Published 12/20/2018

Top 25 MoldMaking Technology Articles from 2018

The MoldMaking Technology team used analytics to look back at the most viewed articles published in MoldMaking Technology and online during the past 12 months.

Editorial

Christina Fuges

Editorial Director, MoldMaking Technology

Everyone talks about data. Well, we here at MoldMaking Technology discuss analytics a lot when it comes to content, especially because we are producing and sharing content in more places than ever. And, not only do we want to know if all that work is worth it and if our content is reaching you, we want to be able to look back and see what worked, what did not, what is hot and what is not to help us move forward with producing helpful, insightful quality content in 2019.

So, we did just that. We took a look back and here are the top 25 articles published in MoldMaking Technology during the past 12 months:

“Software Technology Is More Versatile, Efficient and Simplified.” Software suppliers are working diligently to provide moldmakers with relevant but easy-to-use solutions that speed processes and lower costs.
“Machine Hammer Peening Automates Mold Polishing.” A polishing automation solution eliminates handwork, accelerates milling operations and controls surface geometries.
“A Can-Do Focus and Family Values Keep Master Tool and Mold On its Game.” This Wisconsin moldmaker shows how a small operation can work “big” by having a team that’s multi-skilled and equipped with the right equipment and a can-do attitude.
“Performance and Price Drive Developments in Mold Materials.” Mold material suppliers are working to develop new, improved mold-material grades that will deliver on customers’ need for machinability, toughness, thermal conductivity and price.
“Democratizing 3D Printing of Injection Molds.” Full-service design and mold delivery, moldmaking materials, and a low-cost, high-precision printer minimize the technical risk of 3D-printed mold tryout.
“Why You Need a Tool Presetter.” Reduce machine idle time with fast, accurate, repeatable, offline cutting tool measurements.
“Milling and EDM Automation Reshape Summit Tooling’s Mold Operations.” Summit Tooling President Dan Martin credits the capability to run unattended machining 24/7 to the partnership that his company built with Makino.
“Canadian Moldmaker Looks to German Shop for Best Practices in Job Scheduling.” Taking a peek behind the scenes of a German mold shop inspired a Canada-based mold shop president and CEO to look at job scheduling a whole new way.
“Hot Runner Technologies Aim to Simplify Moldmakers’ Approaches.” Hot runner suppliers are developing solutions that remove complexities from the way that moldmakers and molders design, control and maintain their processes.
“Automation and AM Help W. Fassnacht Werkzeug- und Formenbau Win Germany’s 2017 Toolmaker of the Year Title.” Germany’s Toolmaker of the Year 2017 does things small but in a smart way when it comes to the design and manufacture of multi-component molds, in-mold-labeling and tools with integrated assembly functions.

Generally, what I take away from this data is that a well-rounded approach to MoldMaking Technology’s content is the way to go in 2019. If you have any topic suggestions or feedback to share, please feel free to connect with me at cfuges@gardnerweb.com. I always enjoy talking shop with you!

The Rest of the Top 25 Most-Viewed Articles

“Stand-Alone Additive Manufacturing Is a Thing of the Past.” Additive manufacturing (AM) is no longer considered a stand-alone technology but is increasingly being integrated into existing manufacturing processes.
“3D Robotic Deposition Advances Conformal Cooling.” A new conformal cooling technique has emerged, rooted in a multilayer, robotic deposition technology that is capable of manufacturing near-net shape objects.
“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.
“Hard Milling Gives Eden Tool a Competitive Advantage.” Hard milling proves to be a strategic advantage for a small mold shop that runs lean and serves the medical device market.
“2018: Long-Term Growth Opportunities Abound for Moldmakers.” Positive data helps mold builders prepare for upcoming industry changes and growth opportunities.
“No-Nonsense Tips for Promoting Moldmaking as a Career.” MoldMaking Technology editorial advisory board member Francine Petrucci of B A Die Mold Inc. outlines a path to workforce development.
“Unintended Consequences of Maximized Cooling.” Here are five reasons not to maximize coolant flow rates with cores that are cooled by bubbler tubes.
“Maintenance Matters: The Physical Side of Data Entry.” A mobile documentation station promotes on-the-fly data entry and usage for mold repair technicians, ingraining documentation into the daily maintenance process.
“Bottom Line: Personal Goodwill Indicates the Value of a Mold Shop for Sale.” Carefully evaluating corporate and personal assets uncovers opportunities for significant tax savings when selling a mold business.
“Intelligent Monitoring with MTConnect.” A major challenge to the wide adoption of the MTConnect standard on the shop floor is a lack of understanding about what is required to implement the standard. The most common issues are a mismatch between the adapter and the machine, a missing agent, a wrong error-log setting, firewall interference, duplicate port configuration, inconsistent file names and incorrect adapter IP addresses.
“A CAD-for-CAM Toolbox Helps Moldmakers Design Better Molds.” An important CAD function that a CAM package should offer moldmakers is a set of specialized CAD-for-CAM tools that focus on the machinist’s needs after the machinist opens the part file.
“The Bottom Line: The Impact of Tax Reform on Moldmaking.” The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 should decrease a moldmaker’s overall tax liabilities.
“Past LLA Winners Celebrate 15 Years of Moldmaking Excellence.” Winning MoldMaking Technology’s Leadtime Leader Award helped these shops realize their strengths and recognize their weaknesses.
“Preparing for Mergers and Acquisitions: Interest Areas.” Understanding the most intense mergers and acquisitions interest areas and the differences between processor and moldmaker, mergers and acquisitions will better prepare mold builders for the process.
“One Mold Builder Becomes Three Through Strategic Acquisitions.” A small mold builder acquires a larger mold builder with equipment capabilities to handle larger molds.