July 2023 Issue
July 2023
Digital Edition
Features
Featured articles from the July 2023 issue of MoldMaking Technology
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Mold Materials
Proper selection of the appropriate mold material is critical to manufacturing a high-quality mold. Tool steel, aluminum, copper and alloys are some of the materials used.
Read More
Three Ways to Accurately Machine Hardened Mold Materials
Three cutting tool design considerations to improve process reliability and cost efficiency when deep-hole drilling molds.
Read More
What You Need to Know About Leader Pins and Bushings
There’s a lot more to these humble but essential mold components than you might suspect. Following the author’s tips could save much time, money and frustration.
Read More
How to Overcome Five Common Hot Runner Cable Connection Problems
Here are some simple solutions for pushed-back or bent pins, pushed-back inserts, high amp deterioration, loose or broken latches and missing or loose ground wire connections.
Read More
Two Reasons to Form Additive Tooling Partnerships
Partnering with experienced 3D printing resources is essential to remaining competitive in today’s ever-evolving moldmaking industry.
Read More
Four Uses for Tactile Probing and Laser Scanning in Moldmaking
Laser trackers with their probing and scanning capabilities are embedded in almost every stage of the moldmaking process.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Software
Design and engineering are essential to building a better and more cost-effective mold with shorter lead times. A variety of software is available to help overcome the daily challenges faced with data, quoting, designing and programming.
Read More
How to Polish Ribs for Proper Part Release
Using the right tools and abrasives is essential to polish a mold to the required final finish.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Hot Runners
Hot runners deliver the material into the mold to make the part. These systems consist of hot halves, nozzles, gates and temperature controllers — all of which must be monitored, maintained and cleaned to guarantee a quality end product.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Mold Components
Mold components make the mold work and the mechanisms used to deliver a quality end product. Key components include mold bases, pins, ejectors, lifters, bushings, guides and alignment devices.
Read More
How to Lower Cycle Times With the Right Tool Steel
Combining excellent mechanical properties, high wear resistance and high thermal conductivity in a specialty tool steel yields cycle time reduction.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Additive Manufacturing
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, simplifies the moldmaking process by making mold inserts, mold components, end-use parts and ancillary equipment. Access this exclusive, online-only content, including a suppliers list, AM products and more.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Machining
Machining shapes metal workpieces. Understanding both traditional and advanced machining techniques is critical to overcoming the various dimensional and finish challenges.
Read More
How to Create Custom Grants for Your Moldmaking Business
Don’t just respond to grant solicitations; create ones that meet your mold shop's needs.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Inspection/Measurement
Inspection and measurement equipment includes all of the tools and devices used to verify that mold and part dimensions conform to the tolerances required by the part’s design
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Mold Builders
A variety of processes are used to engineer, build, maintain, repair and manage a mold, which can be offered as standalone services to be contracted to complete a mold build. Access this exclusive, online-only content, including a suppliers list and mold building services.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Mold Maintenance, Repair & Surface Treatment
A proactive maintenance plan to properly treat a mold to keep it running will decrease repair costs. Proper treatment of the mold’s surface is key to quality, corrosion-resistance, wear and tool life.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: EDM
EDM refers to wire, sinker and small-hole electrical discharge machining. Components include drives, generators, programming, flushing, wires, electrodes, graphite, filters and fluids.
Read More
How to Machine Micron-Level Precision Molds in One Try
On-machine measurement intelligence and modification technology helps mold builders overcome machining variables and quickly produce micron-level tolerances.
Read More
Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are used on machine tools to cut metal, and are one component of the overall mold machining process to consider when looking to improve speeds, feeds, wear and surface finish.
Read More
5 Sinker EDM Advancements
Speed, machine design, software, artificial intelligence and automation help maximize sinker EDM productivity.
Read More
Three Ways to Accurately Machine Hardened Mold Materials
Two Reasons to Form Additive Tooling Partnerships
Four Uses for Tactile Probing and Laser Scanning in Moldmaking
How to Polish Ribs for Proper Part Release
5 Sinker EDM Advancements
