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Techspex

What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

- Engineer
- Build
- Maintain
- Manage
- All Topics
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.

FAQ
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.

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.

Tips
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

Cutting Tools
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.

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.

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.

Additive Manufacturing
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.

NPE
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

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

Workforce Development
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.

FAQ
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.

Conformal Cooling
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

Business Strategy
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.

Business Strategy
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.

Business Strategy
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.

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.

Business Strategy
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
- Videos
- Events
- Suppliers
- Basics/101
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

Workforce Development
Eden Tool and Eden Manufacturing: A Story of Resilience, Growth and Innovation
This critical parts manufacturer, founded on solid tooling fundamentals, didn’t get derailed with the unexpected passing of the owner because leadership was already building a solid business, not just a good tool shop. Here’s how they managed change incrementally… and they’re not finished yet.

Mold Materials
Stainless Steel Grades Eliminate Complex Machining Challenges
Unlike traditional stainless steel, Swiss Steel’s Ugima-X martensitic and duplex steels feature good machinability high reproducibility.

Automation
Engel becomes KUKA Robotics system partner
Enhanced relationship extends robot incorporation in Engel injection molding cells as well as integrate and retrofit KUKA’s products into existing systems, growing the opportunity for automation.

Design & Mfg. Software
CAM Software Enhances 3+2-Axis Toolpath Programming
CloudCNC’s CAM Assist uses AI to generate intuitive machining strategies in minutes or seconds, depending on complexity.

Products to Advance Your Mold Shop
This compilation of digital-only new/proven product content explores each category under MMT’s Engineer, Build, Maintain and Manage topics.

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.
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

Additive Manufacturing

Automation

Business Development & Strategies

CAD/CAM and Other Software

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

Services
Basics/101 See All

FAQ
Obscure CNC Features That Can Help (or Hurt) You
You cannot begin to take advantage of an available feature if you do not know it exists. Conversely, you will not know how to avoid CNC features that may be detrimental to your process.

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.

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.

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.

Automotive
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.
Magazine
MMT Chats
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Medical 1 May 2024

Eden Tool and Eden Manufacturing: A Story of Resilience, Growth and Innovation
Tool Steel 30 Apr 2024

Stainless Steel Grades Eliminate Complex Machining Challenges
ICYMI 30 Apr 2024

Project Reveals Added Benefits of New P20 Grade Steel in Machinability, Cycle Time and No Stress Relief
Design & Mfg. Software 29 Apr 2024

CAM Software Enhances 3+2-Axis Toolpath Programming
29 Apr 2024

Products to Advance Your Mold Shop
NPE 26 Apr 2024

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

Emerging Technologies at NPE2024: Exhibit Previews
NPE 25 Apr 2024

Plastic Injection Molder Debuts EOAT, Mold Monitoring Solutions
Supply Chain 25 Apr 2024

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

Mold Builder Grows Mold Training, Additive Tooling Via Industry Partnerships

April 2024 Issue

April

April 2024

Digital Edition

How to Manage a CAD Library

Learn five ways to organize your mold design information.

Features

Featured articles from the April 2024 issue of MoldMaking Technology

FAQ 15 Apr 2024

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.

Editorial 6 May 2024

NPE 2024 Set to Showcase Solutions for 6 Key Moldmaking Trends

The moldmaking and plastics industries have undergone some changes in the past six years, all of which emphasize the importance of innovation and adaptability for competitiveness.

Data Management Software 17 May 2024

How to Make Data Work for Mold Productivity and Performance

The use of digital workflows improves the impact of mold design libraries, conformal cooling and machine learning.

Ecomonics 8 Mar 2024

Moldmaking Activity Returns to Accelerated Contraction

February’s index dropped from the more positive readings seen in January, landing on par with July 2023 and remaining in contraction mode.

Editorial Board Insight 27 Mar 2024

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.

Maintenance & Repair 29 May 2024

Growth Requires Mold Builder/Molder to Shift Tooling Focus to Maintenance, Repair and Replacement

The results of aligning awareness and acceptance across departments to balance new tooling and quick response needs.

Engineer 9 May 2024

Deliberate Mismatches for Easier Mold Manufacture and Improved Part Appearance

Basic principles for applying deliberate mismatch in the area between the core and cavity and between two matching plastic parts.

Data Management Software 19 Apr 2024

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.

Five Axis 8 Apr 2024

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.

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VERISURF

From the Editor

NPE 2024 Set to Showcase Solutions for 6 Key Moldmaking Trends

GBI: Moldmaking

Moldmaking Activity Returns to Accelerated Contraction

EAB Insight

The Intersection of Robotics, Hands-on Training in Mold Design Curriculum

Profile

Growth Requires Mold Builder/Molder to Shift Tooling Focus to Maintenance, Repair and Replacement

CO2 Cleaning Effectively Generates Contamination-Free Mold Surfaces

Cloud-Based System Designed for Mold Asset Management

Mold Solutions Target Safety, Storage and Productivity

State-of-the-Art Machines, Custom Manufacturing to Reduce Injection Molding Waste

Maintenance & Repair

Moldmaking, Plastics Innovations Designed to Boost Injection Molding, Streamline Operations

Smart Assistant Bridges Injection Molding Skills Gap

Surface Treatment

One-Stop Shop Simplifies Custom Surface Textures, Mold Performance

Aluminum Plate for High-Temperature Tooling Applications

Molder Emphasizes Circularity in Molding, Extrusion, Automation and AM

Maintenance & Repair

Plastic Injection Molder Debuts EOAT, Mold Monitoring Solutions

Fiber Laser Welder Brings Flexibility to Mold Repair Operations

Custom Core Pins Advance Long, Thin-Walled Part Molding

Additive Manufacturing

Cross-Functional Group Targets Metal 3D Printing Design, Engineering Services

Molding Equipment

Hydraulic Gating Cutting Reliably Separates Molded Parts

Machining Equipment Investment Enables Quick Mold Delivery, Precision

Magnetic Mold Clamping Amplifies Quick Mold Changes

Mold Builder Invests in Five-Axis Milling to Open the Envelope

Hot Runner System Demonstrates More Precise Melt Control

Maintenance & Repair

Dry Ice Blasting Achieves Mold Maintenance Needs

Move Into Automation Adds to Mold Building Quality, Competitiveness

Molding Equipment

Molding Equipment Features More Connectivity With Robots, Auxiliaries, Industry 4.0

Moldmaker Showcases Molding Equipment for LSR, Injection Molds

Mini Hot Runner Nozzle Supports Intricate Geometries, Complex Parts

Mold Components

Built-In Hydraulic Cylinder Saves Space in Injection Molds

Molding Equipment

Hot Runners, Auxiliary Injection Units Enhance Control, Processing Capabilities

Strategic Workforce Management Supports the Moldmaking Industry

Moldmaker Highlights Domestic Mold Expertise for Plastics Industry

Corrosion-Resistant Mold Steel Designed For Polishability

3D Printed Hot Runner Nozzles, Pressure Pads Provide Reliable Temperature Handling

Mold Repair, Design Solutions Serve Many Industries

Mold Builder Grows Mold Training, Additive Tooling Via Industry Partnerships

Plant Software Enhances Real-Time Condition Monitoring

Maintenance & Repair

Maintenance Products, In-Booth Demonstrations Highlight Mold Cleaning

University Programs Expose Next-Gen Students to Moldmaking, Plastics

Molding Equipment

Cooling, Mold Temperature Control Solutions Augment Energy, Water Savings

Mold Components

Bonding, Sintering Tech Advances Metal Bonding for Mold, Die Components

Mold Components

Servo Unscrewing Device Delivers High Performance to Multi-Cavity Molds

Maintenance & Repair

Low Flow Indicators Designed for Critical Mold Cooling Channels

All-Electric Injection Molding Machines Exhibit Application Versatility

Production Tracking Software Enables Smart Factory Functionalities

Mold Components

Tool Guide System Offers High Precision

Molding Equipment

Injection Molding Supplies Target Mold, Molding Challenges

Texturing, Engraving Service Supports Mold Builders, Plastics Industry

Optical System Delivers Rapid Machine Vision Solutions

LSR Platform Meets Critical Medical Molding Needs

Tool Steel Alternative to S7-Based Molds

Mold Components

Hydraulic Locking Cylinders Offer Faster Mold Builds With Zero Flash Performance

Stack Mold System Combines Fast Injection With High Process Repeatability

Data Management Software

Software Aids Localization of Injection Mold Inventory

Localized Mold Temperature Control Reduces Knit Lines, Optimizes Melt Flow

Laser Engraving System Features MOPA Fiber Laser

Electric Servo Cylinder Enables Detailed Valve Pin Control, Energy Efficiency

Hot Runner Controller Made to Integrate Into Molding Machines

Industry Veteran Provides Laser and Polishing Services

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SolidCAM Mold Machining for maximum precision

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New COOLED Compact Slide - Amazing Advantages

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Regal Components: Custom precision mold components