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Techspex

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.

Tips
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

Mold Materials
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.

Tips
How to Manage a CAD Library
Learn five ways to organize your mold design information.

FAQ
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.

Industry 40
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.

Basics
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

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.

Business Strategy
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.

Leadership
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.

Business Strategy
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
- 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

Supply Chain
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.

NPE
Mold Builder Grows Mold Training, Additive Tooling Via Industry Partnerships
NPE2024: Westminster Tool is showcasing how it continues to expand its toolmaking knowledge through latest case studies, and mold qualification and injection molding training expansion.

Leadtime Leader
Unveiling Excellence: The 2024 Leadtime Leader Award - Who Will Claim the Crown?
MoldMaking Technology’s Leadtime Leader Awards competition comes to a close as the community discovers the 2024 winner at NPE on May 7 at 4 p.m. in Booth W2143. Make your plans to be there!

Mold Materials
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.

Safety
Mold Solutions Target Safety, Storage and Productivity
NPE2024: Globeius and its suppliers showcase solutions focused on decreasing downtime, reducing energy consumption, increasing safety and more in an injection mold shop.
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

Basics
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.

Basics
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.

Basics
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.

FAQ
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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Industry 40 25 Apr 2024

Four Industry 4.0 Tech Adoption Insights from Indiana Plastics Manufacturers
Sustainability 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
Molding Equipment 22 Apr 2024

Molding Equipment Features More Connectivity With Robots, Auxiliaries, Industry 4.0
NPE 22 Apr 2024

Recycling Partners Collaborate to Eliminate Production Scrap Waste at NPE2024
medical 22 Apr 2024

How to Improve Your Current Efficiency Rate

June 2015 Issue

June

June 2015

Consumer Goods and Electronics

Packaging to see stable growth; electronics likely to remain soft.

Features

Featured articles from the June 2015 issue of MoldMaking Technology

Basics 1 Jun 2015

Designing a Better Heat Exchanger - Part 2

In part two of our three-part sub-series on mold water cooling systems, we review water quality and its impact on mold performance.

Leadtime Leader 1 Jun 2015

2015 Leadtime Leader Awards Winner: Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing - Setting the Pace Holistically

This mold manufacturer has radically transformed its business by instituting a standardized, flexible process, advanced technology and a people-centric philosophy.

Design & Mfg. Software 1 Jun 2015

Minimizing Costly Tooling Issues

Properly reviewing a mold design before manufacture can help avoid new tooling issues.

Surface Treatment 1 Jun 2015

Eliminating Seams

A zero-parting-line process requires collaboration among the toolmaker, its texturization provider and the OEM.

Leadership 1 Jun 2015

Ease Shop Management

One of the biggest challenges of properly implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is making sure it includes all necessary information, but even a basic ERP solution can positively impact a mold shop.

Machining 1 Jun 2015

Increasing Five-Axis Accuracy

Probing and five-axis auto-tuning can correct machine misalignments in minutes, not hours.

Cutting Tools 1 Jun 2015

Machining Deep with Solid Carbide Drills

A new twist on deep-hole drilling strategies for mold machining.

Design & Mfg. Software 1 Jun 2015

Beyond Integration

CAD/CAM integration has reached an entirely new level of value within process planning.

Case Study 1 Jun 2015

2015 Leadtime Leader Awards Honorable Mention: Dynamic Tool & Design - Committing to a Scientific Process

This shop’s recent strides in mold qualification mirror an ongoing transition to a more systematic approach to mold manufacturing. Meanwhile, a culture of ownership ensures a full buy-in from veteran employees as well as fresh talent attracted through extensive workforce development efforts.

Business Strategy 1 Jun 2015

Total MBI for April 2015

49.4

Additive Manufacturing 20 May 2015

Multi-Material 3D Printers Feature Triple-Jetting Technology

Stratasys offers six multi-material 3D printers with compact and mid-size build envelopes that all feature the company’s PolyJet triple-jetting technology.

Case Study 1 Jun 2015

Diamonds in the Roughing

This mold manufacturer discovered significant time and cost savings in a previously unexplored feature of its CAM software.

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Aquilo Cold Deck LSR Systems by Mastip Inc.

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Progressive Components

And the Winners are …

Case Study

2015 Leadtime Leader Awards Winner: Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing - Setting the Pace Holistically

Case Study

Temperature Control Technology Streamlines Sampling

Case Study

2015 Leadtime Leader Awards Honorable Mention: Dynamic Tool & Design - Committing to a Scientific Process

Next-Generation Moldmakers

Case Study

Diamonds in the Roughing

Tech Center Adds Sampling, Training Capacity

Complete Mold Base Manufacturing

Advanced Technologies Include In-Mold Assembly

Ultrasonic Cleaning Methods Meet Variety of Requirements

Aluminum Cast Mold Plate Suited for Multiple Applications

Hot Runner Temperature Controllers Upgraded

Cast Aluminum Minimizes Need for Added Operations

7-Axis Machines Provide Deep-Hole Drilling in a Single Setup

Moldmaker Expands Capabilities to Boost Quality, Turnaround

High-Feed Face Mill Boosts Productivity

Right Mix of Tooling and Technology

Mold Technology Produces Lightweight Plastic Parts

Digital Boring Heads Offer Variety of Benefits

Surface Treatment

Laser Marking Systems Suited for Variety of Applications

Sequential Controller Actuates Up to 8 Valve Gates

CNC Simulation Software Can Operate Independently, Integrate with CAM

Steel Operation Adds Machining Capacity

Hybrid Multiple-Gate Nozzle Suits Close-Gate Applications

Workforce Development

Institute Offers Higher Education for Plastics Professionals

Molding Equipment

One-Shot Molding Technology Cuts Need for Post-Processing

Magic Lens for Molds and Components

Sealed Holder Protects Chucks from Debris

Additive Manufacturing

Moldmaker Boosts 3D Metal Printing Capacity

Surface Treatment

EN Coating Increases Wear Resistance

Swiveling Processing Head Enables 3-Axis Welding

Free Mold Care Product Samples Available

Mold Components

Product Range Includes Mold Cycle Counters, More

Mold Components

Tool Tightens/Releases Insert Screws within Mold Cavity

Variable-Helix Tools Deliver Faster Speeds, Feeds

Self-Adhesive Wrap Protects Tooling During Storage

Hybrid Molding Technologies Offer Variety of Benefits

Data Management Software

Scheduling System Designed to Boost Shopfloor Efficiency

Mold Base Manufacturer Accommodates Design Changes

Mold Components

Double-Ejection Systems Suit Medium, Large Molds

Data Management Software

Power of PDM

Data Management Software

Tracking System Gives Users Mobile Access to Tool Data

High-Speed Spindles and Repair Services Available

New Tool Steel Grade Offers Higher Ductility

Design & Mfg. Software

CAD Comparison Module Expands Software Functionality

Extrusion Blow Molds for Consumer Packaging

Hybrid Technology Combines Sintering with Milling

CAD/CAM Update Enhances Mold Design Capabilities

Design & Mfg. Software

Software Well-Suited for Moldmaking, Milling and More

Separator/Tipper Handles Molds to 2,000 Lbs

iWarriors Donates iPads to Wounded Service Members

Magnetic Chuck Enables Simultaneous 5-Sided Machining in 1 Setup

Dry Ice Cleaning Systems Extend Mold Life

Copper Mold Alloys Provide Variety of Benefits

Business Strategy

Employees Offer Ideas for Process Improvement

High-Hard Mold Steel Can Be Polished to High Shine

EDM Consumables Stocked Nationwide

Leak-Proof Nozzle Suited for Larger-Part Molding

Portable CNC Suited for Second-Operation Machining

Design & Mfg. Software

CAM, Simulation Solution Features Improve Productivity

Design & Mfg. Software

CAM Demo Gives Mold Builders Process Improvement Ideas

3D Scanning Services Highlighted

Gundrill Enables Deep-Hole Drilling

Mold Components

Ejector Blades, Sleeves Available in Steel Grades

Moldmaker Specializes in High-Cavitation Injection Tooling

Provider Offers Range of Cut-to-Size Metals

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