What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

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Engineer See All

FAQ
5 Tips for Smarter, AI-Powered Quoting in Moldmaking
AI-powered quoting tools trained on a shop’s own data deliver faster, more accurate and secure estimates tailored to real operations.

Data Management Software
Stop Guessing. Start Designing Smarter.
Experts reveal how understanding molds as physics-driven systems — balancing flow, thermal and mechanical forces — enables smarter design decisions and better performance.

Mold Components
Is This Mold Design Webinar for You? Maybe This Will Help
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.

Design & Mfg. Software
Smarter Mold Design Starts with Shared Expertise
Industry experts share practical DFM strategies and a proven framework to help teams make smarter mold design decisions that improve performance outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence
PTXPO 2026: Innovation, Precision and Collaboration Define the Future of Moldmaking, Part 1
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.

Analysis
How to Evaluate Digital Manufacturing Software
Here are the key areas moldmakers should consider when evaluating software solutions to improve transparency, connectivity, uptime, quality and productivity.
Build See All

Basics
5 Tips for Smarter, AI-Powered Quoting in Moldmaking
AI-powered quoting tools trained on a shop’s own data deliver faster, more accurate and secure estimates tailored to real operations.

Basics
Tooling: Why Ejector Pins Break...and How to Prevent It, Part 1
In part one of this four-part series, we focus on the molding machine and the ejection system as culprits.

Automation
MMT Chats: AI Starts with People, Not Platforms
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.

Automation
How Digitized Inspection and AI Are Reshaping Mold Shop Workflows
AI transforms moldmaking inspection by turning measurement data into predictive process intelligence through connected digital workflows, replacing manual interpretation.

Molding Equipment
Molding Minds: The May Articles Readers Loved Most
From the shop floor to the conference stage, May's most-read articles reflect an industry navigating change on every front.

Mold Components
Three Key Decisions for an Optimal Ejection System
When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.
Maintain See All

Surface Treatment
Expert Thin Wall Mold Restoration
Restoring high-speed packaging molds to peak performance through advanced techniques, precision machining and 50% faster turnaround times.

Analysis
How Digitized Inspection and AI Are Reshaping Mold Shop Workflows
AI transforms moldmaking inspection by turning measurement data into predictive process intelligence through connected digital workflows, replacing manual interpretation.

Machining
Molding Minds: The May Articles Readers Loved Most
From the shop floor to the conference stage, May's most-read articles reflect an industry navigating change on every front.

Leadership
Making Every Cycle Count — Best Practices in Maintenance for Maximum Uptime
Plastics processing equipment works hard around the clock. In many operations, unplanned downtime is too expensive to contemplate.

Surface Treatment
Stop Cleaning Molds by Feel
How surface intelligence reveals invisible contamination and validates mold cleaning effectiveness.

Maintenance & Repair
PTXPO 2026: Innovation, Precision and Collaboration Define the Future of Moldmaking, Part 2
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.
Manage See All

Artificial Intelligence
From Curiosity to Capability
A mold shop’s AI journey shows how experimentation, internal talent and practical problem-solving can turn uncertainty into momentum and opportunity.

Workforce Development
More Than HR: Why Mold Shops Need a Social Worker Mindset
TK Mold & Engineering shows how applying social work principles to workforce management enhances employee retention, company culture and long-term performance in mold manufacturing.

Artificial Intelligence
Bravery, Focus and the Future of Moldmaking
From leadership and mindfulness to tariffs and AI, this year’s AMBA conference challenged moldmakers to face uncertainty with courage, connection and intention.

30 under 30
Reviving Moldmaking Through Hands-On Mastery
Penn State Behrend’s veteran instructors teach through mold autopsies, live industry projects and DoD-backed CNC bootcamps, blending craftsmanship with technology.

Tool Steel
30 Under 30: Honorees Keep Coming with Next-Gen Leader Driving Financial Strategy
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.

Business Strategy
Index Reports Continued Expansion as Moldmaking Market Absorbs Mixed Signals
A small dip in the Index masks a largely positive month for orders, output and suppliers.
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30 under 30

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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

Automation
MMT Chats: AI Starts with People, Not Platforms
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.

Education
MMT Chats: Steve Carr, A 44-Year Legacy of Mold Repair Excellence and Mentorship
Steve Carr's 44-year career in mold repair at Plastikos and Micro Mold showcases unmatched skill, leadership and dedication to mentoring future toolmakers.

Leadership
MMT Chats: From Garage Tinkerer to Innovation Pioneer
Rob Doorakkers transformed childhood moldmaking passion into visionary leadership, driving innovation at IGS GeboJagema through expertise, collaboration and forward-thinking strategies.

Artificial Intelligence
From Show Floor to Shop Floor: Students Discover Real Paths into Manufacturing at PTXPO
Students explored manufacturing technologies and heard practical career insights, helping connect what they saw to real opportunities in moldmaking and plastics careers.

Velosity Releases 2025 ESG Report Highlighting Sustainability, Innovation and Employee Impact
Showcasing key advancements in sustainability, safety, innovation and employee investment.

Education
MMT Chats: Exceptional Young Moldmaker Leading with Precision, Skill and Mentorship
Chris MacDonald, a standout young moldmaker, combines elite CNC/EDM expertise, competition success and leadership to drive excellence at Faith Tool & Manufacturing.
Events See All

24 Aug 2026
National Composites Week 2026
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.

6 Oct 2026
Products Finishing Top Shops 2026
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.

6 Oct 2026
Modern Machine Shop Top Shops 2026
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.

18 Nov 2026
Molding Conference 2026
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.
Suppliers See All

Additive Manufacturing

Business Development

Cleaning & Pretreatment

Inspection, Testing, Measurement

Manufacturing Execution & Automation Software & Controls

Manufacturing Services

Materials

Pollution Control & Sustainability

Supplies

Temperature/Pressure Control Equipment

Workholding
Basics/101 See All

Artificial Intelligence
5 Tips for Smarter, AI-Powered Quoting in Moldmaking
AI-powered quoting tools trained on a shop’s own data deliver faster, more accurate and secure estimates tailored to real operations.

Mold Components
Tooling: Why Ejector Pins Break...and How to Prevent It, Part 1
In part one of this four-part series, we focus on the molding machine and the ejection system as culprits.

FAQ
Bravery, Focus and the Future of Moldmaking
From leadership and mindfulness to tariffs and AI, this year’s AMBA conference challenged moldmakers to face uncertainty with courage, connection and intention.

Data Management Software
How to Evaluate Digital Manufacturing Software
Here are the key areas moldmakers should consider when evaluating software solutions to improve transparency, connectivity, uptime, quality and productivity.

Business Strategy
Talent Plan, Design Basics, AI Assistance
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.

Basics
The Many Causes of Flash
Flash often has several causes working together, which makes it tough to pinpoint and solve.
Mold Design & Optimization

New Product Development
Strategies for moldmakers to effectively manage new product development projects.

Strategic Mold Design
With complex plastic parts it can be difficult to deliver proper cooling and venting.

Mold Design Series
The mold specification document is essential for injection molding success, connecting design requirements with manufacturing processes and quality control standards.

Injection Mold Design Handbook
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.
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