MMT Blog
Another Option for Moldmaking Automation
While attending Euromold in Germany early this month with a MoldMaking Technology editorial advisory board member by my side, we visited a company showing a machine ideal for some moldmaking automation.
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Manufacturing Skills Day
If you are in the area, why not check out Union County College in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as they host a “Manufacturing Skills Day” for all manufacturing skill stakeholders in the area. They will be highlighting their partnership with Scientific Management Techniques, a leader in manufacturing skills training and manufacturing skills assessments.
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Global Tooling Trends
For an outlook on the global tooling market, check out the International Special Tooling & Machining Association's 2013 Statistical Year Book, which includes a look at Canada, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK and USA.
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How Do You Prefer to Finance Equipment?
If a new survey is any indication, increasing numbers of shops prefer leases and other non-bank options over traditional loans.
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Smart Machining
Among the highlights of Okuma’s recent Technology Showcase event were productivity-enhancing “apps” for the company’s open-architecture CNC; a tool monitoring and adaptive control system; and an auto-tuning system that eases error compensation on five-axis machine tools.
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Freedom in Injection Blow Mold Design
R&D/Leverage® introduces a paradigm shifting concept in injection blow mold design. They have a six-cavity tool running three different bottles, three different preform designs, at different weights, lengths and neck finish sizes. See the video here.
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The New Rules of Innovation
"Focus on agility and innovation because quality is expected." That was the message of Carl Bass, president and CEO of Autodesk, in his address at an indusry event last month. He defined innovation as "making products that differentiate you from your competition" and explained that agility is "how quicky you can bring a product to market." Both are quite apropos for today's mold manufacturer.
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Reconsidering Copper Electrodes
Although most U.S. moldmakers machine EDM electrodes from graphite, one shop reports that copper creates less of a mess, reduces flaws resulting from DC arcing, and imparts a better surface finish.
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The Budget Deal: It was the Least They Could Do
Congressional budget negotiators reached a deal on Tuesday that will prevent a government shutdown in the first quarter of 2014. For now, moldmakers and most other manufacturers should look forward to improving economic fundamentals in 2014 and 2015. After that, we are going to get another chance to face up to our huge federal budget deficit and the mounting national debt.
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Euromold Evolves, but Maintains Focus
Additive technology was a big draw at this year’s Euromold show, but traditional players have plenty to showcase as well.
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MoldMaking Technology's December Digital Ed is Available
MMT's December issue--digital edition available--features technical articles on selecting the right material for specific mold components to help prevent a number of costly issues; specialized temperature control for manifolds and nozzles; and, a look at crib notes on press operation for mold repair personnel.
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Global Economy, Global Forecast
Two new IMTSTV IN BRIEF programs are available at IMTS.com. One provides some insight on the next downturn in the economy, exchange rates impacting global supply chains, and what it takes to create a global economic forecast.
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