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U.S. Is Still a Primary Manufacturing Resource
Over past year, we’ve seen the weak U.S. dollar and exorbitant fuel/shipping costs cause U.S. companies to reconsider near-shoring as a cost-effective option, and adjust their outsourcing strategies to include near-shoring of some products. But as of this writing, the U.S. dollar has risen 30 percent over the past two months. Fuel costs are falling rapidly, and the costs to ship goods from overseas are coming down with them. The U.S. economy is very sick, and recovery is expected to be long and tough.
Read MoreWhat to Look for in CAD Translation Software
Adapting CAD modeling data for CAM is not always a seamless process. Even small inaccuracies in file translation can result in time-consuming manual repairs. And even if the translated data is accurate, some designs may fail to meet manufacturing requirements, increasing the difficulties of cutting the mold or resulting in bad mold configurations that build in extra cycle time, loss of part strength or failure to meet tolerances.
Read MoreImproving Quality to Increase the Bottom Line
Prevention cost is one of the most significant elements of the cost of quality. When developing plans for reduction of quality expenditures, it is critical to analyze the various prevention costs during the product launch phase with a shop floor management system or ERP solution.
Read MoreBridging the Gap between Part and Mold Development
Moldmakers need design automation, modeling and surfacing tools to facilitate effective interaction with product designers.
Read MoreDecline Less Severe Than Expected
42.5 Total Mold Business Index for November 2008 The total Mold Business Index is a weighted average of the sub-indices for new orders, production, employees, backlog, exports and supplier deliveries.
Read MoreAlliance for American Manufacturing
With a mission of keeping American manufacturing strong, this grassroots effort raises awareness on the plight the U.S. is facing and offers tips on how to keep jobs here.
Read MoreReview of the R&D Tax Credit Extension
The U.S. Congress passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) on October 3, 2008. As part of the EESA, the R&D Tax Credit (Research Credit) was extended through 2009. This means it will apply to tax years 2008 and 2009. This Credit drives billions of dollars in economic activity and keeps thousands of high-skilled jobs here in the U.S. The Credit expired at the end of 2007 and failed several times previously to be passed as parts of other bills in Congress. Mold manufacturers currently taking the credit will now be able to continue through 2009 and for others that have not, it will now be easier.
Read MoreError Proofing
Error proofing is needed to reduce overall cost, reduce the number of quality concerns and can be a very useful tool to reduce downtime.
Read MoreUsing the Internet to Start Your Diversification Strategy
Rather than downsize or give up, one mold shop decided to find new opportunities to apply their skills and equipment, outside of the local moldmaking industry using an online marketplace.
Read MoreAn Addition to the Family
MoldMaking Technology was reunited with its sister publication Time-Compression Technologies this past October when it was acquired by Gardner Publications, Inc.
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