MMT ARTICLE ARCHIVE
Feature Articles
When to Shift: Conventional Molding or Rapid Manufacturing?
To make intelligent decisions of when to use one process over another, certain considerations must fall into place. This discussion will deal with laser sintering.
Measuring CAD Skills Gives Greater EfficiencyCAD is at the heart of modern manufacturing and moldmaking. But just how good are people at using the CAD tools they are given? This article reviews the options for assessing the skills and training needs of CAD users.
Working with Competitors Builds Business for Michigan CompaniesA manufacturing co-op expands markets, saves money and keeps small companies in business.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Repair TechniciansEffective, efficient mold repair is a unique skill when complemented with knowing what it takes to keep molds running optimally and reliably.
Equipment Expansion Lands Additional CustomersAdding equipment to the shop floor not only accommodates existing customers, but also can serve as an investment in securing work from new customers.
Survey Says …It’s not all bad news. Despite all of the negative news we’re hearing lately, there is “good” happening and new business opportunities to take advantage of, as a few surveys have reported.
Hot Runner Temperature Control: A Low-Investment Solution for Challenging MoldingTo understand the importance of hot runner controls, you need to examine how they actually control temperature, processing implications and mold design considerations.
The Table MakerI recently participated in a meeting of peers and educators. Following the initial presentation, the conversation turned to the general state of the industry and economy.
How to Decrease Your Internal Mold Maintenance Costs, Part 2A look at the ultrasonic cleaning process in detail, discussing cleaning detergents, process layout and return on investment.
Benefits of Using the Right Measurement ToolHow to accelerate design review with the right measurement tool and what to look for in the tools you select for measurement and checking of thickness on 3-D models.
Rapid Molding Process Provides Economic Alternative to CNC Machining of ComponentsA rapid casting process has been developed that serves as an economic alternative to CNC machining, die and investment casting, and sand casting with machining.
Now Is the Time to Assert YourselfI speak frequently to contract manufacturers and job shops about their businesses. Despite the economic conditions we hear about everyday in the media, many machining and metalworking businesses are busy or are maintaining their orders at 2008 levels. Things still have to be made, even in times like these. Everything may just work out, they say.
Case Study
Beyond the Classroom: Mold Maintenance Products That Work
Leaving injection mold maintenance to chance is a costly oversight. Using standardized methods of improvement, as explained here, can yield real change to company practices as well as significant returns on a company’s tooling investment.
Tip of the Month
How to Survive an Economic Apocalypse
The private business sector is in trouble and if you’re one of the 75 percent of mid-sized companies that’s not increasing in value, it’s time to adapt or die. It’s time to emulate the business superstars called Midas Managers—the less-than-one-percent of all business people who intuitively know how to create wealth. It’s not that you can become a Midas Manager—the vast majority of us simply don’t have the right stuff—but you can study what they do and learn their tricks. Following are eight steps your shop can take to survive an economic apocalypse.
Mold Business Index
Next Recovery Phase Expected Late this Year
41.3 Total Mold Business Index for February 2009 The total Mold Business Index is a weighted average of the sub-indices for new orders, production, employees, backlog, exports and supplier deliveries.
Profile
Tom Mullikin: No Voice Is Too Small
This lawyer-turned grassroots advocate urges everyone to get involved in the fight to save American manufacturing.
ISSUE
April 2009
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