Matt Danford Former Senior Editor
Powering Your Connections
The official slogan of the recent AMBA conference couldn’t be more on point. As with so much else in life, good business depends on good relationships.
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2014 Leadtime Leader Awards Winner: Westminster Tool Inc.—Bridging the Gap without Losing Focus
A strong sense of self and a focus on people enabled this mold manufacturer to rapidly expand pre- and post-manufacturing services without getting overwhelmed by its own growth.
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2014 Leadtime Leader Awards Honorable Mention: Aalbers Tool & Mold Inc
A rush of recent change for this moldmaker belies a long-term growth strategy that’s anything but aggressive. Key aspects of this cautious approach include strategic expansion, continuous improvement, extensive data tracking, and investments in workforce development and environmental sustainability.
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The Intersection of Laser Sintering and EDM
For this moldmaker, wire EDM helps streamline production of inserts that are “grown” with cooling lines already inside.
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High-Speed Cutting Without a High-Speed Machine
During a recent “Breakfast and Learn” event, Big Kaiser offered an in-depth presentation on spindle speeders, which enable manufacturers to run high rpms and small tools on machines that otherwise wouldn’t be capable of doing so.
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On-Machine Texturing and Polishing
Laser technology highlighted at DMG MORI’s recent “Innovation Days” event enables users to texture molds still fixtured on the machining center. Plans are currently in the works to similarly automate polishing.
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AMBA Moving Ahead With Industry-Specific Certification Program
The American Mold Builders Association aims to create a set of measurable knowledge and skills standards geared specifically toward moldmaking operations.
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“It’s Just as Hard as Any Engineering School”
That’s how one organizer describes what it takes for young people to join a new apprenticeship program that aims to attract only the best and brightest—and provides companies an opportunity to really get to know prospective apprentices before hiring them.
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Leveraging Integrated Toolmaking, Molding Capabilities
Machining plastic parts after they come out of the press helps attract new business for both the toolmaking and molding divisions of this integrated company.
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An Age-Old Solution to the Skills Shortage
One group of North Carolina manufacturers has been reaping the rewards of European-style apprenticeships for nearly 20 years. Now, another group is hoping to replicate their success.
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Large Taper, Tiny Tool
An auxiliary electric spindle enables this shop to perform intricate cuts with machines designed for heavy hogging.
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The Processes Drive the People
That's what happens when a shop transitions from mold making to mold manufacturing.
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