MMT Blog
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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A Lot of Data, but One Conclusion: There is More Work to Do
This week is heavier than usual in terms of important economic data releases.
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As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” is a phrase commonly used to describe the mutual benefit of relationships. The AMBA took that concept 65 men and women further November 13 with a Plant Tour Workshop at Ameritech Die and Mold in Mooresville, N.C.
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Attracting the Other Half
An advertisement that went viral a few weeks ago plays into the idea that efforts directed at girls in particular could go a long way toward attracting the next generation of manufacturing employees.
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