What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

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Engineer See All

Conformal Cooling
Strategic Mold Cooling: Optimizing Molding Quality and Cycle Efficiency
Proper cooling is crucial in molding, yet often overlooked. Discover proper cooling methods to prevent defects and improve efficiency.

Basics
Understanding the Elusive Nature of Mold Ventilation
A personal journey of lessons learned about the challenges of poorly designed, understood and executed mold venting.

VMC
Precision Meets Innovation at IMTS 2024
After attending IMTS, it's clear that the integration of advanced technologies is ready to enhance precision, efficiency and automation in mold manufacturing processes. It’s a massive event, so here’s a glimpse of what the MMT team experienced firsthand.

Tips
5 Ways to Improve Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
Mold builders play an important role in creating smart, connected and transparent supply chains.

Mold Components
VIDEO: Addressing Data Needs with Mold Component Solutions
The need for data to track information and the history of the mold-building process is ever-increasing, and mold component solutions can help.

Design & Mfg. Software
Integrated CAD/CAM Streamlines Electrode Manufacture, Improves Quality
A focus on electrode design and automation helps toolroom improve efficiency, reduce tooling costs and deliver higher quality products.
Build See All

Sustainability
VIDEO: Sustainable Molding and Advanced Gating
Hot runner supplier emphasizes sustainability in bio-resin molding, custom side gating and valve gate technologies.

Hot Runners
VIDEO: Hot Runner Systems and Motion Control Advancements
Innovations in hot runner and mold motion controller technologies contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Tool Steel
VIDEO: Innovative Materials Boost Mold Efficiency
Advancements in metal 3D printing and stainless steel optimize mold building for diverse, high-demand industries.

Automation
MMT Chats: Cavalier Tool & Mfg. Talks VR in Mold Design
Join MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges as she gets the latest news on this mold builder's use of VR for mold design education.

Additive Manufacturing
Precision Meets Innovation at IMTS 2024
After attending IMTS, it's clear that the integration of advanced technologies is ready to enhance precision, efficiency and automation in mold manufacturing processes. It’s a massive event, so here’s a glimpse of what the MMT team experienced firsthand.

3D Printing
VIDEO: AM Powder Addresses Current Inefficiencies, Sustainability and Skills Gap
Steel supplier discusses high thermal conductivity metal powders that also address the skills gaps via user-friendly materials and promote sustainability via durability and higher cycle counts.
Maintain See All

Inspection & Measurement
How to Achieve Automated Measurement With Advanced Touch Probes and Laser Systems
A combination of lasers, probes and software help moldmakers automate in-process cutting tool and workpiece measurement.

Case Study
Laser Welder Yields Fast, Precise Mold Repair
Intralox's integration of the Alpha Laser ALFlak has significantly improved their tool room efficiency when it comes to difficult welds and urgent repairs.

Surface Treatment
Best Practices for Engraving Cores and Cavities
Consider depth, font style, artwork size, polarity and location when engraving.

Additive Manufacturing
Precision Meets Innovation at IMTS 2024
After attending IMTS, it's clear that the integration of advanced technologies is ready to enhance precision, efficiency and automation in mold manufacturing processes. It’s a massive event, so here’s a glimpse of what the MMT team experienced firsthand.

Inspection & Measurement
7 Measurement Innovations Transforming Moldmaking
Smart sensors and sophisticated process and measurement data management are driving intelligent moldmaking to new heights.

Analysis
5 Ways to Improve Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
Mold builders play an important role in creating smart, connected and transparent supply chains.
Manage See All

Workforce Development
Applications Open for the 2025 SPE Mold Technologies Div. Grant and the Joseph Prischak Student Scholarship
The Society of Plastics Engineers’ Mold Technologies division is accepting applications for a $3,000 student scholarship honoring Joseph Prischak and a $5,000 educational grant program.

Business Strategy
The Critical Role of Management Representatives in ISO 9001
In ISO 9001 quality management systems, the Management Representative (MR) plays a crucial role. While the 2015 version of ISO 9001 no longer mandates this position, having a trusted management member serve as an MR remains vital for streamlining operations and maintaining quality standards.

Editorial Board Insight
How to Empower Your Team with Leadership and Mentoring
What follows is a Q&A with James Jergens, an MMT EAB member and Owner of Ascend Innovative Mold.

Business Strategy
MMT Chats: Mold Builder Shares “Raw and Real” Social Media Strategy
MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges sits down with Murphy Forsyth, GM – Injection Molding and Director Of Marketing for Zero Tolerance LLC in Clinton Township, MI.

Business Strategy
How to Scale Your Moldmaking Business
Identify pain points, tackle each one strategically and maintain flexibility to keep your moldmaking business on a path to growth.

Education
An Academic Analysis of Moldmaking’s Workforce Challenges
Understanding and facing the moldmaking industry’s obstacles to growth requires a strategy focused on increased profitability.
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Webinars See All

20 Nov 2024
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Cooling
Discover how CAD/CAM functionality tailored for the mold industry can significantly enhance the mold design process. In part three of the webinar series, Cimatron will focus on designing waterlines and cooling components. It will demonstrate how CAD/CAM tools can verify drill line depths for water lines and baffles, ensure that minimum steel requirements are met while placing water lines, and provide a complete list of all baffle cutoff lengths. Additionally, it will explore how to confidently design runners and gates using CAD functionality specifically developed for these aspects of mold design. Agenda: Waterlines and verification Conformal cooling Baffles and charts Runners and gates

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Mold Actions
Discover how to enhance your mold design process with CAD/CAM software specifically tailored for the moldmaking industry. In part two of this webinar series, Cimatron will demonstrate how to intelligently design mold components, such as slides and lifters, using powerful CAD/CAM tools to accelerate the design process. Additionally, it will cover how to avoid errors and ensure design accuracy for ejector pins by checking clearance distances, calculating cutoff heights correctly, and thoroughly documenting all ejector components. Agenda: Slides Lifters Inserts Ejection pins and charts

On Demand
Learn to Mold 1000+ Parts Using 3D-Printed Mold Inserts: Introducing Ultrasim3D NextMold
While the transition from traditional methods to this innovative approach may present initial challenges, the benefits far outweigh the learning curve. Through the NextMold and partner network, Forward AM provides comprehensive support at every stage of the integration process. This ensures a smooth adoption of the technology into company’s operations, including seamless collaboration with molding companies. Forward AM’s commitment is to facilitate this technological transformation, enabling your business to leverage the full potential of 3D-printed mold inserts. Agenda: Molding with 3D-printed inserts Ultrasim3D Next Mold: Forward AM offering Successful adaption: integration at Beaumont Technologies

On Demand
3D Printing Design Freedom: Blessing and Curse for Conformal Cooling
When used for conformal cooling in plastic injection, 3D printing opens a wide range of design freedom. This design freedom enables designers to develop highly-efficient thermal regulation networks. However, this blessing also comes at the expense of not only higher manufacturing cost but also higher design cost as the designer could spend weeks to develop optimal cooling channels. This webinar will explore strategies and tools — including SimForm, a front-end thermal simulation app — to help tool designers and tooling managers maximize the benefits of 3D printing while minimizing manufacturing and design costs. Agenda: 3D printing applied to the plastic injection industry 3D printing pros and cons Tools and methods to facilitate the integration of 3D printing

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Core/Cavity Design
Discover how to enhance your mold design process with the right CAD/CAM tool for parting and cavity design. This webinar will explore CAD/CAM capabilities including how hybrid solid/surface modeling can streamline workflow and improve accuracy. Learn how to confidently tackle parting, runoff, and shutoff, ensuring precision and efficiency in your designs. Agenda: Part analysis QuickSplit techniques Parting and runoff strategies Shutoff solutions

On Demand
Innovative Tools to Optimize Mold Performance
This webinar will provide an overview of new developments in hot runners, controllers, mold components, predesigned molds, process monitoring and mold maintenance equipment. These advancements are designed with the goals of lowering scrap rates, optimizing process temperatures and managing energy consumption. The solutions also aim to support productivity and may contribute to extending the operational lifespan of tooling equipment. Agenda: Innovative undercut and thread-forming components Predesign mold bases and plate control Melt delivery and control solutions Process monitoring and maintenance

7 Nov 2024 New & Upcoming
5 Areas to Improve in Progressive Die Manufacturing with Next Generation Automation and Innovation Register Now
Videos See All

Sustainability
VIDEO: Sustainable Molding and Advanced Gating
Hot runner supplier emphasizes sustainability in bio-resin molding, custom side gating and valve gate technologies.

Sustainability
MMT CHATS: Navigating Challenges and Innovations in Large-Scale Mold Manufacturing
MSI Mold Builders shares how to overcome large-scale mold-building challenges, sustainability efforts and future technological advancements.

Hot Runners
VIDEO: Hot Runner Systems and Motion Control Advancements
Innovations in hot runner and mold motion controller technologies contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Leadership
MMT Chats: Mentoring Future Engineering Talent by Bridging Education and Practical Work
Editorial Director Christina Fuges uncovers firsthand experiences of fostering curiosity and continuous learning at Accede Mold and Tool.

Education
VIDEO: Inspiring Future Makers: How Moldmaking Careers Make a Difference
Released earlier, this video remains a valuable recruitment tool and is being re-promoted in celebration of Manufacturing Day 2024.

Mold Materials
VIDEO: Innovative Materials Boost Mold Efficiency
Advancements in metal 3D printing and stainless steel optimize mold building for diverse, high-demand industries.
Events See All

5 Mar 2025
National Surface Finishing Day
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD

18 Mar 2025
PTXPO 2025
PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.

25 Aug 2025
National Composites Week 2025
The goal of National Composites Week is to celebrate and bring attention to the myriad ways that composite materials and composites manufacturing contributes to the products and structures that shape the American manufacturing landscape today. Learn how you can participate in this year's National Composites Week on NationalCompositesWeek.com.
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Basics/101 See All

FAQ
Understanding the Elusive Nature of Mold Ventilation
A personal journey of lessons learned about the challenges of poorly designed, understood and executed mold venting.

FAQ
The Critical Role of Management Representatives in ISO 9001
In ISO 9001 quality management systems, the Management Representative (MR) plays a crucial role. While the 2015 version of ISO 9001 no longer mandates this position, having a trusted management member serve as an MR remains vital for streamlining operations and maintaining quality standards.

FAQ
How to Optimize Mold Finishing
Circle segment technology requires fewer tool paths, improving surface quality and increasing cutting tool life.

Tips
How to Overcome Complex Mold Texturing Problems
Key benefits when considering laser technology for mold texturing and repair.

Basics
Understanding Diamond Compounds
Diamond compounds, with their varied grades, colors and base options, provide a comprehensive solution for mold builders in need of precise and superior polishing across diverse materials and applications.

Surface Treatment
How to Clean and Maintain Molds With Intricate Conformal Cooling Channels
A water-based, eco-friendly plastic mold cleaning system helps Rankine-Hinman Manufacturing restore flow rates and avoid big-ticket failures on complex and costly molds.
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