MMT Blog
By: Cynthia Kustush 18. March 2019
Workforce Development With A Twist
Chad Thomas (second from right) manages human resources at Unique Tool and Gauge in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is the architect of Unique’s rather unique training program which condenses a traditional three-year training curriculum into one year led by a dedicated, full-time master moldmaker. Pictured with Thomas are, from left, Aston, Reed and Lucas, each of whom very recently graduated from Unique’s program. Image courtesy of Unique Tool and Gauge.
This golf tee began as a trade show giveaway idea but soon developed into part of PM Mold Co.’s apprentice training program. Apprentices assisted with product development, engineering, moldmaking and even marketing, which helped broaden their understanding about their chosen careers in the industry. Inset: The resulting range of golf tees, packaged and sold in retail sporting goods stores all over the United States. Images courtesy of PM Mold Co., Inc.
Terry Iverson (center) meets with Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider (left) and Rick Schwind of Continental Tool & Manufacturing in 2013. Schneider invited Iverson to give a testimony to the Small Business Committee of the House of Representatives, stressing the difficulties faced by small businesses looking for qualified talent in manufacturing. Image courtesy of Terry Iverson.
MoldMaking Technology continues its coverage on a variety of workforce development programs in North America. In this installment, a Canadian shop and a U.S. shop share their unique approaches to building a skilled workforce.
Read MoreBy: Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP 15. March 2019
Tax Reform Impact on Inventory Deductions
Small mold shops must immediately expense raw materials after purchase including de minimis inventory purchases and non-incidental materials and supplies.
The changes made to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §471 Rules for Inventory of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Act”) present some tax-savings opportunities for “small” mold shops. The rules define small businesses as those with less than $25-million of average gross receipts for a trailing three-year period. The shops that have not been in business for three years must use the average gross receipts of the years in operation.
Read MoreBy: Christina M. Fuges 14. March 2019
Capability to 3D Print H13 Delivers Robust Tooling
Slides and lifters are the most difficult components to put cooling into. Next Chapter Manufacturing can contour cooling circuits in tight spaces with integrated baffling or bubblers without the risk of leaking in production.
Images courtesy of Next Chapter Manufacturing.
Next Chapter Manufacturing finishes parts using advanced five-axis machining technology. Venting integration is possible below parting line through innovative variable density capability.
Customers provide their design and moldflow analysis report and where they want the cooling ins and outs at and Next Chapter Manufacturing optimizes the rest, specifically for the additive process.
Complete tooling stacks complete with conformal cooling with all clearances and relief are incorporated to provide near net shape components. Post build, stress relief and heat treatment enable minimal machining (+/-.007” stock) to exact tolerances.
Generative design helps produce the most efficient tooling possible because it considers all of the dynamics and forces that the mold will experience during the process and then provides hundreds of solutions based on any number of parameters.
By: Steve Shannon 13. March 2019
How to Determine the Proper Vent Depth
The trickiest aspect of optimal venting is getting the depth right. This cavity for a cap has eight primary vents around its perimeter, measuring about 0.0005-inch-deep x 0.200-inch-wide, that feed into secondary vents. The recessed secondary vent around the diameter of the cavity measures about 0.030-inch-deep with four secondary exhaust ports at the same depth that carry air or gas out to the atmosphere, allowing the plastic material to fill completely and at optimum speed. Images courtesy of The Estee Lauder Companies, New York.
Once the correct vent depth is established, it is imperative that all vent depths, land widths and secondaries are identical from cavity to cavity because deviations in vents can cause an uneven fill, which impacts part-to-part consistency. This cavity for a cap shows a proper gate and runner with a primary ring vent around the whole diameter of the cavity. A recessed secondary vent with four exhaust vents allow gases to escape into the atmosphere.
Venting is one of the most important aspects a mold technician can get right when tweaking a new plastic injection mold for production. When vents are not designed and executed properly, problems can occur.
Read MoreBy: Cynthia Kustush 12. March 2019
VIDEO: How Water Flow Monitoring Optimizes Mold Production
During Amerimold Expo 2018, attendees were treated to on-site demos of new products, presentations and knowledge sharing by industry experts on all things moldmaking and more. MoldMaking Technology also took the opportunity to interview some exhibitors whose products are moving the way molds are engineered, built and maintained forward. This video, conducted by Editorial Director Christina Fuges is one of four such interviews. Christina stopped by the Progressive Components booth to meet with Sales Account Manager Rebecca Hamstra and learn why monitoring water flow in injection molds is important, and how having the ability to monitor and control the temperature flow and pressure in each water line can help optimize mold production.
Following is a video of the interview and a transcript of the conversation.
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