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MMT Chats: Minco Tool & Mold & ASPM Go Big Together

This combination of moldmaking and molding companies offers one-stop full service from conception to completion. MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges speaks with Project Management Manager Jeff Lucas to understand their current capabilities and challenges. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

Christina Fuges
Christina Fuges
Editorial Director, MoldMaking Technology

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This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

Minco Tool & Mold and All Service Plastic Molding (ASPM) are a powerful full turnkey operation for automotive lighting, consumer products, appliances and defense with a combined workforce of 450 employees. Here Project Management Manager Jeff Lucas shares the company’s current technology investments and their impact on the business.

Conversation tidbits include:

  • Being a test site for Siemens (Unigraphics, NX) since the early 80s for software development.
  • Its new Trimill VU 3016 five-axis machining center for mold bases and core and cavity inserts.
  • Hiring people is their biggest challenge, but Minco capitalizes on ASPM’s workforce to cross-train employees.
  • Molding since 1981 mostly automotive and appliance work.
  • Offers full-service automation with internal automation engineers.

2023 Hot Shots Part Competition Candidate:

Fire Helmet Inner Lining: Inner liner to a fire helmet, this part is molded by All Service Plastic Molding (Vandalia, Ohio) using a tool from Minco Tool and Mold (Dayton, Ohio). Molded from Sabic's Noryl PPX 7110 PPE/PP, it is the chassis that supports most of the other component parts of the Lion Group's fire helmet. An impact part that also has to save weight, the design features thinner sides and a thicker top. By successfully varying the wall thickness, Minco was able to provide additional impact and thermal protection for the user's head, while saving resin. The inner liner is the core component of Lion's American Legend line of premium fire helmets, which weigh only 53 to 59 ounces. Per Lion, "Advanced materials and smart design keep the stress load down, but remain 'heavyweight' when it comes to taking a hit, thanks to our strong as hell shell and impact cap system."

For the full quick chat, watch above, and for more MMT Chats, click here.