Adding Molding Capabilities Strengthens Moldmaking 09/01/10
In a highly competitive market, offering your customers molding services in addition to mold manufacturing is a wise business decision to differentiate your company from the competition. Montrose Molders (South Plainfield, NJ) takes this concept to the next level by being a full-service facility—with capabilities from part and mold design, tool production and maintenance, molding, assembly and part decoration services.
Value of Retrofitting a Machine with a Robot 09/01/10
How a company can do more with existing equipment and manpower.
H.S. Die & Engineering: A One-Stop Shop 08/01/10
H.S. Die & Engineering, Inc. (Grand Rapids, MI)—the winner of the Leadtime Leader Large Shop Honorable Mention Award—knows a thing or two about reinvention. The company has recently entered the aerospace industry to (ensure its long-term survival during tough economic times.
Moldmaker Maximizes Its Large Machining Niche with the Right 08/01/10
This year’s Leadtime Leader Large Shop, Triangle Tool Corp. (Milwaukee, WI), has strategically positioned itself as a leader in building injection, SMC (sheet molded compound) and BMC (bulk molded compound) compression, structural foam, and blow molds for large plastic parts—and has always used Delcam’s (Windsor, ON) software exclusively. When the company added specialty large part machining to its repertoire of services, Triangle once again put Delcam to the test, which the CAD/CAM manufacturer passed with flying colors—allowing Triangle to maximize the use of its five-axis machines to this newly found niche.
From the Editor: Making a Connection 06/01/10
"Innovation is not necessarily what you see, but what you hear." Said a wise mold manufacturing friend of mine.
Mold Craft, Inc.: Innovation with Automation 06/01/10
With an average leadtime of eight weeks, Mold Craft, Inc. (Willernie, MN)?this year?s Small Shop Leadtime Leader Award Winner?builds tight tolerance high-volume, multi-cavity and multi-mold projects that produce small, intricate, precision plastic parts. The company?s strength is in designing and building molds that require extensive engineering using tightly toleranced CNC machining, CNC sinker and wire EDM work, grinding and polishing. Polishing is done in-house to maintain the best control over quality. The company also builds molds for metal injection molding, LSR and LIM molds.
More Complex Tooling Solutions Yield Significant Cost Savings 06/01/10
Real-life scenarios describing how to make the optimum tooling strategy decisions?including early supplier involvement.
PDx/amerimold: Collaboration, Connection and Cooperation 06/01/10
This inaugural event ties together the entire product development life cycle?from concept to completion?and opens mold manufacturers? eyes to the importance of value-added services.
2010 Leadtime Leader Awards: Triangle Tool: Product-To-Tool Service 05/01/10
This Large Shop Leadtime Leader Winner penetrates new markets with complete product-to-tool service while investing in technology.
Michigan Tooling Group: A Total Solutions Provider 05/01/10
This collaborative effort makes each individual company stronger?resulting in the sharing of best practices, greater efficiencies and the ability to take on larger projects.
New Business Opportunities: Invent a Product?Not Just Its Mold 05/01/10
Taking a product from concept to completion gives balloon-tying device inventor?who happen to be in the mold manufacturing industry?new insight into the entire product development and manufacturing cycle and the trials and triumphs that accompany the process.
Savings from the Front Lines: Doing the Math on Your Moldmaker?s Value 05/01/10
For those charged with raising the sales of a mold building company, differentiating one?s company from the competition is fundamental. This quarterly series features actual examples of the front-line representative of a mold building company presenting new approaches to improve the customer?s profitability.
Street Cred: Capitalizing on Current Conditions and Best Practices 05/01/10
There are areas of opportunity for your business, but all may require changing or adapting to capitalize. Change is the single most difficult characteristic to successfully manage for any business at any stage, let alone in times like these when change is so prevalent and harsh.
Machine Verification Software Slashes Leadtimes, Builds Confidence 04/01/10
Renewed confidence in accurate toolpaths allows this moldmaker to run CNCs unattended and results in an award for quality in aviation.
New Business Opportunity: Market Expansion, Packaging: Capitalizing on a Packaging Niche 04/01/10
Forming an alliance to strengthen its push into the caps/closures market helps this moldmaker successfully penetrate this market.
Robot ROI 04/01/10
How to properly calculate the payback or return on investment of a robot installation into the mold build process.
Sustained Commitment to Automation Reaps Rewards 04/01/10
Through consistent automation strategies, one mold shop was able to implement new equipment and ramp up training, allowing them to accelerate out of tough times and be prepared for upcoming business opportunities.
USA National Innovation Marketplace: Saving American Manufacturing through Innovation 04/01/10
Matching inventions with buyers, investors, distributors and manufacturers looking for innovation to survive and thrive during these trying economic times.
South Coast Mold: Energy, Efficiency Add up to Success 03/01/10
Effective energy management practices and innovative efficiency solutions result in a smooth-running for this investment casting provider.
How to Systematically Diagnose Mold Issues and Part Quality Variations 02/01/10
Applying fundamental plastic flow principles to troubleshoot your mold?s problems.
JMMS: A Family?s Legacy 02/01/10
A change in focus from consumer products to automotive helps this moldmaker reinvent itself while passing the torch from father to children.
New Business Opportunity: Cutting to the Core of Medical Molds 02/01/10
Hard milling intricate steel geometry for critical medical devices cuts to the core of suppler relationships. Rapid changes in technology involve a never-ending learning curve to increase value and reduce costs while advancing overall performance. To meet this challenge, get your suppliers involved as soon as possible!
Flash Repair Techniques 01/01/10
When it comes to eliminating flash from the periphery of a molded part, there are at least three different approaches that can be taken. The choice is based largely on amount and severity of the flash.
From the Editor: Bringing It Home 01/01/10
Last month I attended the 17th annual Euromold (euromold.com) event in Frankfurt, Germany. An exhibition and conference whose successful format we are bringing to Cincinnati, OH, this May 11-13 under the PDx/amerimold name (pdx-amerimold.com) to create a trade show experience and marketplace in North America for everything moldmaking, rapid prototyping/manufacturing and product development-related.
Mold Cooling Breakthroughs 01/01/10
Upfront computational fluid dynamics using design software and the latest in
laser sintering technology improves mold cooling.
New Business Opportunities: Market Transition, Automotive to Aerospace: What to Consider 01/01/10
Diversifying from the automotive to the aerospace industry requires an understanding of stricter standards, tighter tolerances and unfamiliar materials.
Across the Bench: Got to Get Out More 12/01/09
The maintenance techniques practiced daily at mold benches around the world are truly as unique as the individuals that practice them. Instructing maintenance courses strengthens our belief even more that you can put one mold in front of a dozen repair technicians and come away with a dozen different methods, sequences and tools used in the eight stages of repair. But are they all effective?
End Market Report: Consumer Products Technology/Application Review 12/01/09
Competition in consumer market spurs mold design creativity.
How to Take Your Staff?s Machining Skills to the Next Level 12/01/09
Having your employees take an online course over a three-month period will help them better retain the information, thus increasing productivity and improving part accuracy.
New Business Opportunity: Identifying a Competitive Advantage 12/01/09
Aluminum mold expertise offers automotive opportunities. Having expertise in designing, building, maintaining and repairing aluminum molds for high-volume automotive applications gives this moldmaker a competitive advantage.
Facing the Quality Challenges of Large, High-Precision Tooling 11/01/09
Advanced off-line inspection software speeds up mold manufacturing and assembly for aerospace giant.
Free Thinking: Amateurs Talk Tactics, Professionals Talk Logistics 11/01/09
A friend of mine likes to use this phrase from the military to guide and assess business strategies. I think it applies to the U.S. as a guide to regain and grow a strong manufacturing base. We need a clearly enunciated, lucid, pragmatic national manufacturing policy in the U.S. And we need it now. You may read that and think it?s an obvious thing to say. But if it is, why don?t we have one?
Profile: Berrien Tool Coalition: A Marketing Edge 11/01/09
This group of companies delivers a full-system approach to manufacturing?art to part and everything in between.
3-D Laser Scanning Opens the Door to Inspection and Reverse Engineering for Moldmakers 10/01/09
Next-generation scanning technology precisely captures large and small molds.
Across the Bench: To Rail or Not to Rail 10/01/09
One of the most interesting parts of performing a maintenance capability assessment (MCA) in mold plants around the globe is observing the different styles practiced when repair technicians work on molds. When talking to repair techs about why they like a particular method or tool it is easy to see why they would think there is only one way to do things. It?s simply how they were taught by the older, tenured repair technicians.
End Market Report, Electronics: It?s a Small World in the Electronics Market 10/01/09
As electronics devices continue to shrink in size, an opportunity arises to enter the world of micromoldmaking to expand your business.
New Business Opportunities: Tooling Transfer: Sampling Success 10/01/09
Fifteen steps to facilitate a smooth tool transfer between the OEM, new molder and your shop.
Optimizing Aluminum Tools 10/01/09
Plating aluminum molds for longer production life.
Elite Mold & Engineering: Team Elite 09/01/09
Being both a moldmaker and a molder allows Elite Mold to be a one-stop team for its customers and the MoldMaking Technology 2009 Leadtime Leader Honorable Mention Award: Small Shop.
New Business Opportunities: Tooling Transfer, Chaos or Calculated Opportunity? 09/01/09
If the well has run dry and there isn?t any rain in the forecast, it?s time to get good at moving buckets from one watering hole to another without spilling the load!
Armin Tool & Manufacturing: Sampling Success Since 1952 08/01/09
This moldmaker?s turnkey services?including sampling provided with the tool build?supply their customers with a complete package every time and land them the MoldMaking Technology 2009 Leadtime Leader Honorable Mention Award: Large Shop.
From the Editor: Honoring the Industry 08/01/09
The Annual Leadtime Leader Awards?sponsored by Progressive Components?were designed to recognize outstanding North American mold manufacturers and their ability to succeed in a globally competitive environment. Both MoldMaking Technology and Progressive extend their sincere congratulations to this year?s honorees.
New Business Opportunities: Market Diversification; Consider Reaching Out to a Different Market to Survive Tough Times 08/01/09
This mold manufacturer has reassessed its market base and began dabbling in the energy industry based on its experience with CNC machining?making it a natural transition.
Byrne Tool & Die: A Culture of Change 06/01/09
This moldmaker takes employee training and development to a new level and relies on the latest in lean initiatives to get the job done quickly, earning them the MoldMaking Technology 2009 Leadtime Leader Award: Small Shop.
Greater Accuracy and Productivity via Surface Finishing and Cleaning 06/01/09
Choosing the optimum type of flexible hone or brush can be highly effective in improving the accuracy of mold assembly or enhancing injection molding productivity.
New Business Opportunities: Customer Diversification/Capabilities Improvement 06/01/09
Operations reassessment yields customer diversification, increased competitiveness and improved capabilities. The recession came early to Michigan shops serving the automotive industry. For Eifel?a company specializing in simultaneous product development and manufacturing with a heavy emphasis on mold manufacturing?it resulted in the acceleration of a strategic plan for growth.
Technology Spotlight: Mold Storage Packets Store Supplies, Useful in Lean Manufacturing 06/01/09
Mold kitting packets from Canopies by Fred (Seattle, WA) are packets that are used to assist in implementing a lean production process. Mold manufacturers can keep a packet with each mold to provide an efficient way to store related tools, hoses, water pipes, knock-out bars, etc.
New Business Opportunities: Value-Added Services 05/01/09
Delving into rapid prototyping technologies attracts new customers. Offering RP services and investing in technologies that help to constantly improve those services can help you reach potential new markets and allow your company to push the envelope of mold building technology
Benefits of Using the Right Measurement Tool 04/01/09
How 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.
New Business Opportunities: Finding a New Customer Base 04/01/09
Equipment expansion lands additional customers. Adding equipment to the shop floor not only accommodates existing customers, but also can serve as an investment in securing work from new customers.
CAM Software Aids in Quick Turnaround Tooling 03/01/09
CAM package works efficiently within CAD software?allowing moldmaker to cut as quickly as possible to deliver molds in the shortest timeframe possible.
How to Decrease Your Internal Mold Maintenance Costs, Part 1 03/01/09
With an ultrasonic cleaning system, a mold shop can realize savings in cost, time and labor, as long as they are educated on the technology, the cleaning solutions and what works best for their particular situation/environment.
Mold Design Tips for Automation 02/01/09
Automation suppliers can assist mold manufacturers with proper mold design and engineering before cutting steel for new molds. Hot runner molds, cold runner molds, box filling, insert molding, stack molds and multi-component molding are areas that can be built and managed more inexpensively, reliably and simpler.
Five-Axis Inspection for Moldmakers 01/01/09
Does five-axis inspection offer similar benefits in speed and accuracy for moldmaking operations?
Chicago Mold Engineering: ?Head?ing Into the Future 12/01/08
With continued focus on its automotive headlamp reflector molds niche, CME relies on technology and equipment advancements to ?drive? success.
Technology Spotlight: Portable Temperature Indicator Measures Mold Surface Temperature Quickly, Efficiently 12/01/08
A portable temperature indicator provides a quick readout of the actual surface temperature at the point of contact on a mold with an accuracy of +/- 2 percent.
Developed by Tempil (South Plainfield, NJ)?a manufacturer of a wide range of temperature measurement products, which include temperature indicating crayons, liquids, labels and sterilization inks?users of the new Estik portable temperature indicator do not need to know the surface material?s emississitivy like infrared technology indicators do
The Realities of Aluminum Tooling 12/01/08
Using aluminum tooling instead of traditional tools steels reduces cycle time and costs, but requires up-front, open communications between moldmaker, molder, material supplier and hot runner manifold supplier.
Badgering Mold Variability with On-Machine Gaging 11/01/08
Using unique on-machine metrology software helps to nail down injection mold machining consistency.
Retrospective: Automation Innovations 11/01/08
The use of automation continues to rise as mold manufacturers respond to industry demand of constantly shrinking leadtimes. Manufacturers and suppliers have taken action with better, faster equipment and processes.
Optimizing Plastic Injection Mold Materials with FEA 10/01/08
Tooling cost reduction can be achieved with up-front engineering via collaboration and simulation technologies based on finite element analysis.
Why You Need to Inspect the Part to See the Mold 09/12/08
In the simplest terms, a good mold is one that makes good parts. When your customer is making good parts, no one questions the mold. It?s when the parts are not meeting spec that the mold?as one of the main elements of the molding system?is called into question. In these situations, one common proposal is to measure the mold to ensure that it conforms to the designed dimensions.
Validation of Design Guidelines 09/01/08
Flow simulation software integrated with powerful 3-D CAD functionality can be effectively and efficiently applied to validate guidelines for cooling time and runner sizing.
Build-Ups for Maintenance: Benefit or Band-Aid? 08/01/08
When is providing build-ups on tooling appropriate and when is it just a band-aid on a problem that could lead to more extensive repairs later?
Determining Maximum Mold Cycle Counts 08/01/08
Ongoing data collection and visual inspection of tooling and parts is the only method that will allow you to balance maximizing tooling life, production capability and mold reliability.
Moldmaker Uses an In-Depth Analytical Solution-Based Approach to Mold Flow Analysis 08/01/08
MoldFlow consulting firm assists mold shop as it approached a complex molding program for its customer, Cessna Aircraft Company.
Multi-Cavity Mold Issues Solved with Melt Rotation Process 08/01/08
Toolroom supervisor shares his experience with a rheological control solution to some obvious and some not-so-obvious challenges with product and color variations in a multi-cavity mold.
Taking the Guesswork Out of Surface Treatment 06/01/08
Using x-ray spectrometry to help ensure superior mold performance.
Technology Spotlight: Thermal Insulation Controls, Manages Heat 06/01/08
Thermal insulation technologies are an effective means to control and manage heat precisely in the molding process?saving energy and money while improving quality. This results in less time spent maintaining and repairing molds and allows them to run more efficiently.
According to Dan Sherrill, president of Lewisville, TX-based Unitherm Insulation Systems?a manufacturer of process control systems?a considerable amount of heat is transferred to the molding press if the platen or tool is mounted to the press head, table or beam without a layer of protective insulation.
Speed Mold Verification and Improve Global Cooperation 04/01/08
Technology solution that combines model-based inspection software and portable inspection devices to improve mold verification.
MGS Mfg. Group: Sampling Success 03/01/08
A foray into sampling led this toolmaker to design its own multishot tooling system and equipment.
2008 Leadtime Leader Awards, Extreme Tool and Engineering, Inc.: Embracing Change 02/01/08
This shop-never content to rest on its laurels-combines lean initiatives and the latest in technology to be a one-stop shop for its customers and win the MoldMaking Technology 2008 Leadtime Leader Award: Small Shop.
Fast, Accurate Reverse Engineering Created Improved Product 02/01/08
A 3-D laser scanning project involving reverse engineering a blow molded bottle when no CAD data was available.
Standardize Before You Automate 02/01/08
After standardization, automation will create the largest increase in profits that any one area can produce.
Commercial Tool & Die: High Quality and Employee Innovation Drive Success 01/01/08
Unique, employee-developed programs tighten this moldmaker's leadtimes-resulting in high quality tools delivered on time and the MoldMaking Technology 2008 Leadtime Leader Award: Large Shop.
A Better Reverse Engineering Approach when Modifying Molds 12/01/07
Laser scanning services makes good economic sense as it provides precise CAD data available for robot programming, which shortens the actual programming process.
End Market Case Study: Aerospace/Defense Industry, Aerospace Molds Need Proper Mix of Application and Technology 12/01/07
This moldmaker flies high with a combination of specialized processes and modern technologies required for the extremely tight tolerances and exotic material concerns in the aerospace industry.
Technology Spotlight: Scanner Touch Tool Determines Parting Lines on Free Form Parts 12/01/07
End Market Case Study: Electronics/Electrical Products:Electronics Market Needs Complex Molds Fast 11/01/07
Meeting the stringent requirements in the electronic/electrical products market improves moldmaker's overall processes.
Laser Engraving/Marking: A Complement to EDM'ing and Milling 08/01/07
Laser technology may have a place in your mold build process when it comes to engraving and marking.
Partnering for Success: One Builds, The Other Repairs 08/01/07
A moldmaker and a shop that specializes in mold repair/engineering unite their specialties to increase capabilities and compete globally.
How to Handle Your Heaviest Molds 06/01/07
Using the appropriate wheeled transporter technology moves large molds freely throughout the shop.
Mold Development with Digital Shape Sampling and Processing 06/01/07
Using digital shape sampling and processing to produce more accurate molds, free up machine time for CNC systems used in milling and drastically cut the time it takes to develop a new mold.
"I Don't Know What I Want" 05/01/07
What would you like your maintenance system to do for you?
Technology Spotlight: Standardized Mold Base Reduces Mold Build Time, Costs 05/01/07
A patented standard mold base-the Lightning Base-uses one common base with interchangeable inserts for various parts, which allows for quick interchangeability of inserts without removing the mold base from the press.
Using the Right Rods for the Best Finish, Color and Texture Match 05/01/07
The same rod cannot achieve all welds as well as color and texture match. The key is finding out exactly what the rod is capable of by looking at the chemical and physical tests.
In-House Welder Saves Time, Boosts Productivity and Creates New Market Opportunities 04/01/07
Laser welding system increases moldmaker's ability to meet its customers' cost and timing demands while also increasing efficiency and output and creating niche opportunity for mold repair outside its doors.
Machine Tool Probing for Moldmaking 04/01/07
It's time to look at the probe as a device that can literally be used as a Virtual Operator to perform many of the everyday, time-robbing processes that eat into your profitability.
Reducing or Maintaining Cycle Times with Mold Coating Science 04/01/07
No matter the size of a tool, taking into consideration your GPM within your tooling's cooling systems and using electroless nickel coating is an effective way to improve or maintain desired cycle times.
Value-Added Critical Cleaning of Industrial Molds 04/01/07
If you want to build industrial molds right, you have to clean them right.
3-D, Non-Contact Scanning for Inspection: What Moldmakers Need to Know 03/01/07
Understanding the differences and similarities between CMM and 3-D scanning allows moldmakers to adapt to, apply and leverage 3-D scanning technology within their shop environment.
Do-Rite Die & Engineering: Doing Right by Its Customers with Die Cast Dies 02/01/07
Learning the intricacies of die cast die building offers moldmakers an alternative to mold manufacturing and can generate more repeat business.
The Tool of Choice for Mold Repair 02/01/07
Manual laser micro-welding systems are an alternative to traditional microscope GTA welding.
In-Mold Rheological Control 01/17/07
MMT inMotion Presentation David Hoffman, Global Director, Technical Sales & Marketing, at Beaumont Technologies, Inc., explains In-Mold Rheological Control. This presentation was filmed at the 2006 Mold Making Exposition. (Total time: 40:23 minutes)
2007 Leadtime Leader Winner: Chicago Mold Engineering: In The Spotlight 01/01/07
Focusing on a niche in the automotive headlamp reflector market-coupled with the most advanced technologies and mold manufacturing techniques-lights the way for this moldmaker's 2007 Leadtime Leader Award: Large Shop.
Guidelines to Put Your Production Process on the Profitability Track 01/01/07
A top-down commitment to investigate new options for molding materials, release agents, training techniques and equipment is critical to reduce mold downtime.
Optimizing Mold Performance and Maintenance Efficiency 01/01/07
The last three steps of a six-step process for strategizing for improvement in shop operations when it comes to how we maintain molds.
The Moldmaker's Role in Controlling the Molding Process 01/01/07
How the toolmaker/mold designer can make the best choices when it comes to in-mold cavity sensing and control; how to do a good installation; basic functionality of the sensors; and, post installation care.
'Top Secret': How to Protect Your Mold, Its Surface Finish, Dimensions and Integrity 12/01/06
Mold coating challenges and solutions for those working within the aerospace industry.
Saving Money with Gas Assist Analysis 12/01/06
How to use simulation results to save money.
Taking Technology to New Heights 11/01/06
White light, non-contact scanning system adds new capabilities including real-time inspection.
A Tribute to Tools and Those Who Use Them 10/01/06
Tools and the boxes that contain them tell a lot about the moldmaker and his/her talents.
Coatings and Finishes for Electrical and Electronics Molding 09/15/06
Electrical and electronic components take many forms and functions and require special attention when considering surface treatment options.
Cleaning a Flashed Hot Manifold - Part III 09/14/06
We left off last month with all 16 nozzles removed from the manifold (with the tips protected by tape) and still wired to the electric box. This arrangement allows the nozzles to be cleaned yet still connected, which cuts about three hours of rewiring time from the process.
Dispelling the Misunderstanding About Small Fittings 09/01/06
It is not always immediately obvious how much affect your choice of pipe tap and water-fitting sizes are having on mold performance.
Streamline Your Mold Cleaning Process 09/01/06
Ultrasonics can help your shop reduce labor costs and product waste while boosting efficiency and product quality.
Cleaning a Flashed Hot Manifold, Part Two 08/01/06
The steps of a typical clean and rebuild of an encapsulated system.
Take the Guesswork Out of Mold Finishing with Micropolishing 08/01/06
A look at the value to the mold build process of a microscopic mold finishing process that uses ultrasonic polishing.
Eliminating Contamination and Wear in Cleanroom Tooling 06/01/06
A review of considerations that tooling engineers will need to keep in mind to ensure success within cleanroom environments.
How to Prevent Seizing and/or Galling of Wear Plates, Slides and Core Pins 06/01/06
Using PVD/PACVD surface treatments can produce a desired tribological behavior without a costly change to design or material.
Laser Welding Versus Micro Welding 06/01/06
The latest battle in finely detailed restoration/repair of mold materials.
Prodigy Mold & Tool: Taking Things One Step at a Time 06/01/06
Drive and determination results in a decade of success for this small moldmaker specializing in multi-cavity precision molds.
Detecting, Repairing and Preventing Water Leaks, Part III of III 05/01/06
Clear cut methods that prove effective on troublesome installations.
Applying Continual Process Improvement with the Right CMM/EDM Setup 04/01/06
Shifting coordinate-acquisition from EDM to CMM yields dramatic productivity gains.
Bringing Greater Process Control to Moldmaking 04/01/06
Advances in machine accuracy, on-machine probing technology and non-contact toolsetting provide powerful tools for automating and speeding mold machining.
Detecting, Repairing and Preventing Water Leaks, Part II of III 04/01/06
Probable causes and repair methods with an eye on preventative measures.
Investments in Productivity: Automation Integration in the Toolroom 04/01/06
By integrating machining, workpiece and cutting tool management, CMM verification, and a Web-based video and control system, a completely integrated cell producing fully qualified electrodes through automated manufacturing can be created.
Maintenance Tip: Choosing and Using the Right Mold Cleaners 04/01/06
Knowing the requirements of offline and online cleaners yields cleaner molds.
Modern Software Solutions in Measurement Metrology Improve Mold Build and Verification 04/01/06
Inspection and verification that the mold and the products it yields comply with the master CAD design are open to the benefits from modern development in CAD/CAM technology.
Pay for Performance 04/01/06
Transforming moldmaking from a labor-intensive business into a capital-intensive business allows moldmakers to be on similar cost structure to foreign shops and more adaptable for growth than the domestic competition.
Team Approach Key To Proper Inspection 04/01/06
Using a group rather than one and changing the order of inspection is a win-win for this moldmaker-repeatable results with no rework.
Technology Spotlight: Controlled Metal Build Up Process for Generation, Modification and Repair of Molds and Dies 04/01/06
The controlled metal build up (CMB) process-a technology developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT (Aachen, Germany)-combines laser deposition welding with milling in a high speed cutting (HSC) machine in order to build up, modify and repair molds and dies. The process originated from rapid tooling concepts where the generation of parts is done layer by layer.
Detecting, Repairing and Preventing Water Leaks, Part I 03/01/06
How to improve your leak detection methods.
Automotive Industry Focus: It's Gut-Check Time for Tool Builders 02/01/06
It's time to adapt or die as business evolution dictates development of new business and manufacturing approaches.
Evaluating Mold Repair Skills 02/01/06
The keys to proper mold repair on-the-job training are an organized, systematic shop atmosphere and an understanding of mold repair skills requirements and the mold characteristics that challenge those requirements.
Free Thinking: Buying Shop Supplies Online 02/01/06
A few Web sites that can save your shop time and money.
Corrective Action Analysis 12/14/05
How to properly format a corrective action report in your shop database.
Putting More Engineering into Your Mold Design 12/14/05
How to choose the right software to assist you with engineering.
Justification Through Data 12/01/05
Including position analysis in your data collection practices will help you make smarter maintenance and mold design decisions.
Mold Building Without Rule Breaking 12/01/05
Push the mold in the beginning of the build process to discover any weaknesses before it gets to the molder.
The Value of a Shop's Welding Policy 12/01/05
To put the appropriate welding policy in place, you need to choose the right welder-someone who is familiar with tool steel and has a working knowledge of molds.
Defining the Data Barrier, Part III 09/15/05
Utilizing data to set goals.
Defining the Data Barrier, Part II 09/01/05
Standardizing maintenance terminology.
Defining the Data Barrier 07/29/05
How to best organize data responsibilities in a maintenance system.
A Flexible Tool for Wear Protection 05/06/05
The development of a new laser beam scanning system for the heat treatment of tool steels and various metals. (Part three of a Three-Part Series)
Design Criteria for Using Copper Alloys in Molds 05/06/05
The extent of copper alloy use, the success of its application and the life of the components are determined by the selected alloy in combination with the design of the application.
It's a Material World 05/06/05
Strength, hardness and machinability are the common buzzwords that come into play when examining the new materials on the market.
Setting Up Shop 05/06/05
Mold handling and the overhead hoist system. (Part III of a three part series)
A Shortcut for Improving Toolroom Efficiency 04/12/05
Developments, strategies, processes and technologies are available to help ensure an efficient toolroom.
High Power Laser Technologies And Moldmaking 04/12/05
Using high power laser cladding for rapid tooling and tool repair.
Setting Up Shop, Part II 04/12/05
Determining repair shop space requirements.
Spray-Formed Steels Help Moldmakers Meet New Demands 04/12/05
Advances in spray-formed steels help moldmakers meet increased demands on production lifetime of molds and other machine tools.
Setting Up Shop 03/15/05
Just as important as creating a solid maintenance plan for molds, is the shop in which the repair takes place.
Moldmaking in 3-D 02/15/05
Laser scanning helps moldmakers to improve reverse engineering and inspection tasks for their molds.
How to Retain Pin Bushings 01/15/05
Simplify pin-bushing retention and reduce machining time by four to one for each bushing hole by implementing a new process.
Cleaning Molds: Part III 12/01/04
Ultrasonic immersion cleaning is a non-abrasive, user-friendly method that has the greatest impact on reducing cleaning time, improving mold cleaning consistency and reducing tooling damage.
How to Choose the Best Welding Method for Your Mold Application 11/15/04
Moldmakers can save time and money on repairs by understanding the similarities and differences of conventional and micro TIG.
Cleaning Molds: Part II 11/01/04
Even though hand cleaning will never be completely eliminated, ice blasting is an alternative cleaning method that can effectively reduce cleaning time and cost.
Cleaning Molds: Part I 10/01/04
Cleaning a mold is a critical part of the repair process, but many myths must be dispelled.
Troubleshooting Defects: Part II 09/01/04
Repair technicians should be aware that careful handling of tooling, attention to detail and documentation keeps manifolds functioning properly and prevents costly mistakes.
Across the Bench: Troubleshooting Defects: Part I 08/04/04
Using analytical skills based on historical mold performance and maintenance requirements, combined with mold and part defect data determines probable causes and corrective actions.
Across the Bench - Let's Get To Work! 06/01/04
The vertical and horizontal position methods used to separate mold plates each have advantages and disadvantages.
Across the Bench - The Plan Comes Together 05/01/04
The repair sheet is critical to the success of any mold repair plan.
Creating a Repair Plan 04/15/04
The last shot is the most important key to insuring accurate mold repair.
How to Prevent Mold Inaccuracies 04/15/04
By keeping compressed air dry, moldmakers can prevent damage to critical equipment.
Let the Run Begin 03/15/04
Setup checklists, verifications and injection mold layout sheets are critical factors in the beginning of the mold process.
Tough Coatings Control and Extend Mold Life 03/15/04
Moldmakers can solve tough productivity problems by applying next-generation coatings.
Across the Bench: One-Man Solution 02/13/04
A tool specifically designed to make tooling removal a quick, safe, one-person job helps moldmakers get jobs done quickly and efficiently.
Across The Bench 01/13/04
In this new column, real world mold maintenance issues are discussed and tips to competing in a fast-paced environment are given.
Standardized Mold Building Makes Shortened Leadtimes Possible and Profitable 01/13/04
The next level of standardization has allowed moldmakers to rethink their processes and deliver the same high-quality molds, while continuing to succeed and grow.
A Spark of Innovation 06/01/03
Electrospark deposition technology offers moldmakers a new process for cost-effective mold protection and repair.
Hot Runner Heaters - P.M., Installation, Removal and General Repair 02/04/00
The reason hot runner manifold system heaters prematurely fail has a great deal to do with the original installation procedures, the type and quality of heaters used and the temperature controller used.
How to Prevent Hot Runner Leaks 02/01/00
A common concern expressed by molders is the threat of a leak of molten plastic into the manifold pocket . There are several reasons for leaks and all can be prevented. We will examine externally heated hot runner systems as they represent the majority of the hot runner systems in use.
Hiding Weld Marks In Diamond Polished Surfaces 01/01/00
Here is a trick that works very well for hiding weld marks - even on optically polished headlights. It's the secret to making weld marks invisible.
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