From five-axis machining centers and CAD/CAM upgrades to ejector pins and AI-powered ERP tools — see the IMTS showcase products that caught moldmakers' attention in July.
Optimizing roughing and electrode strategies in hard material mold machining.
Understanding anisotropic shrinkage and geometry-driven warpage, designers use simulation, point mapping and feature alignment to virtually compensate parts, reducing costly trial-and-error tooling iterations significantly.
AI-powered quoting tools trained on a shop’s own data deliver faster, more accurate and secure estimates tailored to real operations.
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 online training.
At Automate 2026, two examples of polymer powder 3D printing in the food and beverage sector demonstrated the synergy between AM and industrial automation.
Learn what’s new and what’s possible in the various hot runner temperature controller formats, including modular, GUI-style and advanced GUI-style systems.
Whether the product you’re molding is required by regulations to include a date stamp or you see the production transparency benefits of applying them, there are important elements to understand in managing these tool inserts.
When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.
June's top articles reflected a focus on two converging themes: AI adoption in practical shop operations, and back-to-basics technical content that never goes out of style.
Restoring high-speed packaging molds to peak performance through advanced techniques, precision machining and 50% faster turnaround times.
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.
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.
Best Tool & Engineering is using a quiet market to rebuild itself from the inside out with AI, a lot of scrappiness and a plan.
A step-by-step approach shows mold builders how to capture, organize and reuse knowledge to reduce risk and speed technician development.
From workforce development and cybersecurity to mentorship, AI and community moments — here's what MoldMaking Technology readers clicked on most in July.
This ongoing series documents what becoming a manufacturing professional actually looks like in real time. Through weekly reflections and monthly check-ins, it follows the gradual build of skills, confidence and career ownership that rarely make it into highlight reels.
CMMC Phase II is paused, but cyber readiness isn't. Mold builders still need to protect customer data and prove it.
Pennsylvania College of Technology is meeting moldmaking's widening skills gap through customizable workforce development and hands-on plastics education.
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
NyproMold's Mark Keller shares how process mapping, vocational school partnerships and AI-assisted scheduling keep custom moldmaking precisely on track.
Penn State's Nick Vitelli on catching design flaws early, teaching critical thinking and preparing moldmaking's next generation for AI responsibly.
The tool and die manager at Applied Medical Technology has built advanced tool rooms across multiple industries. In this MMT Chat, he gets into what it actually takes to compete in medical moldmaking and where most shops get it wrong.
With 30-plus years in the trade, Adler Industrial Solutions' Senior Tooling Engineer and Lead Estimator still comes back to the same principle: the more you invest before the job starts, the fewer problems you solve after it does.
A newly promoted moldmaker from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories shares candid insights on training, AI and building expertise one process at a time.
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.
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.
The SPE Automotive Division chapter hosts SPE Automotive Division Golf Outing on Sept. 8, 2026 in Detroit area, MI.
The SPE Automotive Division chapter hosts Automotive Composites Conf. & Exhibition (ACCE) on Sept. 9-10, 2026 in Novi, MI.
The SPE Color & Appearance Div. chapter hosts SPE Color & Appearance Conf. (CAD RETEC) on Sept. 13-15, 2026 in Louisville, KY.
SPE hosts SPE National Plastics Conference on Sept. 14-17, 2026 in Houston, TX.
The SPE Detroit Section chapter hosts SPE TPO Global Automotive Conference on Sept. 28-30, 2026 in Troy, MI.
Here’s the when and how to reduce the unsupported length of pins.
In part one of this four-part series, we focus on the molding machine and the ejection system as culprits.
From leadership and mindfulness to tariffs and AI, this year’s AMBA conference challenged moldmakers to face uncertainty with courage, connection and intention.
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.
We'll send a secure link to your inbox, no password required.
Free access requires acceptance of our terms & conditions.