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Five Axis
Maximizing Machine Tool Potential With CAM Software
Identifying specific areas where CAM software can utilize machine capabilities to benefit the user and maximize milling machine potential.

Design & Mfg. Software
Strategic Mold Cooling: Optimizing Molding Quality and Cycle Efficiency
Proper cooling is crucial in molding, yet often overlooked. Discover proper cooling methods to prevent defects and improve efficiency.

Basics
Understanding the Elusive Nature of Mold Ventilation
A personal journey of lessons learned about the challenges of poorly designed, understood and executed mold venting.

Data Management Software
Precision Meets Innovation at IMTS 2024
After attending IMTS, it's clear that the integration of advanced technologies is ready to enhance precision, efficiency and automation in mold manufacturing processes. It’s a massive event, so here’s a glimpse of what the MMT team experienced firsthand.

Maintenance & Repair
5 Ways to Improve Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
Mold builders play an important role in creating smart, connected and transparent supply chains.

Mold Components
VIDEO: Addressing Data Needs with Mold Component Solutions
The need for data to track information and the history of the mold-building process is ever-increasing, and mold component solutions can help.
Build See All

Mold Components
Recent Innovations in Mold Components and Hot Runners
In this most recent product roundup, MMT continues to offer a variety of innovative as well as tried-and-true technologies to benefit moldmakers.

Molding Equipment
Why Shoulder Bolts Are Too Important to Ignore (Part 1)
These humble but essential fasteners used in injection molds are known by various names and used for a number of purposes.

3D Printing
Video: Mold Base for Product Development With 3D Printed Molds
Alba Enterprises created a mold base to match the needs and pacing of product iteration using mold tooling made via additive manufacturing.

Mold Components
Video: Mold Component Technology Solutions Boost Sustainability
Sustainable, productivity-boosting innovations for moldmakers, including stress relief, traceability and cooling solutions.

3D Printing
The Connector Conundrum: 3D Printed Mold Tooling’s Role in Innovation
ReelView Fishing faced an electronics obstacle in the development of its new technology for underwater video. Additive manufacturing for moldmaking enabled the speed necessary to iterate to a solution.

Design & Mfg. Software
Maximizing Machine Tool Potential With CAM Software
Identifying specific areas where CAM software can utilize machine capabilities to benefit the user and maximize milling machine potential.
Maintain See All

Inspection & Measurement
How to Achieve Automated Measurement With Advanced Touch Probes and Laser Systems
A combination of lasers, probes and software help moldmakers automate in-process cutting tool and workpiece measurement.

Case Study
Laser Welder Yields Fast, Precise Mold Repair
Intralox's integration of the Alpha Laser ALFlak has significantly improved their tool room efficiency when it comes to difficult welds and urgent repairs.

Surface Treatment
Best Practices for Engraving Cores and Cavities
Consider depth, font style, artwork size, polarity and location when engraving.

Inspection & Measurement
Precision Meets Innovation at IMTS 2024
After attending IMTS, it's clear that the integration of advanced technologies is ready to enhance precision, efficiency and automation in mold manufacturing processes. It’s a massive event, so here’s a glimpse of what the MMT team experienced firsthand.

Inspection & Measurement
7 Measurement Innovations Transforming Moldmaking
Smart sensors and sophisticated process and measurement data management are driving intelligent moldmaking to new heights.

Maintenance & Repair
5 Ways to Improve Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
Mold builders play an important role in creating smart, connected and transparent supply chains.
Manage See All

Business Strategy
Moldmaking Opportunities and Challenges Within the Current Economic Cycle
Report analyzes moldmaking trends, pricing, labor shortages, capital costs, competitiveness strategies and construction spending challenges.

Workforce Development
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.

Business Strategy
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.

Business Strategy
7 Things You Need to Know About Nearshore Opportunities
Essential tools and resources to support mold builders in making critical strategic decisions about doing business in Mexico.

Education
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.

Basics
The Critical Role of Management Representatives in ISO 9001
In ISO 9001 quality management systems, the Management Representative (MR) plays a crucial role. While the 2015 version of ISO 9001 no longer mandates this position, having a trusted management member serve as an MR remains vital for streamlining operations and maintaining quality standards.
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Webinars See All

On Demand
5 Areas to Improve in Progressive Die Manufacturing with Next Generation Automation and Innovation
Join this webinar where Hexagon will explore how state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology can drive your business forward. Learn how to optimize tool paths, enhance design accuracy and reduce lead times with advanced simulation. Discover the power of automation and real-time data for continuous improvement. Tailored for mold and die manufacturers, this session offers actionable insights to boost productivity and quality. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge in progressive die manufacturing. Agenda: Key challenges in progressive die manufacturing Optimizing tool paths Enhancing mold and die design accuracy Reducing lead times with simulation Automating processes for greater efficiency Leveraging real-time data for continuous improvement

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Mold Actions
Discover how to enhance your mold design process with CAD/CAM software specifically tailored for the moldmaking industry. In part two of this webinar series, Cimatron will demonstrate how to intelligently design mold components, such as slides and lifters, using powerful CAD/CAM tools to accelerate the design process. Additionally, it will cover how to avoid errors and ensure design accuracy for ejector pins by checking clearance distances, calculating cutoff heights correctly, and thoroughly documenting all ejector components. Agenda: Slides Lifters Inserts Ejection pins and charts

On Demand
Learn to Mold 1000+ Parts Using 3D-Printed Mold Inserts: Introducing Ultrasim3D NextMold
While the transition from traditional methods to this innovative approach may present initial challenges, the benefits far outweigh the learning curve. Through the NextMold and partner network, Forward AM provides comprehensive support at every stage of the integration process. This ensures a smooth adoption of the technology into company’s operations, including seamless collaboration with molding companies. Forward AM’s commitment is to facilitate this technological transformation, enabling your business to leverage the full potential of 3D-printed mold inserts. Agenda: Molding with 3D-printed inserts Ultrasim3D Next Mold: Forward AM offering Successful adaption: integration at Beaumont Technologies

On Demand
3D Printing Design Freedom: Blessing and Curse for Conformal Cooling
When used for conformal cooling in plastic injection, 3D printing opens a wide range of design freedom. This design freedom enables designers to develop highly-efficient thermal regulation networks. However, this blessing also comes at the expense of not only higher manufacturing cost but also higher design cost as the designer could spend weeks to develop optimal cooling channels. This webinar will explore strategies and tools — including SimForm, a front-end thermal simulation app — to help tool designers and tooling managers maximize the benefits of 3D printing while minimizing manufacturing and design costs. Agenda: 3D printing applied to the plastic injection industry 3D printing pros and cons Tools and methods to facilitate the integration of 3D printing

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Core/Cavity Design
Discover how to enhance your mold design process with the right CAD/CAM tool for parting and cavity design. This webinar will explore CAD/CAM capabilities including how hybrid solid/surface modeling can streamline workflow and improve accuracy. Learn how to confidently tackle parting, runoff, and shutoff, ensuring precision and efficiency in your designs. Agenda: Part analysis QuickSplit techniques Parting and runoff strategies Shutoff solutions

On Demand
Innovative Tools to Optimize Mold Performance
This webinar will provide an overview of new developments in hot runners, controllers, mold components, predesigned molds, process monitoring and mold maintenance equipment. These advancements are designed with the goals of lowering scrap rates, optimizing process temperatures and managing energy consumption. The solutions also aim to support productivity and may contribute to extending the operational lifespan of tooling equipment. Agenda: Innovative undercut and thread-forming components Predesign mold bases and plate control Melt delivery and control solutions Process monitoring and maintenance

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Cooling Register Now
Videos See All

Mold Components
Video: Mold Base for Product Development With 3D Printed Molds
Alba Enterprises created a mold base to match the needs and pacing of product iteration using mold tooling made via additive manufacturing.

Mold Components
Video: Mold Component Technology Solutions Boost Sustainability
Sustainable, productivity-boosting innovations for moldmakers, including stress relief, traceability and cooling solutions.

Business Strategy
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.

Business Strategy
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.

ICYMI
In Case You Missed It: October Top Articles
Dive into the most popular articles from October based on what moldmakers are reading.

Sustainability
VIDEO: Sustainable Molding and Advanced Gating
Hot runner supplier emphasizes sustainability in bio-resin molding, custom side gating and valve gate technologies.
Events See All

18 Mar 2025
PTXPO 2025
PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.

2 Apr 2025
Parts Cleaning Workshop
Critical Cleaning Hands-on Workshop Do it; learn it! The one-day workshop teaches how cleaning and cleanliness testing work. By participating in hands-on exercises of techniques for cleaning and cleanliness verification, attendees gain the understanding and knowledge to make practical, effective, and sustainable manufacturing decisions. While exercises are supplemented by demonstrations and tutorials, the workshop is not death by PowerPoint! Topics include aqueous, solvent, and “non-chemical” cleaning, including cleaning chemicals and cleaning processes (spray, ultrasonics, cyclic nucleation, in-line, batch). Most manufactured product and product contact surfaces require cleaning during (and sometimes after) manufacture and assembly. Examples of areas where effective cleaning is essential include: metal fabrication, product assembly, optics, electronics, microelectronics, wafer fab, medical devices, aerospace/aeronautics, military, and additive manufacturing. WHAT DO YOU CALL CLEANING? There are many different terms for cleaning. Cleaning Precision Cleaning Critical Cleaning Safety/Critical Cleaning Surface Prep for Finishing Technical Cleanliness Residue Removal WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE WORKSHOP If you or your company fabricates, finishes, maintains or repairs product or product contact surfaces (like reaction vessels), this workshop is time well-spent. If you sell chemicals or cleaning equipment, this workshop will help you better understand and optimize the market for your products. Examples include: Manufacturing Engineers Product Designers Managers Sales and Marketing Managers Facilities Personnel Assemblers, operators Process Technicians Quality Control Personnel Regulatory Affairs Experts (industry, military, and government) Safety/environmental professionals Participants will receive a PDF Certificate of Completion with continuing education credits from Sam Houston State University.

7 May 2025
AMBA Conference 2025
Mark the calendar for AMBA Conference 2025, "Breakthrough Innovation," May 7-9, 2025, Grand Rapids, MI. During this industry event, attendees will meet with peers to discuss best practices in business, employee management, technology and more.

13 May 2025
Manufacturing Technology Series EAST 2025
The Manufacturing Technology Series East, featuring EASTEC in West Springfield, Massachusetts — is at the epicenter of a region that is a traditional manufacturing powerhouse. Historically, more than 700 companies have connected at this event to network, learn from industry experts and explore the latest manufacturing technologies.

20 May 2025
Extrusion Conference 2025
Extrusion's general sessions cover best practices, troubleshooting and processing solutions that can help you run your operation and maximize the utilization of your existing assets—as efficiently as possible. Extrusion professionals from the shop floor to the front office are represented at the Extrusion Conference. You’ll meet the entire global supply chain: manufacturing managers, supervisors, engineers and technicians, as well as engineers and technical managers at OEMs and other firms.

25 Jun 2025
Rapid + TCT 2025
On June 25-27, 2024, RAPID + TCT returned to the West Coast for the first time in nearly a decade! The three-day event featured the latest in 3D-printing technology from the industry’s leading product and service providers, a full schedule of speakers including a keynote series, and over 125 hours of educational content. The expansive show floor showcased over 400 exhibiting companies’ latest advancements. And next year? It will be even better! Start planning your trip to Detroit, MI to experience North America’s largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event in 2025!

5 Mar 2025 New & Upcoming
National Surface Finishing Day Register Now
Suppliers See All

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Basics/101 See All

FAQ
Understanding the Elusive Nature of Mold Ventilation
A personal journey of lessons learned about the challenges of poorly designed, understood and executed mold venting.

Business Strategy
The Critical Role of Management Representatives in ISO 9001
In ISO 9001 quality management systems, the Management Representative (MR) plays a crucial role. While the 2015 version of ISO 9001 no longer mandates this position, having a trusted management member serve as an MR remains vital for streamlining operations and maintaining quality standards.

FAQ
How to Optimize Mold Finishing
Circle segment technology requires fewer tool paths, improving surface quality and increasing cutting tool life.

Surface Treatment
How to Overcome Complex Mold Texturing Problems
Key benefits when considering laser technology for mold texturing and repair.

Surface Treatment
Understanding Diamond Compounds
Diamond compounds, with their varied grades, colors and base options, provide a comprehensive solution for mold builders in need of precise and superior polishing across diverse materials and applications.

Case Study
How to Clean and Maintain Molds With Intricate Conformal Cooling Channels
A water-based, eco-friendly plastic mold cleaning system helps Rankine-Hinman Manufacturing restore flow rates and avoid big-ticket failures on complex and costly molds.
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Maintenance & Repair 22 Nov 2024

Additional Sizes for Tooling System to Streamline Mold Building
PTXPO 22 Nov 2024

Time to Show Off the Wit & Wisdom of the Moldmaking Community!
Cutting Tools 21 Nov 2024

PCD Milling Cutters Reduce Cutting Forces and Vibration
Business Strategy 21 Nov 2024

Moldmaking Opportunities and Challenges Within the Current Economic Cycle
Cutting Tools 20 Nov 2024

Upgraded Portfolio Offers Insert and Torque Out Testing Equipment
Mold Components 20 Nov 2024

Recent Innovations in Mold Components and Hot Runners
Mold Components 19 Nov 2024

Cooling Solution Increases Efficiency, Energy Savings in Molds
ICYMI 19 Nov 2024

MMT Chats: Young EDM's Operator's Passion for Technology
Cutting Tools 18 Nov 2024

Automatic Tool Changer Benefits Machine-Adapted Clamping Units in Turning Centers
Mold Components 18 Nov 2024

Why Shoulder Bolts Are Too Important to Ignore (Part 1)

December 2023 Issue

December

December 2023

Digital Edition

How is an Aluminum Mold Energy-Efficient?

Nine ways aluminum molds save energy and production costs.

Features

Featured articles from the December 2023 issue of MoldMaking Technology

Ecomonics 13 Nov 2023

GBI Shifts to Second Straight Month of Slowing Contraction

While contraction has been an ongoing course for activity in the GBI: Moldmaking, its slight slowing might suggest that positive change is coming.

Supply Chain 14 Dec 2023

Resilience and Reflections: Moldmaking in the Evolving Economic Landscape

As moldmakers navigate this complex year marked by fluctuating business activities, and approach the upcoming year with cautious optimism, three key considerations should guide their decisions.

Maintenance & Repair 21 Dec 2023

What You Should Know About Injection Mold Safety Straps

Every mold should have one in order to be safe and OSHA compliant.

Machining 1 Dec 2023

Machine Tool Considerations for Today's Mold Builder

Machine rigidity, spindle speed, power and control options that run complex programs smoothly are vital to meet the industry’s surface finish and speed requirements.

Profile 6 Dec 2023

NextGen Mold Technologies is Sticking to the Plan

I caught up with Dennis Goggin, president of NextGen Mold Technologies, to learn how much has changed for this startup mold builder since we last connected.

Business Strategy 27 Dec 2023

Certified Quality Management for Plastics Professionals – Materials to Tooling to Recycling

Why is certification of a shop’s quality management system to ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949 or ISO 13485 so special? What does the certification signify? And what supports the paper behind the framed certificate?

EDM 27 Nov 2023

Machine Monitoring Platform Improves Machine Utilization, On-Time Delivery

Using data from a machine monitoring platform, Westminster Tool added almost 75 hours of capacity per week by shortening warmups and starting CNC and EDM machines sooner.

Editorial 20 Dec 2023

MoldMaking Technology's Most-Viewed Content of 2023

The most popular MoldMaking Technology content according to analytics reports over the past 12 months.

Business Strategy 28 Dec 2023

Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Get Reacquainted with MMT EAB Member Marion Wells Owner, Human Asset Management

Marion has been serving on MMT’s editorial advisory board since 2019. Hear what she's been up to lately.

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Techspex

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GBI: Moldmaking

GBI Shifts to Second Straight Month of Slowing Contraction

Profile

NextGen Mold Technologies is Sticking to the Plan

From the Editor

MoldMaking Technology's Most-Viewed Content of 2023

EAB Insight

Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Get Reacquainted with MMT EAB Member Marion Wells Owner, Human Asset Management

Maintenance & Repair

Mounted Abrasive Points for Mold and Die Polishing

Design & Mfg. Software

3D Inspection Software is Dedicated to Flexible Scenarios Using Universal Portable Measuring Equipment

Maintenance & Repair

Blow-Off Station Adds to Ultrasonic Cleaning Effectiveness

Maintenance & Repair

Mold Maintenance Training Courses Teach Mold Management, Upkeep

Maintenance & Repair

Rust Preventatives Ensure Complete Mold Protection

Micro-Diameter End Mill Series Reduces Cutting Time, Enhances Finishing for Ultra-Precision Moldmaking

Maintenance & Repair

Monitor Tool Wirelessly Tracks Mold Activity

Surface Treatment

Polishing Stone Results in Smooth Surface Finish for Tool Steels, EDM

Maintenance & Repair

Portable Low-Heat, Non-Arcing Resistance Welder for Mold Repair

Mold Components

Mold and Die Catalog Simplifies Parts Ordering

Mold Components

Slide Components Can Run Greaseless, Provide New Side Actions

Mold Components

Mold Component Supplier Offerings Enhance Moldmaking Capabilities

Workforce Development

A Virtual Reality Solution for Injection Molding Training

Additive Manufacturing

CAD/CAM Software Generates Unique Additive Tool Paths for Mold Cooling Channels

Maintenance & Repair

Hot Tip Sprue Cleaner Melts Obstructive Plastic

Mold Components

Ejector Portfolio Expansion Takes on Demolding Challenges

Design & Mfg. Software

Updated Module Simulates Mold Designs for Full Cycle Collision Check

Maintenance & Repair

Optical Fiber Laser Welding Machine for Effective Mold Repair

Mold Components

High-Speed Steel Ejector Pins for Plastic Injection Molds

Mold Components

New Slide Design With Floating Insert Supports Mold Simplification

Additive Manufacturing

3D-Printed Tooling Workflow Achieves Complex Part Prototyping

Qualified Tool Steel Enhances Thermal Transfer, Long Tool Life

Additive Manufacturing

Maraging Stainless Steel Powder Engineered for Additive Manufacturing Applications

Maintenance & Repair

Intuitive, Maintenance-Free Laser Welder for Mold Repair

Additive Manufacturing

Die-Cast Mold Conformal Cooling Achieved Through Hybrid Multi-Material 3D Printer

Uniform Temperature Profile Key to LSR Molding Technology

Additive Manufacturing

Precision Metal 3D Printing Technology for Mold Manufacture

High Penetration Drill Advances Hole-Making Activities

Additive Manufacturing

All-in-One Wire-Laser Metal 3D Printer for Mold Manufacture, Maintenance

Surface Treatment

Mold Welding, Polishing and Engraving Services Meet High Demands, Craftsmanship

Hot Runner Cooling Design Lowers Energy Consumption, Maintenance

Maintenance & Repair

Intelligent Mold Cleaners Support Proper Mold Maintenance

Injection Mold Manufacturer Offers Focused Expertise, Benchmark Performance

Hot Runner System Innovations Manage Melt Logistics Inside the Mold

Unscrewing Devices, Hot Runner Systems Advance the Mold

Surface Treatment

In-House Surface Treatment Services for Molds, Embossing Rolls

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