MMT Blog

Leadership 11 Dec 2012

Did You Say "Prototypes Out of Paper"?

No, this isn't a late post celebrating Halloween, but it will surprise you. It's actually highlighting a technology that may just help you get into 3D printing, if you have been searching for a method that is not cost-prohibitive. Last month I spent four days in Frankfurt, Germany walking the halls of Euromold--the world fair for moldmaking and tooling, design and application development--and one particular technology caught my eye: a low-cost, eco-friendly, 3D printer that builds durable physical models from common letter paper.

6 Dec 2012

We Must Become More Productive

In recent years, the overall productivity in the U.S. has increased faster than compensation levels have. This has resulted in large corporate profits. Under normal circumstances, a large portion of these profits would be re-invested in new equipment and new employees. This may yet happen as soon as Congress finds a solution to the problem of the “fiscal cliff.”

Supply Chain 5 Dec 2012

Disappointment as U.S. Treasury Dept Fails to Cite China as Currency Manipulator

I was disappointed to learn of this tough ruling on one of the most important issues our industry faces. Both the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) have expressed disappointment at the failure of the U.S. Treasury Department to cite China as an illegal currency manipulator.

Grinding 4 Dec 2012

Cylindrical Grinding in Moldmaking

Mold manufacturers who take the time to educate themselves on cylindrical grinding will reap the benefits of the advantages achieved with cylindrical grinding in their mold manufacturing operations—decreased costs, superior surface finishes and high flexibility.

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4 Dec 2012

MMT on the Invite List

Being far away from home last week attending Euromold in Frankfurt, Germany, I was reminded of my work at home when Sherry forwarded me an email inviting MoldMaking Technology magazine to cover the President's visit to a key moldmaker/molder in my hometown.

3 Dec 2012

(Almost) Meeting the POTUS!

Last Friday I was in the same room as President Barack Obama when he visited The Rodon Group. No matter your political affiliation, I hope we can all agree it was an honor to be in our Chief-of-Staff’s company as he continues to urge Congress to renew middle class tax cuts.

1 Dec 2012

Part 1-Finding, Training and Retaining Employees

Before beginning your search, sit with your management team and list the non-machining skills, accomplishments and attributes you know someone must have to be successful at your company.

1 Dec 2012

Controlled, Manageable Growth Leads to Record Sales

“Growth beyond this point will be measured by our customers’ needs and the needs of manufacturing in our area,” he explains. “We are about as large as we wish to get at the present time and still want to be able to support our customers with quality tools and great service that they have come to expect.”