What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

- Engineer
- Build
- Maintain
- Manage
- All Topics
Engineer See All

Design & Mfg. Software
August's Most-Read on MoldMaking Technology
From shop-floor case studies and additive manufacturing scaling to sales alignment and knowledge retention — here's what MoldMaking Technology readers clicked on most in August.

Additive Manufacturing
How Metal AM Cut Mold Cycle Time by 20%
Collaboration between a mold builder, metal printer manufacturer and simulation expert produced conformal cooling inserts that dramatically reduced injection molding cycle time while eliminating defects and improving part quality consistency.

Tool Steel
July's Most-Viewed Products on MoldMaking Technology
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.

Design & Mfg. Software
Reducing EDM Dependency
Optimizing roughing and electrode strategies in hard material mold machining.

Design & Mfg. Software
From Shrinkage to Simulation: Mastering Warpage Compensation in Mold Design
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.

Tips
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.
Build See All

Machining
Wrapping a Machine in Disguise to Make a Point About Retrofitting
IMTS 2026: Control maker Heidenhain disguised an old machine to demonstrate retrofit technology without naming a partner, alongside a new contained AI agent trained only on its own data.

Workforce Development
MMT Chat: Structure, Succession and the Next Generation
Lauren Fischer explains how Dynamic Tool balances flexible ISO systems, succession planning and new outreach to build its shop workforce.

Design & Mfg. Software
August's Most-Read on MoldMaking Technology
From shop-floor case studies and additive manufacturing scaling to sales alignment and knowledge retention — here's what MoldMaking Technology readers clicked on most in August.

Design & Mfg. Software
How Metal AM Cut Mold Cycle Time by 20%
Collaboration between a mold builder, metal printer manufacturer and simulation expert produced conformal cooling inserts that dramatically reduced injection molding cycle time while eliminating defects and improving part quality consistency.

Artificial Intelligence
MMT Chat: Custom Software, AI and Next-Gen Talent
MPC's tooling manager builds AI-integrated ERP software in-house, tackling mold shop scheduling while linking AI adoption to next-generation workforce appeal.

Leadership
Why Moldmakers Should Evaluate 3D-Printed Cutting Tools
Moldmakers already use additive manufacturing for high-value mold inserts; next is applying additive cutting tool advancements to boost productivity, profitability and smarter tooling decisions.
Maintain See All

Basics
June's Most-Read on MoldMaking Technology
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.

Profile
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.

Artificial Intelligence
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.

Maintenance & Repair
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.
Manage See All

Leadership
The Moldmaking Cycle: What Four Decades of Production Reveal About Industrial Investment
Four decades of metalworking machinery data show investment cycles that often diverge from National Bureau of Economic Research recessions, offering manufacturers an early signal.

Workforce Development
Your People Are Already Using AI. Now What?
Let's face it — the question most mold shop leaders are asking about AI is the wrong one. "Are we ready?" assumes you have the luxury of waiting. You don't.

Business Strategy
August's Most-Read on MoldMaking Technology
From shop-floor case studies and additive manufacturing scaling to sales alignment and knowledge retention — here's what MoldMaking Technology readers clicked on most in August.

Artificial Intelligence
MMT Chat: Custom Software, AI and Next-Gen Talent
MPC's tooling manager builds AI-integrated ERP software in-house, tackling mold shop scheduling while linking AI adoption to next-generation workforce appeal.

Marketing
When Sales Doesn’t Speak Manufacturing: The Commercial Blind Spot Hurting Injection Mold Builders, Part 1
Understanding the gap and how misalignment between sales and manufacturing undermines opportunities and limits a company’s ability to win work.

Business Strategy
What Comes After the Test Bed
Atomic Industries has spent a few years proving its technology works. Now they’re scaling it.
All Topics See All

30 under 30

3D Printing

Additive Manufacturing

Aluminum

amerimold

Analysis

Artificial Intelligence

Associations

Automation

Automotive

Auxiliary Equipment

Basics

Build

Business Strategy

Case Study

Conformal Cooling

Consumer

Cutting Tools

Data Management Software

Design & Mfg. Software

Digital Demos

Drills

Economics

Editorial

Editorial Board Insight

EDM

Education

electronics

Engineer

FAQ

Five Axis

Grinding

High Speed Machining

HMC

Hot Runners

ICYMI

IMTS

Industry 4.0

Inspection & Measurement

jobposting

Leadership

Leadtime Leader

Machining

Maintain

Maintenance & Repair

Manage

Marketing

Medical

MMT25

Mold Components

Mold Materials

Molding Equipment

Moldmaking Conference

NPE

Packaging

Profile

PTXPO

Rapid Tooling

Regulations

Safety

Sales

Shop Talk

Supply Chain

Surface Treatment

Sustainability

Tips

Tool Steel

Top Shops

Turning

VMC

Workforce Development

Workholding
- Webinars
- Videos
- Events
- Suppliers
- Basics/101
Webinars See All

On Demand
MMT Tech Days: Mold Design Fundamentals: A Framework for Smarter Decisions
This webinar breaks mold design down into its three essential pillars — Flow, Thermal and Mechanical. Each pillar will be covered by four leading mold builders, with each sharing their decision-making strategies for comparing common design choices, from gating and cooling to steel selection and ejection strategies. The webinar helps both new and experienced designers establish a shared language and consistent approach to designing robust, efficient tooling.Industry veterans will appreciate insights from peers who’ve lived these challenges, while newer designers and toolmakers will gain clarity on how critical components fit together — and why certain decisions matter more than others. This webinar won’t attempt to cover everything, but it will deliver high-value fundamentals, real examples and the perspectives that drive better design choices.

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.
Videos See All

MMT Chats: Turning Plastic Part Curiosity Into Hires
Zach Clark explains how Electroform's two-hour shop tours and backward mold walkthroughs turn curious students into committed future hires consistently.

Artificial Intelligence
MMT Chat: Structure, Succession and the Next Generation
Lauren Fischer explains how Dynamic Tool balances flexible ISO systems, succession planning and new outreach to build its shop workforce.

Business Strategy
MMT Chat: Custom Software, AI and Next-Gen Talent
MPC's tooling manager builds AI-integrated ERP software in-house, tackling mold shop scheduling while linking AI adoption to next-generation workforce appeal.

Analysis
What Comes After the Test Bed
Atomic Industries has spent a few years proving its technology works. Now they’re scaling it.

Artificial Intelligence
MMT Chat: Mapping Process, Growing Talent at NyproMold
NyproMold's Mark Keller shares how process mapping, vocational school partnerships and AI-assisted scheduling keep custom moldmaking precisely on track.

Artificial Intelligence
MMT Chats: Catching Problems Early, Building Better Engineers
Penn State's Nick Vitelli on catching design flaws early, teaching critical thinking and preparing moldmaking's next generation for AI responsibly.
Events See All

29 Sep 2026
MAPP - 2026 Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference
MAPP hosts 2026 Benchmarking & Best Practices Conference on Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2026 in Indianapolis, IN.

30 Sep 2026
PM Tech Days: Micro-Scale Machining

5 Oct 2026
SPE Blow Molding Division - 41st Annual Blow Molding Conference (ABC 2026)
The SPE Blow Molding Division chapter hosts 41st Annual Blow Molding Conference (ABC 2026) on Oct. 5-7, 2026 in Wheeling, IL.

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.

7 Oct 2026
Women in Manufacturing Summit
Join more than 2,000 professionals from October 7–9, 2026, at the WIM SUMMIT in Las Vegas for three days of learning, connection and inspiration.The WIM SUMMIT is where the manufacturing community goes ALL IN. It brings together professionals from across the industry and around the world for a dynamic experience focused on learning, networking and real conversations about what’s next in manufacturing. Whether you’re leading a team, growing your career or navigating change, the WIM SUMMIT is designed to meet you where you are.This year’s theme, ALL IN, is about showing up for the future of manufacturing together. As technology evolves, workforce needs shift, and the industry continues to change, moving forward takes new ideas and a shared commitment to what’s ahead. At the WIM SUMMIT, we’ll dig into what it means to go ALL IN – on talent and workforce strategy, smart manufacturing and AI, operational excellence, safety, sustainability, and wellbeing. WIM SUMMIT attendees will come away with practical takeaways, new perspectives, and connections that make an impact long after the event ends.

28 Sep 2026 New & Upcoming
SPE TPO Global Automotive Conference Register Now
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

Basics
Understanding Hot Runner Temperature Controllers
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.

Artificial Intelligence
June's Most-Read on MoldMaking Technology
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.

Mold Components
Tooling: Why Ejector Pins Break And How to Prevent It, Part 2
Here’s the when and how to reduce the unsupported length of pins.

Tips
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.
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.
Magazine
MMT Chats
Leadtime Leaders
Tech Days