MMT ARTICLE ARCHIVE
Feature Articles
Surface Finish: Understanding Mold Surface Lingo
The correlation between the units of measure used to define mold surfaces is a commonly raised question. This article will lay these units of measure side by side in a conversion format so that companies can confidently understand with what they are dealing.
Micro Tooling for a Growing Micro Moldmaking MarketWithout proper tooling, one cannot imagine the challenges of entering a world of micro machining where the tooling used is sometimes also very challenging to see.
LSR/LIM Molding: A Unique NicheOne moldmaker’s decision to venture into liquid silicone rubber/liquid injection molding makes it one of the few shops that can provide molds for liquid silicone.
When Is Lean Too Lean?When it comes to lean manufacturing, how and when do you know if you have struck your perfect balance?
Gain Access to the Recession-Proof Medical MarketMoldmakers who want to diversify into medical—or maintain their competitive edge—need up-to-date, high-tech engineering and fabrication capabilities in order to meet the toolmaking industry’s most stringent quality standards.
When Opportunity Knocks …This year is all about looking for and capitalizing on new business opportunities for your shops.
Why Simulation Matters in Mold DesignIf you design molds for a living, chances are there’s simulation software out there that can help you do your job more effectively. But what type of software should you be looking for? The answer is software that enables digital prototyping.
Using DSSP to Reinvent Footwear ManufacturingTimberland is using digital shape sampling and processing (DSSP) technology from Geomagic for greater footwear customization, faster time-to-market, more consistent quality, and manufacturing with considerably less waste.
U.S. Is Still a Primary Manufacturing ResourceOver past year, we’ve seen the weak U.S. dollar and exorbitant fuel/shipping costs cause U.S. companies to reconsider near-shoring as a cost-effective option, and adjust their outsourcing strategies to include near-shoring of some products. But as of this writing, the U.S. dollar has risen 30 percent over the past two months. Fuel costs are falling rapidly, and the costs to ship goods from overseas are coming down with them. The U.S. economy is very sick, and recovery is expected to be long and tough.
What to Look for in CAD Translation SoftwareAdapting CAD modeling data for CAM is not always a seamless process. Even small inaccuracies in file translation can result in time-consuming manual repairs. And even if the translated data is accurate, some designs may fail to meet manufacturing requirements, increasing the difficulties of cutting the mold or resulting in bad mold configurations that build in extra cycle time, loss of part strength or failure to meet tolerances.
Improving Quality to Increase the Bottom LinePrevention cost is one of the most significant elements of the cost of quality. When developing plans for reduction of quality expenditures, it is critical to analyze the various prevention costs during the product launch phase with a shop floor management system or ERP solution.
Bridging the Gap between Part and Mold DevelopmentMoldmakers need design automation, modeling and surfacing tools to facilitate effective interaction with product designers.
Five-Axis Inspection for MoldmakersDoes five-axis inspection offer similar benefits in speed and accuracy for moldmaking operations?
Case Study
Toolmakers Will All Have College Degrees
Anchor Glass Container Corporation’s Mold Division plans to stay competitive with a well educated workforce.
Cutting Tool/Software Providers Combine Efforts to Maximize ProductivityCollaboration amongst suppliers to be expert solutions providers is key to a moldmaker’s ability to maximize production throughout their entire manufacturing process—increasing efficiency and productivity.
From The Editor
Steel-Supported, Aluminum Injection Mold Frame Exhibits Durability, Strength
A mold frame that incorporates steel support pillars has all of the thermal benefits of aluminum matched with the durability of a steel mold.
Mold Business Index
Decline Less Severe Than Expected
42.5 Total Mold Business Index for November 2008 The total Mold Business Index is a weighted average of the sub-indices for new orders, production, employees, backlog, exports and supplier deliveries.
Profile
Alliance for American Manufacturing
With a mission of keeping American manufacturing strong, this grassroots effort raises awareness on the plight the U.S. is facing and offers tips on how to keep jobs here.
ISSUE
January 2009
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