MMT Articles You Loved in February

Source: (top left) Incoe Corp., (bottom left) Sodick Inc., (right) Kid Caddie

MMT felt the love in the air from our readers in February. From hot runners to 3D printing and even a story about a man’s dream to enjoy golf with his family—we believe we have a little something for everyone in our February lineup of most-viewed articles.

10. Perspectives on Sustainability in Mold Building: A Diverse Outlook

Source: all images: Velosity

In conversations Editorial Director, Christina Fuges, recently had with individuals involved in the mold building industry, a variety of perspectives on sustainability emerged, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the term. This article is a summary of the respondents’ viewpoints.

9. Balancing People, Process and Technology for Program Management Success

Source: Eifel Inc.

Using the expertise of its team members and emphasizing efficiency, this Michigan mold builder's process is designed to function as a highly efficient system. Read more about this mold builder's past, present and future in this profile.

8. Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Corey Alton Fox, Accede Mold & Tool

Source: Accede Mold & Tool

Introducing new editorial advisory board (EAB) member, Corey Alton Fox. Corey is a third-generation leader in the moldmaking industry and a seasoned professional in his own right. He is currently the operations manager at Accede Mold & Tool, an independent and privately-owned injection mold builder in Rochester, New York. Learn more about Corey.

7. Design, Management Software Resources for Mold, Die Applications

Source: (clockwise): Open Mind Technologies, VizSeek, CloudCNC and Moldex3D

MMT staff regularly curates a list of relevant technologies in the form of roundups for readers to get a glimpse of what’s new and what’s improved. February’s focus was software. Essential to design and build a more cost-effective mold, or determining the time and cost for a job or tracking its production, software has become a common tool used to keep everyday mold builders on track. Read about the latest and greatest in software applications.

6. Extensive Evaluations Build The Plastek Group’s EDM Arsenal

Source: The Plastek Group

The Plastek Group is a moldmaker and custom injection molder with facilities in Erie, Pennsylvania, Hamlet, North Carolina, Queretaro, Mexico, Indaiatuba, Brazil and Mansfield, U.K. The company produces tools in Erie and Indaiatuba, makes engineering changes in Erie, and molds in Hamlet and Mansfield. All facilities offer mold maintenance and repair. As part of an ambitious 5-year plan for equipment upgrades and replacements, in 2022, they decided to swap out all EDM equipment at one of its two moldmaking facilities in Erie. This case study details their process in choosing a supplier for their new EDM equipment.

5. Diving Deeper: More Insights From a Rising Female Moldmaking Professional

Source: Angie Steingass, Accede Mold and Tool, Marketing Manager

Readers wanted more of Jane Huot's story as a woman in moldmaking so Editorial Director— Christina Fuges— went back to dig a little deeper with the 23-year-old mold designer and project manager at Accede Mold and Tool. Jane Huot observed her one-year milestone with Accede Mold & Tool last summer, took her first business trip and attended a “Women in Plastics and Rubber Industries” conference. Last month, we shared her first impressions, in February we got more of her story. Read it here.

4. Mold Builder Uses Metal 3D Printing to Bridge Medical Product Development to Production

Source: Westminster Tool

Since July 2022, Class 101 injection mold manufacturer—Westminster Tool —has been on a relentless journey with Mantle Beta metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Through extensive trials and collaborations with Mantle, they've optimized quality and efficiency. Read about their latest success story which involved rapidly producing production-grade parts for a medical OEM's biocompatibility and functional tests using metal 3D printing.

3. Complex Mold, Versatile Piece of Engineering Enhances Golf

Source: Kid Caddie

The Kid Caddie (patent-pending) is a sophisticated piece of engineering designed to be lightweight and perfect for families looking to enjoy a round of golf. One of the most challenging aspects of the mold design was size. The mold accommodates various actions to create additional accessories, such as cup holders and ball and tee holders. Read this article for the inspiration and process of making The Kid Caddie.

2. Ejector Pin Selection Guide

Source: PCS Company

To perform optimally, ejector pins must possess certain fundamental characteristics, including a high degree of strength, toughness and wear resistance, and the ability to retain edges. More application-specific characteristics include hot hardness, which is the material's ability to retain hardness at elevated temperatures, and varying degrees of corrosion resistance and lubricity, depending upon the type of molding application. Take a look at PCS Company’s comprehensive selection guide.

Hot Runner Truths, Myths and Overlooked Areas

The truths...the myths...the overlooked areas of hot runners. Read our most-viewed February article that addresses the benefits of hot runners, improvements and everyday issues you and your shop may face when using this advanced technology.