MMT Blog

Analysis 23 Sep 2014

A 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.

22 Sep 2014

Streamlining Setups at Seescan

In addition to new equipment, this captive shop’s transformation involved implementing strategies to make the most of existing resources.

19 Sep 2014

Helping 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.

18 Sep 2014

Moldmaker 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.

Education 17 Sep 2014

Moldmakers 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.

3D Printing 16 Sep 2014

Digital 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.

15 Sep 2014

Beyond 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).

Basics 15 Sep 2014

Making Chips at IMTS

Philip Paull, of Noblesville, Indiana, owner of Excavating Solutions, won the Hurco Chipmaker Challenge Championship at IMTS in Chicago last week. The prize package Paull won includes a brand new Hurco CNC mill worth more than $100,000, a tooling package from Sandvik Coromant and $10,000 of Hurco bucks that can be used for training or machine options.

Automation 15 Sep 2014

MMT 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.

Five Axis 12 Sep 2014

A View from the Top Reveals Craftsmanship from the Ground Up

From atop the YCM Americas Inc. double-deck booth visitors can sit and enjoy a beverage and snack while taking in the 14 machines on display this year that showcase the latest vertical, horizontal and five-axis machining technology as well as the company’s unique strengths in manufacturing machines from the ground up.

Automation 11 Sep 2014

IMTS: Automate Your Way out of the Skilled Labor Shortage

GF Machining Solutions is on a mission this IMTS to help industry overcome the skilled labor shortage and stay competitive at the same time. Their solution is automation.