Published 3/24/2023

Tool Paths, ERP & Improving Efficiency in Your Toolroom: What Did You Miss in February?

We covered a variety of topics in February. From tool paths to ERP and PTXPO coverage, we hope you didn’t miss anything but here is your cheat sheet if you did.

Cara Ready

Digital Editor, Modern Machine Shop & Production Machining

10. Editorial Advisory Board 2023-2026: Meet New Board Member Isaac Trevino, Best Tool & Engineering

The 2023-2026 version of MoldMaking Technology’s EAB features a new crew of industry professionals. Here’s one of them.

Isaac Trevino, business development manager for Best Tool & Engineering in Clinton Township, Michigan, is one of MMT's new EAB members. Photo Credit: Best Tool & Engineering

9. The ROI of ERP

Seven reasons why a mold builder needs to invest in enterprise resource planning software and technology.

Efficient, accurate scheduling helps mold builders deliver on time, manage change and meet customer expectations. Photo Credit: Global Shop Solutions

8. PTXPO Preview 2023: 3D Printing, Machining and Cutting Tools Technology and Services

The Moldmaking Pavilion powered by Amerimold is one of seven pavilions returning to PTXPO. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with those exhibitors that can fulfill your 3D printing and machining needs.

Photo Credit: clock wise from top left:Hermle USA, Allied Machine, Mantle and Cheto Corp.

7. Internal and External Factors Continue to Impact U.S. Moldmaking

Sustainable growth remains in the forecast as economic conditions continue to progress.

Industrial Production Indices: Manufacturing total and plastic products manufacturing.
Photo Credit: PLASTICS’ analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data

6. Five Strategies to Make Automation Affordable

Mold manufacturers can maintain their competitive edge by making smart capital investments in times of crisis.

Alternative financing options, such as leasing, can give manufacturers a positive return on automation investments from the first day. Photo Credit: HowTo Robot

5. MMT Chats: How to Improve Efficiency in 3 Key Toolroom Areas

MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges chats with James Jergens, General Manager for Triangle Tool and Penn Erie Tool of The Plastek Group about three simple ways to improve efficiency: tool design, equipment and work in process. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

Photo Credit: MoldMaking Technology

4. MMT Chats: Mold Design Apprentices Speak Out

Mold Design Apprentices Alex McClinton and Nolan Benedict share their individual journeys to moldmaking, impressions of a unique mold design apprenticeship and their future plans. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

Photo Credit: MoldMaking Technology

3. MMT Chats: Unique Mold Design Apprenticeship Using Untapped Resources

To help fill his mold design skills gap, Jeff Mertz of Anova Innovations, is focused on high schools and underprivileged school districts, a school that has lower graduation and college entrance rates. The goal is a student-run enterprise. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.

Photo Credit: MoldMaking Technology

2. How to Generate the Ideal Tool Path for High-Level Accuracy and Finish

When a mold builder can’t compromise part accuracy and surface finish, CAM software with specialized programming strategies is essential.

An example of a complex five-axis toolpath generated around a drill body, showing the control accomplished by using curves to manipulate a toolpath. Photo Credit: CGS North America (CAM-TOOL)