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The AMBA Board has approved the development of a modern Apprenticeship template for CNC Machinists and Moldmakers.  The template will be developed in conjunction with standardized testing for CNC Machinists and Moldmakers.  The apprenticeship template and standardized tests will be invaluable tools that will be needed to safeguard the integrity of the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the moldmaking industry.  

To develop the template and tests, the AMBA has hired a consultant, Dr. Kitty Manley from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, to perform a process called a DACUM.  This process requires six to 10 industry experts from each subject area (CNC & Moldmaking) to work with Dr. Manley in establishing the core knowledge and skills.  This will be a three-day process held during the week's listed below:
 

Week of June 24th - CNC Machinists

Week of July 8th - Moldmakers
 

The AMBA needs six to10 expert CNC Machinists and six to 10 expert Moldmakers from regionally and industrially diverse moldmaking companies to go to Grand Rapids, MI, during the week's listed above to contribute to the development of this standard. 

If you would like to send one of your top CNC Machinists or Moldmakers to contribute to setting the industry's new skill standard, please contact one of the people below.
 

Andy Baker
Byrne Tool & Design
bakera@byrne-tool.com
 

Robbie Earnhardt
Superior Tooling
rearnhardt@sti-nc.com

Ryan Pohl
Expert Tech
ryan.pohl@expert-technical.com

 

Since we've covered several moldmakers this year who have used of a variety of DMG/Mori Seiki machines within their shops for automated work cells for EDM, five axis machining, turning operations and hard milling, I was interested in learning more about where the company's machine technology was headed for mold & die during their Innovation Days event at the Chicago headquarters last week.

The showroom was impressive with with more than 40 machines on the floor demo'ing parts for mold & die, automotive, aerospace and gear production. Four machines were singled out specificially for mold & die: 

•    DMC 1035 V ECOLINE
•    DMU 125 monoBLOCK
•    DMU 150
•    HSC 75

The event also included a seminar program and concurrent specialty sessions in their dedicated University training facility.

DMG/Mori Seiki’s focus on mold & die continues to grow. They see a strong trend in five-axis machining as well as the use of their technology within automated EDM workcells to help ease the electrode production bottlenecks many moldmakers experience.  Moldmakers are also looking to fully realize the potential of their machines while looking at linear motor technology instead of ball screws; and the right control technology.  DMG / Mori Seiki is poised to help with all of these challenges.

This years Leadtime Leader Honorable mention--who will be announced next month-- is one such moldmaker who has who have invested in DMG/Mori Seiki machine technololgy. Look for their story in our June issue.

For more information on DMG/Mori Seiki click here.

Sponsored by MoldMaking Technology Magazine, amerimold Knowledge Centers are brief, interactive presentations held on the show floor. Intimate and limited in size and led by applications experts at leading equipment suppliers, amerimold Knowledge Centers offer opportunities for deeper learning about specific product and process technologies whether you ENGINEER, BUILD or MAINTAIN molds.

Early registration discounts are available through today, May 10th. Complete amerimold registration and event details can be found at www.amerimoldexpo.com.