Published 12/31/2018

Top 10 Blogs from 2018, Part Two

A slideshow of the most-viewed blog posts in 2018 from MoldMaking Technology Senior Editor Cynthia Kustush.

Edited by: MMT Editorial Team

Because there is a multitude of products that are used for engineering, building and maintaining molds, MoldMaking Technology has published several product roundtable blogs to offer readers the latest on trends, challenges and solutions as provided by the companies that purvey said products. This roundtable focused on software, and it was the most-read blog that I wrote during 2018.

Carbide cutting tool manufacturer Tungaloy America Inc. partnered with machine tool supplier Toyoda Americas Corp. to showcase its latest offerings designed for accelerated machining of precipitation hardness stainless steel. The lunch learning seminar was held at Toyoda’s Arlington Heights, Illinois, facility.

Maximum Mold Group in Benton Harbor, Michigan, is MoldMaking Technology’s 2018 Leadtime Leader Award winner. Because of strategic acquisitions made over the last three years, Maximum Mold (also called Max 1) has grown from one small company to a group of three separate companies, each offering its own list of services but definitely complementary to the other two. Shown here is Max 1’s CNC department.

Another roundtable, this one focused on mold materials, proved a popular topic for MMT readers. With increasingly complex mold designs comes the need for mold materials that enable moldmakers to machine cores and cavities more efficiently, keep production costs down and meet short delivery times.

TK Mold and Engineering Inc. President Tom Barr says his company makes more strategic, effective decisions about its day-to-day operations and workforce needs because it uses InFocus software from R.E.R. Software Inc. Read this case study which illustrates the benefits of using machine monitoring software..

This servo-controlled valve gate hot runner system was one of several examples of trends and solutions companies discussed in MMT’s hot runner roundtable feature. Readers learned that hot runner suppliers are developing solutions that remove complexities from the way that moldmakers and molders design, control and maintain their processes.

This case study discussed how Midwest Mold Services dramatically reduced costs and lead times with investment in new multitasking CNC machine.

A 100-percent commitment to Common Sense Manufacturing (CSM) has helped Byrne Tool + Design reduce waste on multiple levels and drive improvements and growth.

Mold component suppliers continue to standardize products that speed mold building while also developing technology that addresses design, cooling, release and other challenges.

Workforce development is always a hot topic in moldmaking. This feature made our Top 10. In-House Training Fosters Future Moldmaking Industry Leaders: R&D/Leverage shares its workforce development strategies, which include structured, hands-on training and a little old-fashioned work ethic.