MMT Blog
Review of the R&D Tax Credit Extension
The U.S. Congress passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) on October 3, 2008. As part of the EESA, the R&D Tax Credit (Research Credit) was extended through 2009. This means it will apply to tax years 2008 and 2009. This Credit drives billions of dollars in economic activity and keeps thousands of high-skilled jobs here in the U.S. The Credit expired at the end of 2007 and failed several times previously to be passed as parts of other bills in Congress. Mold manufacturers currently taking the credit will now be able to continue through 2009 and for others that have not, it will now be easier.
Read MoreWhere Does It End?
As I write this column, I am in Geneva, Switzerland, working at MFG.com’s European headquarters. I’ve just heard that the U.S. Congress has approved a $700-billion financial bailout plan to rescue our bleeding financial, mortgage and credit institutions. I have some strong feelings that I’d like to share about the U.S. financial crisis and where it’s going. I am a capitalist. I am a machinist. I am a business owner. I am an American. And I’m mad.
Read MoreMold Industry Continues to Slip
46.7 Total Mold Business Index for September 2008 The total Mold Business Index is a weighted average of the sub-indices for new orders, production, employees, backlog, exports and supplier deliveries.
Read MorePrinting Vacuum Forming Tooling with FDM
Combining the advantages of 3-D CAD and FDM technology, vacuum forming can be completed quickly, efficiently and cost effectively
Read MorePlate Positioning Perfected
Consider a positive precision plate device to overcome the risks and uncertainties inherent with springs and spring limiters.
Read MoreTime to Engage
This AMBA event brought together the highest number of mold manufacturing participants the group has seen.
Read MoreNanotechnology Benefits to the Mold
Nano-formulated mold coatings can address the part fill and release challenges that come with highly complicated design requirements, expedited manufacturing expectations and high raw material prices for molds and resins.
Read MorePart Two of a Two-Part Series EDM’s Effect on Surface Integrity
To improve the potential for success in quality mold production, moldmakers need to understand some specific characteristics of the electrode material as well as certain facets of the EDM process that affect surface finish and integrity.
Read MoreAutomation Innovations
The use of automation continues to rise as mold manufacturers respond to industry demand of constantly shrinking leadtimes. Manufacturers and suppliers have taken action with better, faster equipment and processes.
Read MoreIs It Still Time to Reach for a Die Profiler?
Pointers for bringing a polished surface to a high mirror finish. You have finished machining your mold core and cavity and removed them from your CNC machine. The mold components are machined in tough H-13 steel and contain several deep grooves and slots that must be properly polished to allow the molded part to eject. What is the best method for bringing the polished surface to a high mirror finish?
Read MoreSpecialization and Automation Give Matrix an Edge on Competitors
Mold shop’s focus on high-tech capabilities and full-service operation earns it a niche in precision tools.
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