MoldMaking Technology's Best of November

Photo Credit: (top left) DME Company, (top right) PCS Company, (bottom left) American Tool and Mold (Jeremy Scott), (bottom right) Lawrence Mold and Tool

In November, MoldMaking Technology dove into an array of subjects, bridging the worlds of 3D scanning, machine monitoring and multi-cavity molds. These topics offered readers a comprehensive view of innovation and efficiency within the realm of mold manufacturing. Whether it's revisiting pieces or catching up on missed ones, November's collection will bring you up to speed on the latest trends and advancements, inviting readers to explore a variety of industry insights.

10. Machine Monitoring Platform Improves Machine Utilization, On-Time Delivery

Photo Credit: Westminster Tool Inc.

In this case study, we check in with Westminster Tool Inc., a familiar name to MoldMaking Technology readers. Recognized twice as the Leadtime Leader by MMT in 2014 and 2021, the company has seen three of its employees featured in MMT’s esteemed 30 Under 30 list for 2021. Adding to its accolades, company founder and president Ray Coombs received the prestigious Mold Builder of the Year award from the American Mold Builders Assn. (AMBA) in 2021. Operating with a team of 35 individuals and utilizing a spacious 26,000 square feet/2,416 square meters of floor space, Westminster Tool specializes in crafting 20-25 small-to-medium size injection and resin transfer molds annually, focusing on high-complexity, tight-tolerance molds for the medical industry. Their production tools cater to presses ranging between 10 and 350 tons/9.1 and 318 metric tons in clamp tonnage, alongside their expertise in injection molding and custom CNC machining of metal parts. Read the full case study.

9. Moldmaking is a Relentless Pursuit of Innovation

Photo Credit: MoldMaking Technology

Throughout this year, the moldmaking industry has grappled with challenges along its supply chain, pinpointing uncertainties about each link's genuine contribution to the final product. The solution—as Editorial Director, Christina Fuges sees it— lies in enhanced collaboration and communication, fostering an environment ripe for innovation. The MoldMaking Conference held earlier this year served as a pivotal platform for this very purpose, offering an opportunity for collaboration and exchange within this close-knit community. Feedback from attendees echoed a sentiment of enrichment. Read the full article.

8. Select End Mills With Mold Material, Features and Machining Process in Mind

Photo Credit: Emuge-Franken USA

Selecting the right end mill holds immense significance for mold builders facing diverse milling applications. The choice depends on several factors, including the mold's manufacturing stage, the material being worked on, and the specific features being milled. Whether it's the roughing process involving substantial material removal or refining a pre-roughed part post-heat treatment, the end mill selection varies accordingly. In this guide, we explore challenges and offer valuable tips for effectively navigating milling tool selection across five crucial areas in mold machining. Read the full article.

7. Discover Metalworking Technologies Targeted to Mold Shops

Photo Credit: Expand Machinery (left), Stäubli Corp. (top middle), Matsuura Machinery (top right) and Grob Systems (bottom right).

MoldMaking Technology's focus in its November 2023 issue revolved around showcasing cutting-edge machining, automation, and EDM technologies and services tailored for the moldmaking industry. Highlighting key companies like Grob Systems, EDM Network, and GF Machining, among others, this November 2023 edition offers a glimpse into their offerings. Additionally, MMT consistently features new and proven products and services daily, accessible through the "New Tech" section on their website's homepage or easily found via the website's search bar for comprehensive exploration. Read the full article.

6. MMT Chats: How to Implement a Remote Validation Process

Photo Credit: MoldMaking Technology

Accede Mold & Tool Co., a family-owned mold builder in Rochester, New York, responded to travel restrictions and customer budget limitations by devising a remote mold validation process. Initially conceived due to pandemic-related challenges, this innovation persists, offering significant time and cost savings for customers while benefiting the mold builder. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Camille Sackett, shares insights into the company and success of the ACCEDE Remote Mold Validation process. Watch the interview.

5. 3D Scanning Quickly Solves Tool Repair Problems

Photo Credit: Accudyn

In this case study, Accudyn, an Erie, Pennsylvania-based family-owned company with 25 years of expertise in custom injection molding and mold building, specializes in producing advanced plastic parts for multiple industries. Notably, they've handled automotive, construction, medical devices, and heavy vehicle manufacturing. Since 2012, the company has been manufacturing injection molds in-house and takes pride in continuously enhancing capabilities for efficiency and competitiveness. Recently, they invested in 3D scanning technology, purchasing a Keyence VL-500 scanner to streamline part measurement and validation. Unexpectedly, this technology proved indispensable for Accudyn's mold repair process, surprising Don Stolarski, the company's Vice President of Sales & Business Development. Read the full case study.

4. Combining Innovation and Artistry to Build Complex, Precision, Multi-Cavity Molds

Photo Credit: American Tool and Mold (Jeremy Scott)

American Tool and Mold (ATM), situated in Clearwater, Florida, has over 45 years of experience in crafting intricate, multi-cavity molds for the plastic injection molding industry. Founded by Demetre Louourgas, a Greek immigrant turned U.S. citizen, ATM operates with a workforce of 160 across a sizable 150,000-square-foot primary manufacturing facility and an additional 15,000-square-foot hard milling facility on a 10-acre property. Their expertise spans a wide array of molds, from thin-wall and stack molds to hot runner, unscrewing, and high-cavitation two-shot molds, serving industries like consumer packaging, specialty closures, and medical sectors. Read the full profile.

3. What Mold Buyers Look for in Mold Builders

Photo Credit: Lawrence Mold

Injection Mold Consulting, LLC Owner, Jim Fattori has engaged with around 40 to 50 mold builders across nine different countries, commissioning over a thousand molds for various purposes. In this article, he states that the criteria for choosing a mold shop lies within the nature of the parts being manufactured and occasionally, the preferences of the customer. Factors such as the mold's complexity, the anticipated annual production volume, and the type of part significantly influence the choice of a mold builder. The selection process revolves around three primary objectives: securing the job from the customer, meeting their requirements for potential future business, and acquiring a mold that strikes a balance—neither overly expensive nor poorly constructed. To achieve these goals, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the vendor, potentially through referrals, and avoid solely awarding the mold to the lowest bidder. Read the full article.

2. 5 Hot Runner Tips for Moldmakers and Molder

Photo Credit: PCS Company

Effective collaboration between the mold builder, hot runner supplier, molder, and resin supplier is pivotal in designing and constructing a hot runner mold. However, after the mold's delivery, the responsibility largely shifts to the molder or OEM customer, underscoring the significance of ongoing collaboration during mold validation and production. To aid in the initial startup of a hot runner mold and establish a robust preventive maintenance plan, here are five essential tips offered along with guidelines for effective implementation. Read the full article.

1. How to Use Thermal Management to Improve Mold Cooling

Photo Credit: DME Company

Amid rising energy and materials costs, manufacturers are driven to boost productivity by refining processes, trimming resources and budgets, and optimizing production methods. A focus on a mold’s thermal dynamics throughout design, molding, and preventative maintenance has emerged, aiming to slash cycle times, curtail energy usage, enhance plastic part quality, and elevate yields. While advancements in hot runner systems, gating, and FEM simulations have gained attention, the discussion often overlooks cooling. As the cooling cycle can constitute up to 70% of a part's run cycle, effective thermal management becomes crucial for overall cycle time reduction and process optimization. Decreasing cycle times and minimizing scrap rates translate to heightened part production efficiency. Read the full article.