MMT Blog
Banking on Five-Axis Capability
Thanks to features that facilitate lights-out operation and an unusual, trunnion-type configuration, this shop expects its first five-axis machining center to keep it competitive for years to come.
Read MoreHot Energy Savings
Although energy is a word thrown around a lot these days, taking charge of energy management is serious business when it comes to your molds. It can help you reduce your molds energy requirements and increase savings. Moldmakers need to consider the overall package of each mold program to uncover when its possible to optimize your savings.
Read MoreFacing Reality
MMT columnist Ryan Pohl has discussed everything from finding potentially good employees to practical training methods to educational philosophies, which all lead to the question: Have you started yet?
Read MoreMade in the U.S.A.
This OEM recently achieved the growth necessary to revamp its captive moldmaking and molding operation—and to bring nearly $1 million worth of tooling back from overseas.
Read MoreA Stronger Moldmaking Market
According to the 2014 Metalworking and Plastic Capital Spending Surveys by Gardner Research, facilities that subscribe to MoldMaking Technology will spend $2.5 billion on metalworking equipment, tooling and workholding, primary processing equipment, auxiliary equipment, molds,software and testing equipment.
Read MoreStreamlining Setups at Seescan
In addition to new equipment, this captive shop’s transformation involved implementing strategies to make the most of existing resources.
Read MoreHelping to Mold Careers
Through its education committee, the Chicago Chapter of the AMBA stepped up last week to introduce parents, teachers and students to the rewarding career of mold manufacturing with a booth at the Smartforce Student Summit during IMTS. This event welcomed more than 14,000 students.
Read MoreMoldmaker Making Machines
Grand Rapids-based Paragon D&E has collaborated with Fidia and Delcam to bring to market the Fidia GTFM, a large bridge-style five axis milling machine.
Read MoreMoldmakers as Consultants
Is there any better source for learning new tricks than fellow moldmakers? For that matter, is anyone better suited to critique your own operation and help identify inefficiencies? Open dialogue fostered by the AMBA’s periodic plant tours benefits members in both ways.
Read MoreDigital Edition of September's AM Supplement Now Available
This month's issue includes two features. One on repairing damaged mold inserts using direct metal laser sintering and the other on a tool and die and CNC machining job shop with an unusual employee development philosophy that employs additive manufacturing.
Read MoreBeyond the Bottom Line
Would you ever consider a company garden? This employer believes a positive work environment pays dividends in the form of a happy, motivated and productive workforce (includes video).
Read MoreMMT at IMTS 2014
Last week at IMTS moldmakers were looking for technology to optimize their processes and to help them get a part off the machine with a bench-free finish. They want to save time and money without sacrificing quality. Two main areas of interest for moldmakers this year are the two As: automation and additive manufacturing.
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