Advertisement

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.

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

Design & Mfg. 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.

Mold Components
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.

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.

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.

Basics
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.

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.

Editorial Board Insight
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.

Editorial
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.
All Topics See All

30 under 30

3D Printing

Additive Manufacturing

Aluminum

amerimold

Analysis

associations

Automation

automotive

Auxiliary Equipment

Basics

Build

Business Strategy

Case Study

Conformal Cooling

consumer

covid-19

Cutting Tools

Data Management Software

Design & Mfg. Software

Digital Demos

drills

Ecomonics

Editorial

Editorial Board Insight

EDM

Education

electronics

Engineer

FAQ

Five Axis

Grinding

High Speed Machining

hmc

Hot Runners

ICYMI

IMTS

Industry 40

Inspection & Measurement

jobposting

Leadership

Leadtime Leader

Machining

Maintain

Maintenance & Repair

Manage

Marketing

medical

MMT25

Mold Components

Mold Materials

Molding Equipment

Moldmaking Conference

NPE

Packaging

Profile

PTXPO

Rapid Tooling

Regulations

Safety

sales

Supply Chain

Surface Treatment

Sustainability

Tips

Tool Steel

Top Shops

Turning

vmc

Workforce Development

Workholding
- 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

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.

NPE
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

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
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.

Design & Mfg. 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.

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.

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.

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.
Magazine
MMT Chats
Leadtime Leaders
Subscribe

Molding Equipment 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
NPE 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
Safety 23 Apr 2024

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

3 Es of Small, Family-Owned Mold Shop

April 2023 Issue

April

April 2023

Digital Edition

True Five-Axis Machine Yields More Throughput, Greater Productivity

CDM Tool & Mfg. Co. LLC increased shop capacity thanks to a versatile high-speed/high-accuracy five-axis Fooke mill capable of cutting very large workpieces quickly and accurately with fewer setups.

Features

Featured articles from the April 2023 issue of MoldMaking Technology

FAQ 31 Mar 2023

How to Foster Innovation Through a Culture of Education, Mentoring

Dynamic Tool Corp. shares its strategy for building a team with the right attitude and aptitude to deliver innovation that meets customer expectations.

Inspection & Measurement 17 Apr 2023

Three 3D Scanner Investment Considerations

Mold builders taking advantage of laser and software advancements for portable 3D measurement tools can reduce inspection and measurement times.

Leadtime Leader 29 Mar 2023

MoldMaking Technology's Leadtime Leader Awards Competition Returns!

After a brief hiatus, MoldMaking Technology’s Leadtime Leader Awards Competition is back!

Editorial Board Insight 12 Apr 2023

Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Meet New Board Member Adam Nartker, Diversified Technologies International

The 2023-2026 version of MoldMaking Technology’s EAB features a new crew of industry professionals. Meet Adam Nartker.

Maintenance & Repair 6 Apr 2023

The State of Maintenance: Where Are You?

New products, equipment and software are beneficial to mold maintenance, but they do not change the fundamental way a repair technician performs the job if the culture remains reactive. Is your toolroom reactive or proactive?

Conformal Cooling 7 Apr 2023

Pennsylvania Mold Builder Doubles Footprint, Maintains Quality and Company Values

Quality Mold Inc. doubles its manufacturing footprint but maintains its private company values and structure, delivering quality and fast turnaround from mold design and build through sampling.

Ecomonics 10 Mar 2023

February's Moldmaking Industry GBI Crept Toward Growth

Despite contracting activity, moldmaking landed itself on the cusp to potential expansion in March, further encouraged by the slowing contraction of most Index components.

Tips 19 Apr 2023

5 Sinker EDM Advancements

Speed, machine design, software, artificial intelligence and automation help maximize sinker EDM productivity.

Advertisement

Techspex

Advertisement

NPE2024: The Plastics Show

Advertisement

Gardner Business Intelligence

From the Editor

MoldMaking Technology's Leadtime Leader Awards Competition Returns!

EAB Insight

Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Meet New Board Member Adam Nartker, Diversified Technologies International

Profile

Pennsylvania Mold Builder Doubles Footprint, Maintains Quality and Company Values

GBI: Moldmaking

February's Moldmaking Industry GBI Crept Toward Growth

Tip of the Month

5 Sinker EDM Advancements

Additive Manufacturing

3D Printing Systems Demonstrate Large-Scale Mold Building

Maintenance & Repair

Expanded CounterView Product Line Offers Exclusive Mold Monitoring Accessories

Additive Manufacturing

Internal Cladding Head for Hybrid CNCs Enables Longer-Living Molds

All-In-One CAD/CAM System Streamlines Mold, Die and Model Design and Manufacturing

Data Management Software

Injection Molding Process Control System Provides Traceable Data and Valve Gate Control

Sharp Carbide End Mills Target Reduced Cutting Forces, Tool Pressure

Hoist Ring Prevents Damage and Increases Load Capacity

Maintenance & Repair

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

Surface Treatment

Automated, CO2-Based Blast Systems Specializes in Cleaning Mold Surfaces

Design & Mfg. Software

Parametric Hydraulic Locking Cylinder Models Cover All Native CAD Formats

Additive Manufacturing

Pellet Extrusion 3D Printing Raises Advantages in Thermoforming, Vacuum Forming Molds

Design & Mfg. Software

CAM Software’s Additive Build Preparation Workflow Streamlines Hybrid Manufacturing

Conformal Cooling

Multi-Laser Powder Bed Fusion 3D Printer Supports Complex Mold Building

Additive Manufacturing

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

Drilling System Achieves High-Penetration Rates for General Purpose Holemaking

Siemens NX Mold Wizard for Next-Gen Mold Designers

AM Powder Designed to Create Conformal Cooling Channels

Mold Components

Cutting Sprue Bushing Removes Need for Secondary Operation

Cheto Presents Multifunctional Gundrilling Machine

3D-Printed Tooling Workflow Achieves Complex Part Prototyping

Additive Manufacturing

Maraging Stainless Steel Powder Engineered for Additive Manufacturing Applications

Precision Custom Core Pins

Design & Mfg. Software

CAD/CAM for Increased Productivity, Reduced Lead Times

Pre-Hardened Steel Designed for Machinability

Additive Manufacturing

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

Design & Mfg. Software

Engineering, Calculation and Reference Resource Software for Moldmaking

Additive Manufacturing

Preheating Capabilities Facilitate High-Quality 3D-Printed Tool Steel for Tool and Die Industry

Mold Components

3D-Printed Stainless Steel Vent Pins Produce Defect-Free, Injection-Molded Parts

Additive Manufacturing

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

Mold Components

Collapsible Cores Optimize Molding Threads and Undercuts

Mold System Runs Two Separate Molds Simultaneously

INCOE Puts Direct Gated Valve Gate Component on Display at Amerimold 2021

Cavity Pressure Sensors Ideal for Monitoring During Injection Molding Process

Surface Treatment

Ceramic Fiber Brushes Enables Fast, Automated Deburring and Surface Finishing

Advertisement

Techspex

Archive

Previous issues of MoldMaking Technology

SEE MORE ISSUES

April

April 2024 READ NOW

March

March 2024 READ NOW

February

February 2024 READ NOW

January

January 2024 READ NOW

December

December 2023 READ NOW

November

November 2023 READ NOW

October

October 2023 READ NOW

September

September 2023 READ NOW

August

August 2023 READ NOW

July

July 2023 READ NOW

June

June 2023 READ NOW

May

May 2023 READ NOW

SEE MORE ISSUES

Advertisement

MMT Today enews

Advertisement

DUOFLOW

Advertisement

YCM Technology (USA) Inc.

Advertisement

Techspex

Advertisement

MoldMaking Technology Magazine