Experts reveal how understanding molds as physics-driven systems — balancing flow, thermal and mechanical forces — enables smarter design decisions and better performance.
A quick primer on flow, thermal and mechanical principles to prepare you to dive deeper into using them to guide gating, cooling, steel and ejection decisions with this free webinar.
Industry experts share practical DFM strategies and a proven framework to help teams make smarter mold design decisions that improve performance outcomes.
PTXPO 2026 highlighted trends in digital simulation, efficient hot runners/thermal systems, additive enhancements, advanced mold steels/components, proactive maintenance, automation and collaborative workforce growth.
Here are the key areas moldmakers should consider when evaluating software solutions to improve transparency, connectivity, uptime, quality and productivity.
Digital transformation in moldmaking succeeds when leadership prioritizes people, communication and culture over technology alone.
A hybrid approach to digital transformation helps mold shops adopt AI by focusing on people first, building trust and adding technology in ways that support daily work.
AI transforms moldmaking inspection by turning measurement data into predictive process intelligence through connected digital workflows, replacing manual interpretation.
From the shop floor to the conference stage, May's most-read articles reflect an industry navigating change on every front.
Moldmakers can achieve faster, more precise results by combining indexable and solid round tools.
Schütz produces molds and tools in-house to tolerances in the thousandths of a millimeter.
When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.
Restoring high-speed packaging molds to peak performance through advanced techniques, precision machining and 50% faster turnaround times.
Plastics processing equipment works hard around the clock. In many operations, unplanned downtime is too expensive to contemplate.
How surface intelligence reveals invisible contamination and validates mold cleaning effectiveness.
PTXPO 2026 underscored key developments across digital simulation, efficient hot runner and thermal management systems, 3D printing enhancements, advanced mold steels and components, proactive maintenance strategies, automation and collaborative efforts to strengthen the workforce.
A mold shop’s AI journey shows how experimentation, internal talent and practical problem-solving can turn uncertainty into momentum and opportunity.
TK Mold & Engineering shows how applying social work principles to workforce management enhances employee retention, company culture and long-term performance in mold manufacturing.
From leadership and mindfulness to tariffs and AI, this year’s AMBA conference challenged moldmakers to face uncertainty with courage, connection and intention.
Penn State Behrend’s veteran instructors teach through mold autopsies, live industry projects and DoD-backed CNC bootcamps, blending craftsmanship with technology.
Trey Hommer is recognized for bringing next-generation financial leadership to Hommer Tool, guiding strategy, stability and growth through disciplined analysis, forecasting and cross-team collaboration.
A small dip in the Index masks a largely positive month for orders, output and suppliers.
Discover proven strategies for training today’s moldmaking teams amid a shortage of skilled labor. This webinar explores practical machining techniques and self-paced learning resources designed to strengthen shopfloor capabilities. Learn how e-learning tools can support key processes — including milling, hole-making, turning, threading, parting and groove turning — while empowering the next generation of moldmakers with real-world, on-demand metalworking education. Throughout the session, the speaker will highlight real-world customer examples that demonstrate how these training tools and techniques are being successfully applied in mold shops.
Join technical experts for an interactive webinar exploring comprehensive approaches to injection mold processes — from initial design through ongoing maintenance. This session will cover integrated product solutions, customization approaches and technical support strategies used throughout the molding industry. Explore current innovations in molding technology, examine tailored solution methodologies and review case studies demonstrating effective implementation of service-oriented approaches. Attendees can submit project plans for comparative analysis and technical feedback. This webinar provides valuable insights into modern approaches to injection molding operations and technical solution implementation. Agenda: Technical discussion of advanced products including collapsible cores, temperature control systems and cooling management solutions Opportunity to submit current plans for technical analysis and recommendations Industry insights and technical resources Follow-up consultation availability Interactive Q&A with senior technical experts
Do you want a deeper understanding of servo-controlled mold functions? Join Husky on this webinar to gain insight into servo control and how you can take advantage of this opportunity to improve your mold functions. This webinar will cover different servo control solutions, benefits of mold electrification and the application review process. Agenda: Why you should make the change to mold electrification How to compare various servo control solutions Motor sizing pitfalls and the application review process Commissioning your servo solution and the importance of global support
Steve Carr's 44-year career in mold repair at Plastikos and Micro Mold showcases unmatched skill, leadership and dedication to mentoring future toolmakers.
Rob Doorakkers transformed childhood moldmaking passion into visionary leadership, driving innovation at IGS GeboJagema through expertise, collaboration and forward-thinking strategies.
Students explored manufacturing technologies and heard practical career insights, helping connect what they saw to real opportunities in moldmaking and plastics careers.
Showcasing key advancements in sustainability, safety, innovation and employee investment.
Chris MacDonald, a standout young moldmaker, combines elite CNC/EDM expertise, competition success and leadership to drive excellence at Faith Tool & Manufacturing.
Celebrate National Composites Week 2026! The goal of National Composites Week is to celebrate and bring attention to the myriad ways that composite materials and composites manufacturing contribute 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.
New this year, Top Shops Conference will expand to include CNC machining and industrial finishing. Modern Machine Shop Top Shops and Products Finishing Top Shops, Gardner Business Media’s two largest and longest running benchmarking and business improvement survey programs, will join forces to host concurrent Top Shops Conference programs. In addition to dedicated conference programming, Top Shops Conference attendees will benefit from access to several shared general sessions, keynotes, exhibit rooms and special networking events enabling these two critical manufacturing service groups – CNC machining and industrial finishing - to learn, exchange ideas and make valuable business connections.
Educating and Connecting Leaders in Injection Molding For more than 30 years, the Molding Conference has provided expert education sessions and unique networking opportunities for the injection molding community. The team at Plastics Technology has worked to curate a schedule of cutting-edge and contemporary topics that span all aspects of the injection molding process. Learn tips, techniques, and best practices to implement at your shop from injection molding's top minds.
James Jergens, President and Owner of Ascend Innovative Mold (AIM), shares his top MoldMaking Technology articles over the past year and how this content has been valuable to the business.
Flash often has several causes working together, which makes it tough to pinpoint and solve.
Flash is a universal problem, but is all flash necessarily bad?
A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2025, as revealed through MMT's analytics. This review highlights the most popular technical articles, case studies, tips and best practices that captured the industry's attention over the past year.
Strategies for moldmakers to effectively manage new product development projects.
With complex plastic parts it can be difficult to deliver proper cooling and venting.
The mold specification document is essential for injection molding success, connecting design requirements with manufacturing processes and quality control standards.
All successful mold build projects start with examining the part to be molded to ensure it is moldable and will meet the customers' production objectives.
