarity, light weight and dimensional stability. Because polycarbonate is an engineering resin, it requires more care and attention in processing than commodity resins. How are leading manufacturers leveraging polycarbonate and skill base to meet their production and business objectives? Agenda: The properties that make polycarbonate an attractive choice for material selection Considerations for part design Best practices for processing equipment and functionality — from pellet to final part How to troubleshoot defects Case studies and examples of success using polycarbonate

On Demand
Embracing Additive Manufacturing for Conformal Cooling
Injection molding is one of the most widely used manufacturing methods due to its ability to produce high-quality parts at incredibly high volumes. However, the productivity of these processes is often limited by the cooling methods that removes heat from the part after molding. Advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have opened the door for new approaches suitable for production molding. Modern conformal cooling approaches achieved through these AM techniques offer the potential for breakthrough solutions. This webinar will explore the cutting-edge advancements in these technologies that enable the design and production of intricately-tailored cooling channels within injection molding tooling. During this session, SyBridge Technologies will discuss its approach to design, simulate and test novel cooling structures to improve injection molding tooling performance from cycle time to warp.

On Demand
Optimizing Thermal Management in the Molding Process
DME will highlight the factors that can reduce thermal transfer over time and cause the mold temperature to stray beyond its established control limits—making it difficult to control the molding process. Recommendations are shared on how to best maintain the thermal transfer coefficient through the implementation of specific predictive maintenance measures.

On Demand
Cost-Effective Metal Part Production: Metal 3D Printing Cost Comparison
It has a reputation for being expensive, but it that a true apples-to-apples comparison? And how does the equation change if metal 3D printing is being evaluated as a complementary (instead of competitive) method? Join FreeFORM Technologies and Desktop Metal for this webinar exploring how metal 3D printing compares to traditional manufacturing methods through a detailed comparison of metal injection molding and metal binder jetting. With both technologies in-house, FreeFORM is positioned to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traditional versus additive manufacturing methods. Together, both companies will walk through cost modeling to discover where the breakeven is on volume and cost that makes metal 3D printing cost-effective. Agenda: Learn where binder jetting fits and how it supports the product lifecycle curve as production ramps and declines throughout a product lifecycle Explore the factors that impact cost breakdowns (such as material and tooling) and provide examples to compare costing models at various production volumes of each method Compare the design considerations, process steps and end-part material properties

On Demand
Driving the Best Return on Investment in Today's Moldmaking Market
In this presentation, Maruka USA—well-known for designing and installing advanced moldmaking solutions—will discuss the current state of the moldmaking market, how to introduce operational improvements and machining practices that increase moldmaking production while lowering costs to achieve the optimal return on investment. Agenda: State of the moldmaking market Improving your production processes Introducing automation into your moldmaking Positioning your shop for success

On Demand
Using Hot Runner Balance in the Mold Qualification Process Register Now
Videos See All

Business Strategy
MGS Redefines Tooling Excellence With Lynge Facility Upgrades
The company’s investments in cutting-edge tooling and upgrades to its test center drive growth for global healthcare innovators.

Molding Equipment
Cooling, Mold Temperature Control Solutions Augment Energy, Water Savings
NPE2024: Frigel North America is presenting improvements to many of its processing cooling equipment, as well as debuting new options for North American customers, such as the Microgel series, 3DP4 4.0, 4DK series and more.

NPE
Emerging Technologies at NPE2024: Exhibit Previews
NPE2024 will be held May 6-10 in Orlando, Florida. Check out the exhibitor preview compilation below to learn more about the exhibitors and the technologies related to moldmaking that will be featured.

Maintenance & Repair
Plastic Injection Molder Debuts EOAT, Mold Monitoring Solutions
NPE2024: Exhibiting for the first time, European-based Mouldpro ApS highlights new solutions — the Roborex and Flosense — alongside partner Globeius.

Industry 40
Four Industry 4.0 Tech Adoption Insights from Indiana Plastics Manufacturers
As more plastics manufacturers step into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, insights have emerged about how best to approach the digital transformation journey.

Automation
Molder Emphasizes Circularity in Molding, Extrusion, Automation and AM
NPE2024: Alongside partners, KraussMaffei provides a comprehensive look at its offerings — from injection molding machines to automation and additive manufacturing — as well as partnerships, to advance its focus on sustainability.
Events See All

6 May 2024
NPE2024: The Plastics Show
Every three years, leaders from almost every major industry gather at NPE to advance their businesses through innovations in plastics. The largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE offers six technology zones, keynote speakers, workshops and opportunities to build partnerships.

8 May 2024
AM Workshop - 3D Printing for Plastic Processors
The 3D Printing Workshop @ NPE2024 – The Plastics Show, is an immersive, half-day workshop focused on the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop will build upon a successful model first introduced at IMTS 2014. Attendees will benefit from a program focused on practical applications of 3D technologies related to plastics processing. This event will conclude with a 3D Printing Industry Reception sponsored by Additive Manufacturing Media.

9 Sep 2024
IMTS 2024

10 Sep 2024
Parts Cleaning Conference at IMTS 2024
Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today. Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!

12 Sep 2024
AM Workshop - 3D Printing for Job Shops
Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop at IMTS 2024 is a chance for job shops to learn the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. First introduced at IMTS 2014, this workshop has helped hundreds of manufacturing professionals expand their additive capabilities.

8 Apr 2025
Formnext Chicago 2025
Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).
Suppliers See All

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Cutting Tools and Toolholders

EDM Equipment and Supplies

Hot Runner Systems and Supplies

Inspection & Measurement

Machining Centers and Machine Tools

Maintenance, Repair and Surface Treatment

Mold Components

Mold Materials

Moldmaking Equipment and Accessories

Molds/Tools/Dies

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Basics/101 See All

FAQ
Best of Fattori, Tooling Know How
In this collection of articles Jim Fattori offers his insights on a variety of molding-related topics that are bound to make your days on the production floor go a little bit better.

FAQ
How to Configure Your Twin-Screw Extruder for Mixing: Part 5
Understand the differences between distributive and dispersive mixing, and how you can promote one or the other in your screw design.

FAQ
How to Customize an Interoperable Software Solution for Your Moldmaking Process
A connected software solution streamlines the moldmaking process by providing a unified source of design data, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors, with five key steps benefiting from this integration.

Five Axis
How to Implement Five-Axis Mold Machining for Higher Productivity, Versatility
Understanding the basics of five-axis capabilities justifies the investment, but exploring all the multi-axis machine benefits and approaches enhances the return on investment.

FAQ
4 Tips for Staying Profitable in the Face of Change
After more than 40 years in business, this shop has learned how to adapt to stay profitable.

Basics
How To Design Three-Plate Molds – Part 4
There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs — and keep the customer happy.
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Molding Equipment 26 Apr 2024

Cooling, Mold Temperature Control Solutions Augment Energy, Water Savings
NPE 26 Apr 2024

Emerging Technologies at NPE2024: Exhibit Previews
Maintenance & Repair 25 Apr 2024

Plastic Injection Molder Debuts EOAT, Mold Monitoring Solutions
Industry 40 25 Apr 2024

Four Industry 4.0 Tech Adoption Insights from Indiana Plastics Manufacturers
Automation 24 Apr 2024

Molder Emphasizes Circularity in Molding, Extrusion, Automation and AM
NPE 24 Apr 2024

Mold Builder Grows Mold Training, Additive Tooling Via Industry Partnerships
Leadtime Leader 24 Apr 2024

Unveiling Excellence: The 2024 Leadtime Leader Award - Who Will Claim the Crown?
Mold Materials 24 Apr 2024

How to Machine Aluminum Molds to Enhance Efficiency and Quality
NPE 23 Apr 2024

Mold Solutions Target Safety, Storage and Productivity
Leadership 23 Apr 2024

3 Es of Small, Family-Owned Mold Shop

December 2023 Issue

December

December 2023

Digital Edition

How is an Aluminum Mold Energy-Efficient?

Nine ways aluminum molds save energy and production costs.

Features

Featured articles from the December 2023 issue of MoldMaking Technology

Ecomonics 13 Nov 2023

GBI Shifts to Second Straight Month of Slowing Contraction

While contraction has been an ongoing course for activity in the GBI: Moldmaking, its slight slowing might suggest that positive change is coming.

Supply Chain 14 Dec 2023

Resilience and Reflections: Moldmaking in the Evolving Economic Landscape

As moldmakers navigate this complex year marked by fluctuating business activities, and approach the upcoming year with cautious optimism, three key considerations should guide their decisions.

Maintenance & Repair 21 Dec 2023

What You Should Know About Injection Mold Safety Straps

Every mold should have one in order to be safe and OSHA compliant.

FAQ 1 Dec 2023

Machine Tool Considerations for Today's Mold Builder

Machine rigidity, spindle speed, power and control options that run complex programs smoothly are vital to meet the industry’s surface finish and speed requirements.

Profile 6 Dec 2023

NextGen Mold Technologies is Sticking to the Plan

I caught up with Dennis Goggin, president of NextGen Mold Technologies, to learn how much has changed for this startup mold builder since we last connected.

Business Strategy 27 Dec 2023

Certified Quality Management for Plastics Professionals – Materials to Tooling to Recycling

Why is certification of a shop’s quality management system to ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949 or ISO 13485 so special? What does the certification signify? And what supports the paper behind the framed certificate?

Case Study 27 Nov 2023

Machine Monitoring Platform Improves Machine Utilization, On-Time Delivery

Using data from a machine monitoring platform, Westminster Tool added almost 75 hours of capacity per week by shortening warmups and starting CNC and EDM machines sooner.

Editorial 20 Dec 2023

MoldMaking Technology's Most-Viewed Content of 2023

The most popular MoldMaking Technology content according to analytics reports over the past 12 months.

Editorial Board Insight 28 Dec 2023

Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Get Reacquainted with MMT EAB Member Marion Wells Owner, Human Asset Management

Marion has been serving on MMT’s editorial advisory board since 2019. Hear what she's been up to lately.

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Kor-Lok

GBI: Moldmaking

GBI Shifts to Second Straight Month of Slowing Contraction

Profile

NextGen Mold Technologies is Sticking to the Plan

From the Editor

MoldMaking Technology's Most-Viewed Content of 2023

EAB Insight

Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Get Reacquainted with MMT EAB Member Marion Wells Owner, Human Asset Management

Maintenance & Repair

Mounted Abrasive Points for Mold and Die Polishing

Inspection & Measurement

3D Inspection Software is Dedicated to Flexible Scenarios Using Universal Portable Measuring Equipment

Maintenance & Repair

Blow-Off Station Adds to Ultrasonic Cleaning Effectiveness

Mold Maintenance Training Courses Teach Mold Management, Upkeep

Maintenance & Repair

Rust Preventatives Ensure Complete Mold Protection

Micro-Diameter End Mill Series Reduces Cutting Time, Enhances Finishing for Ultra-Precision Moldmaking

Maintenance & Repair

Monitor Tool Wirelessly Tracks Mold Activity

Surface Treatment

Polishing Stone Results in Smooth Surface Finish for Tool Steels, EDM

Maintenance & Repair

Portable Low-Heat, Non-Arcing Resistance Welder for Mold Repair

Mold Components

Mold and Die Catalog Simplifies Parts Ordering

Mold Components

Slide Components Can Run Greaseless, Provide New Side Actions

Mold Components

Mold Component Supplier Offerings Enhance Moldmaking Capabilities

Workforce Development

A Virtual Reality Solution for Injection Molding Training

Additive Manufacturing

CAD/CAM Software Generates Unique Additive Tool Paths for Mold Cooling Channels

Hot Tip Sprue Cleaner Melts Obstructive Plastic

Mold Components

Ejector Portfolio Expansion Takes on Demolding Challenges

Design & Mfg. Software

Updated Module Simulates Mold Designs for Full Cycle Collision Check

Maintenance & Repair

Optical Fiber Laser Welding Machine for Effective Mold Repair

Mold Components

High-Speed Steel Ejector Pins for Plastic Injection Molds

Mold Components

New Slide Design With Floating Insert Supports Mold Simplification

Additive Manufacturing

3D-Printed Tooling Workflow Achieves Complex Part Prototyping

Qualified Tool Steel Enhances Thermal Transfer, Long Tool Life

Additive Manufacturing

Maraging Stainless Steel Powder Engineered for Additive Manufacturing Applications

Maintenance & Repair

Intuitive, Maintenance-Free Laser Welder for Mold Repair

Die-Cast Mold Conformal Cooling Achieved Through Hybrid Multi-Material 3D Printer

Uniform Temperature Profile Key to LSR Molding Technology

Additive Manufacturing

Precision Metal 3D Printing Technology for Mold Manufacture

High Penetration Drill Advances Hole-Making Activities

Additive Manufacturing

All-in-One Wire-Laser Metal 3D Printer for Mold Manufacture, Maintenance

Maintenance & Repair

Mold Welding, Polishing and Engraving Services Meet High Demands, Craftsmanship

Hot Runner Cooling Design Lowers Energy Consumption, Maintenance

Maintenance & Repair

Intelligent Mold Cleaners Support Proper Mold Maintenance

Injection Mold Manufacturer Offers Focused Expertise, Benchmark Performance

Hot Runner System Innovations Manage Melt Logistics Inside the Mold

Unscrewing Devices, Hot Runner Systems Advance the Mold

Surface Treatment

In-House Surface Treatment Services for Molds, Embossing Rolls

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