Plastics Technology

What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

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Artificial Intelligence
How AI Software Can Support Smarter Moldmaking
AI tools help mold shops quote faster, program more accurately and retain critical shopfloor knowledge.

Basics
How to Automate Process and Design in Moldmaking
Mold builders can achieve major operational improvements by automating their digital workflows, particularly in CAD/CAM design, programming and process planning.

Basics
Strategic Mold Venting – Runner Venting
Knowing how to vent runners for cold runner systems can lead to significant process improvements.

Artificial Intelligence
The Mold Specification Document, Part 3 of 4
The mold specification document is essential for injection molding success, connecting design requirements with manufacturing processes and quality control standards.

Analysis
Why Is Flow Simulation an Essential Design Tool? Part 2 of 4
Flow simulation is crucial for understanding how molten plastic behaves within the mold cavity. Accurate simulations inform decisions about gating, runner layouts and cooling designs.

Design & Mfg. Software
Strategic Mold Venting – Placement and Method
Knowing where and how to vent a mold is critical for difficult areas and complex geometries.
Build See All

Industry 4.0
Incorporating Automation into EDM
Adding automation to EDM can provide long periods of unattended machining or be used in a closed-loop cell, while EDM control features can automate electrode design and process parameters.

EDM
How to Put AI to Work in EDM
AI streamlines EDM with dashboards, NFC integration, data extraction, wire cutter design, G-code optimization and tool setter enhancements.

Automation
How AI Software Can Support Smarter Moldmaking
AI tools help mold shops quote faster, program more accurately and retain critical shopfloor knowledge.

Basics
How to Use Ultra-Precision Micro Tools, Molding and Automation to Unlock High-Volume Medical Device Miniaturization
Five key areas where a molder/mold builder applies tight-tolerance tooling and advanced molding solutions to enable high-volume production of micro-molded medical parts.

Design & Mfg. Software
How to Automate Process and Design in Moldmaking
Mold builders can achieve major operational improvements by automating their digital workflows, particularly in CAD/CAM design, programming and process planning.

Cutting Tools
Why Attention to Detail and Continuous Learning Matter in Moldmaking
In an industry where precision is everything, attention to detail coupled with continuous learning isn't just an advantage—it's essential for staying competitive.
Maintain See All

Tips
How to Quickly Check Cooling Channels
Smart hole inspection validates possible leakages and strangulations in the cooling channels by doing tightness and flow rate tests.

Maintenance & Repair
From Flow Science to Skilled Hands: A Moldmaking Ecosystem Thrives in Erie
In Erie, PA, a single hub combines advanced technology and services, education and hands-on training to drive innovation and secure the future of moldmaking and plastics.

Inspection & Measurement
How Adler's Global Network and In-House Labs Address Complex Mold Challenges
Adler combines 0.0001" tolerances, reverse engineering capabilities, global facility coordination and comprehensive in-house validation labs for seamless mold solutions.

Maintenance & Repair
Continuous Wave Laser Technology Improves In-House Mold Maintenance Capabilities
International Inc. integrated American Laser Distributors’ 2,000-Watt Laser Cleaner for in-house mold cleaning, resulting in time and cost savings.

Analysis
Automating Mold Inspection: Integrating Speed, Precision and Usability Across Complex Workflows
Whether you're verifying an electrode, checking a complex cavity or feeding quality data into a closed-loop workflow, today’s CMM technologies are turning inspection into a competitive advantage, not a bottleneck.

Inspection & Measurement
Dive Into Inspection/ Measurement With Helpful Tips and Tools
Inspection/ measurement equipment can include all tools and devices used to verify molds and part dimensions conform to the tolerances required by the part’s design. Access more information about inspection/ measurement in this exclusive, online-only content, including a suppliers list, products, services and more.
Manage See All

Business Strategy
Moldmakers in a Shifting Economy: Consumption Trends, Tariff Impacts and Production Outlook
U.S. mold imports are rising despite tariffs, showing strong demand as moldmakers face cost pressures, policy uncertainty and new opportunities from shifting manufacturing and consumption trends.

Business Strategy
From Flow Science to Skilled Hands: A Moldmaking Ecosystem Thrives in Erie
In Erie, PA, a single hub combines advanced technology and services, education and hands-on training to drive innovation and secure the future of moldmaking and plastics.

Business Strategy
Shop Talk: Red Pencils, Erasers and Unexpected Promotions
A rookie engineer struggles with an angle iron drawing, fails repeatedly and unexpectedly earns a promotion — leaving colleagues silent in disbelief.

FAQ
MMT Chat: True Industry/Education Partnership Demands “Consistent Persistence”
High school teachers often ask, "How can I find a company willing to partner with me?" This question may seem straightforward, but establishing a genuine partnership with a local high school to address the skills gap requires ongoing commitment and consistent communication. Electroform, based in Rockford, IL, and Hononegah High School have made that commitment.

Business Strategy
Building Strong Industry-Education Bonds Through Dedicated Collaboration
High school educators often struggle to connect with businesses willing to partner, but creating a meaningful collaboration to address the skills gap demands ongoing effort and open dialogue. Electroform and Hononegah High School in Rockford, IL, demonstrate this through their steadfast commitment to a true partnership.

Artificial Intelligence
The Mold Specification Document, Part 3 of 4
The mold specification document is essential for injection molding success, connecting design requirements with manufacturing processes and quality control standards.
All Topics See All

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- Webinars
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Webinars See All

On Demand
Practical Mold Machining Tips and Strategies for Training Teams
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.

On Demand
Integrated Product Solutions for Enhanced Molding Operations
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

On Demand
Fundamentals and Guidelines for Servo-Controlled Mold Functions
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
Videos See All

Workforce Development
MMT Chat: True Industry/Education Partnership Demands “Consistent Persistence”
High school teachers often ask, "How can I find a company willing to partner with me?" This question may seem straightforward, but establishing a genuine partnership with a local high school to address the skills gap requires ongoing commitment and consistent communication. Electroform, based in Rockford, IL, and Hononegah High School have made that commitment.

Education
Building Strong Industry-Education Bonds Through Dedicated Collaboration
High school educators often struggle to connect with businesses willing to partner, but creating a meaningful collaboration to address the skills gap demands ongoing effort and open dialogue. Electroform and Hononegah High School in Rockford, IL, demonstrate this through their steadfast commitment to a true partnership.

Cutting Tools
Why Attention to Detail and Continuous Learning Matter in Moldmaking
In an industry where precision is everything, attention to detail coupled with continuous learning isn't just an advantage—it's essential for staying competitive.

Manufacturing Day 2025: MMT Joins Industry Effort to Showcase Manufacturing Career Opportunities
The goal of Manufacturing Day 2025 is to connect students, parents and educators with rewarding career opportunities in manufacturing. MMT continues to support this initiative through valuable content.

Business Strategy
MMT Chat: CAMM TechBridge Reinvents Path to Moldmaking Careers
CAMM’s TechBridge initiative leverages virtual reality training and education to inspire students, connect parents and strengthen moldmaking’s future workforce.

Business Strategy
MMT Chat: One Mold Builder's Strategic Diversification Journey
Dave LaGrow discusses Maximum Mold Group's evolution from a single shop to a diverse manufacturing enterprise with four distinct facilities.
Events See All

25 Nov 2025
SPS Smart Production Solutions Nuremberg
As the world's leading highlight trade fair for the automation industry, the SPS – Smart Production Solutions brings together over 1,000 exhibitors and an international audience November 25 – 27, 2025, in Nuremberg – focusing on concrete solutions, digital trends and practical innovations.

24 Feb 2026
Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2026
Additive Manufacturing Strategies is a 100% in-person event February 24-26, 2026 in New York City. This industry touchstone conference brings together AM stakeholders from all over the world. AMS includes panels and keynotes on topics most critical in the fast-growing world of additive manufacturing. Bringing together the industry’s leaders in a contained networking environment makes AMS the place for startups to access capital, for financial institutions and investors to sharpen their radars, and for the AM industry to focus on the business of AM.
Suppliers See All

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Workholding
Basics/101 See All

Automation
How to Put AI to Work in EDM
AI streamlines EDM with dashboards, NFC integration, data extraction, wire cutter design, G-code optimization and tool setter enhancements.

EDM
How to Use Ultra-Precision Micro Tools, Molding and Automation to Unlock High-Volume Medical Device Miniaturization
Five key areas where a molder/mold builder applies tight-tolerance tooling and advanced molding solutions to enable high-volume production of micro-molded medical parts.

Data Management Software
How to Automate Process and Design in Moldmaking
Mold builders can achieve major operational improvements by automating their digital workflows, particularly in CAD/CAM design, programming and process planning.

Leadership
MMT Chat: True Industry/Education Partnership Demands “Consistent Persistence”
High school teachers often ask, "How can I find a company willing to partner with me?" This question may seem straightforward, but establishing a genuine partnership with a local high school to address the skills gap requires ongoing commitment and consistent communication. Electroform, based in Rockford, IL, and Hononegah High School have made that commitment.

FAQ
Strategic Mold Venting – Runner Venting
Knowing how to vent runners for cold runner systems can lead to significant process improvements.

Basics
Strategic Mold Venting – Placement and Method
Knowing where and how to vent a mold is critical for difficult areas and complex geometries.
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Christina Fuges

Christina Fuges Editorial Director

Mold Components 14 Nov 2024

Video: Mold Component Technology Solutions Boost Sustainability

Sustainable, productivity-boosting innovations for moldmakers, including stress relief, traceability and cooling solutions.

Business Strategy 12 Nov 2024

MMT Chats: Sustainable Workforce Growth with the ATR Framework

Join MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges as she discovers the benefits of eLearning, including promoting sustainability in moldmaking by reducing travel, minimizing waste and enhancing global workforce accessibility.

Editorial Board Insight 11 Nov 2024

Generational Quality: Balancing Tradition, Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Q&A with Corey Fox, an MMT EAB member and Operations Manager at Accede Mold and Tool.

Business Strategy 7 Nov 2024

VIDEO: Community, Technology and the Future of Moldmaking: Notes from IMTS

A discussion with AMT’s Bill Herman during ShopTalk on the big stage at IMTS 2024 highlights moldmaking's unique blend of craft and technology that is driving innovation while its community tackles key challenges.

Consumer 6 Nov 2024

Domestic Collaboration Yields Efficiency and Budget Gains For Innovative Tooling Project

Pyramid Molding Group and Lettuce Grow partner to develop optimal tooling for a compact Hydroponic Farmstand.

Hot Runners 31 Oct 2024

VIDEO: Sustainable Molding and Advanced Gating

Hot runner supplier emphasizes sustainability in bio-resin molding, custom side gating and valve gate technologies.

Sustainability 29 Oct 2024

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.

Editorial 24 Oct 2024

What Are Moldmakers Talking About Right Now?

The conversation encompasses smarter, more efficient and automated processes to meet the demands of mold manufacturing.

Profile 23 Oct 2024

Working to Change the Perception of Manufacturing

Decades of mentoring helped launch an initiative to promote manufacturing careers and empower youth nationwide.

Education 16 May 2025

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.

30 under 30 18 Oct 2024

A Chance Encounter: MMT 30 Under 30 Honorees Unite

Imagine our surprise when two MoldMaking Technology 30 Under 30 honorees from different years crossed paths! Moments like these remind us of the tight-knit community within this specialized niche of manufacturing.

Sustainability 17 Oct 2024

VIDEO: Hot Runner Systems and Motion Control Advancements

Innovations in hot runner and mold motion controller technologies contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

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