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What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

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Five Axis
Maximizing Machine Tool Potential With CAM Software
Identifying specific areas where CAM software can utilize machine capabilities to benefit the user and maximize milling machine potential.

Design & Mfg. Software
Strategic Mold Cooling: Optimizing Molding Quality and Cycle Efficiency
Proper cooling is crucial in molding, yet often overlooked. Discover proper cooling methods to prevent defects and improve efficiency.

Basics
Understanding the Elusive Nature of Mold Ventilation
A personal journey of lessons learned about the challenges of poorly designed, understood and executed mold venting.

EDM
Precision Meets Innovation at IMTS 2024
After attending IMTS, it's clear that the integration of advanced technologies is ready to enhance precision, efficiency and automation in mold manufacturing processes. It’s a massive event, so here’s a glimpse of what the MMT team experienced firsthand.

Industry 40
5 Ways to Improve Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
Mold builders play an important role in creating smart, connected and transparent supply chains.

Data Management Software
VIDEO: Addressing Data Needs with Mold Component Solutions
The need for data to track information and the history of the mold-building process is ever-increasing, and mold component solutions can help.
Build See All

Hot Runners
Recent Innovations in Mold Components and Hot Runners
In this most recent product roundup, MMT continues to offer a variety of innovative as well as tried-and-true technologies to benefit moldmakers.

Molding Equipment
Why Shoulder Bolts Are Too Important to Ignore (Part 1)
These humble but essential fasteners used in injection molds are known by various names and used for a number of purposes.

3D Printing
Video: Mold Base for Product Development With 3D Printed Molds
Alba Enterprises created a mold base to match the needs and pacing of product iteration using mold tooling made via additive manufacturing.

Mold Components
Video: Mold Component Technology Solutions Boost Sustainability
Sustainable, productivity-boosting innovations for moldmakers, including stress relief, traceability and cooling solutions.

3D Printing
The Connector Conundrum: 3D Printed Mold Tooling’s Role in Innovation
ReelView Fishing faced an electronics obstacle in the development of its new technology for underwater video. Additive manufacturing for moldmaking enabled the speed necessary to iterate to a solution.

Five Axis
Maximizing Machine Tool Potential With CAM Software
Identifying specific areas where CAM software can utilize machine capabilities to benefit the user and maximize milling machine potential.
Maintain See All

Inspection & Measurement
How to Achieve Automated Measurement With Advanced Touch Probes and Laser Systems
A combination of lasers, probes and software help moldmakers automate in-process cutting tool and workpiece measurement.

Case Study
Laser Welder Yields Fast, Precise Mold Repair
Intralox's integration of the Alpha Laser ALFlak has significantly improved their tool room efficiency when it comes to difficult welds and urgent repairs.

Surface Treatment
Best Practices for Engraving Cores and Cavities
Consider depth, font style, artwork size, polarity and location when engraving.

3D Printing
Precision Meets Innovation at IMTS 2024
After attending IMTS, it's clear that the integration of advanced technologies is ready to enhance precision, efficiency and automation in mold manufacturing processes. It’s a massive event, so here’s a glimpse of what the MMT team experienced firsthand.

Inspection & Measurement
7 Measurement Innovations Transforming Moldmaking
Smart sensors and sophisticated process and measurement data management are driving intelligent moldmaking to new heights.

Data Management Software
5 Ways to Improve Supply Chain Visibility and Efficiency
Mold builders play an important role in creating smart, connected and transparent supply chains.
Manage See All

Business Strategy
Moldmaking Opportunities and Challenges Within the Current Economic Cycle
Report analyzes moldmaking trends, pricing, labor shortages, capital costs, competitiveness strategies and construction spending challenges.

Education
MMT Chats: Sustainable Workforce Growth with the ATR Framework
Join MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges as she discovers the benefits of eLearning, including promoting sustainability in moldmaking by reducing travel, minimizing waste and enhancing global workforce accessibility.

Leadership
VIDEO: Community, Technology and the Future of Moldmaking: Notes from IMTS
A discussion with AMT’s Bill Herman during ShopTalk on the big stage at IMTS 2024 highlights moldmaking's unique blend of craft and technology that is driving innovation while its community tackles key challenges.

Business Strategy
7 Things You Need to Know About Nearshore Opportunities
Essential tools and resources to support mold builders in making critical strategic decisions about doing business in Mexico.

Workforce Development
Applications Open for the 2025 SPE Mold Technologies Div. Grant and the Joseph Prischak Student Scholarship
The Society of Plastics Engineers’ Mold Technologies division is accepting applications for a $3,000 student scholarship honoring Joseph Prischak and a $5,000 educational grant program.

FAQ
The Critical Role of Management Representatives in ISO 9001
In ISO 9001 quality management systems, the Management Representative (MR) plays a crucial role. While the 2015 version of ISO 9001 no longer mandates this position, having a trusted management member serve as an MR remains vital for streamlining operations and maintaining quality standards.
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Webinars See All

On Demand
5 Areas to Improve in Progressive Die Manufacturing with Next Generation Automation and Innovation
Join this webinar where Hexagon will explore how state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology can drive your business forward. Learn how to optimize tool paths, enhance design accuracy and reduce lead times with advanced simulation. Discover the power of automation and real-time data for continuous improvement. Tailored for mold and die manufacturers, this session offers actionable insights to boost productivity and quality. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge in progressive die manufacturing. Agenda: Key challenges in progressive die manufacturing Optimizing tool paths Enhancing mold and die design accuracy Reducing lead times with simulation Automating processes for greater efficiency Leveraging real-time data for continuous improvement

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Mold Actions
Discover how to enhance your mold design process with CAD/CAM software specifically tailored for the moldmaking industry. In part two of this webinar series, Cimatron will demonstrate how to intelligently design mold components, such as slides and lifters, using powerful CAD/CAM tools to accelerate the design process. Additionally, it will cover how to avoid errors and ensure design accuracy for ejector pins by checking clearance distances, calculating cutoff heights correctly, and thoroughly documenting all ejector components. Agenda: Slides Lifters Inserts Ejection pins and charts

On Demand
Learn to Mold 1000+ Parts Using 3D-Printed Mold Inserts: Introducing Ultrasim3D NextMold
While the transition from traditional methods to this innovative approach may present initial challenges, the benefits far outweigh the learning curve. Through the NextMold and partner network, Forward AM provides comprehensive support at every stage of the integration process. This ensures a smooth adoption of the technology into company’s operations, including seamless collaboration with molding companies. Forward AM’s commitment is to facilitate this technological transformation, enabling your business to leverage the full potential of 3D-printed mold inserts. Agenda: Molding with 3D-printed inserts Ultrasim3D Next Mold: Forward AM offering Successful adaption: integration at Beaumont Technologies

On Demand
3D Printing Design Freedom: Blessing and Curse for Conformal Cooling
When used for conformal cooling in plastic injection, 3D printing opens a wide range of design freedom. This design freedom enables designers to develop highly-efficient thermal regulation networks. However, this blessing also comes at the expense of not only higher manufacturing cost but also higher design cost as the designer could spend weeks to develop optimal cooling channels. This webinar will explore strategies and tools — including SimForm, a front-end thermal simulation app — to help tool designers and tooling managers maximize the benefits of 3D printing while minimizing manufacturing and design costs. Agenda: 3D printing applied to the plastic injection industry 3D printing pros and cons Tools and methods to facilitate the integration of 3D printing

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Core/Cavity Design
Discover how to enhance your mold design process with the right CAD/CAM tool for parting and cavity design. This webinar will explore CAD/CAM capabilities including how hybrid solid/surface modeling can streamline workflow and improve accuracy. Learn how to confidently tackle parting, runoff, and shutoff, ensuring precision and efficiency in your designs. Agenda: Part analysis QuickSplit techniques Parting and runoff strategies Shutoff solutions

On Demand
Innovative Tools to Optimize Mold Performance
This webinar will provide an overview of new developments in hot runners, controllers, mold components, predesigned molds, process monitoring and mold maintenance equipment. These advancements are designed with the goals of lowering scrap rates, optimizing process temperatures and managing energy consumption. The solutions also aim to support productivity and may contribute to extending the operational lifespan of tooling equipment. Agenda: Innovative undercut and thread-forming components Predesign mold bases and plate control Melt delivery and control solutions Process monitoring and maintenance

On Demand
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Cooling Register Now
Videos See All

Mold Components
Video: Mold Base for Product Development With 3D Printed Molds
Alba Enterprises created a mold base to match the needs and pacing of product iteration using mold tooling made via additive manufacturing.

Mold Components
Video: Mold Component Technology Solutions Boost Sustainability
Sustainable, productivity-boosting innovations for moldmakers, including stress relief, traceability and cooling solutions.

Workforce Development
MMT Chats: Sustainable Workforce Growth with the ATR Framework
Join MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges as she discovers the benefits of eLearning, including promoting sustainability in moldmaking by reducing travel, minimizing waste and enhancing global workforce accessibility.

Business Strategy
VIDEO: Community, Technology and the Future of Moldmaking: Notes from IMTS
A discussion with AMT’s Bill Herman during ShopTalk on the big stage at IMTS 2024 highlights moldmaking's unique blend of craft and technology that is driving innovation while its community tackles key challenges.

ICYMI
In Case You Missed It: October Top Articles
Dive into the most popular articles from October based on what moldmakers are reading.

Sustainability
VIDEO: Sustainable Molding and Advanced Gating
Hot runner supplier emphasizes sustainability in bio-resin molding, custom side gating and valve gate technologies.
Events See All

18 Mar 2025
PTXPO 2025
PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.

2 Apr 2025
Parts Cleaning Workshop 2025
Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today. Discover all that the 2025 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!

7 May 2025
AMBA Conference 2025
Mark the calendar for AMBA Conference 2025, "Breakthrough Innovation," May 7-9, 2025, Grand Rapids, MI. During this industry event, attendees will meet with peers to discuss best practices in business, employee management, technology and more.

13 May 2025
Manufacturing Technology Series EAST 2025
The Manufacturing Technology Series East, featuring EASTEC in West Springfield, Massachusetts — is at the epicenter of a region that is a traditional manufacturing powerhouse. Historically, more than 700 companies have connected at this event to network, learn from industry experts and explore the latest manufacturing technologies.

20 May 2025
Extrusion Conference 2025
Extrusion's general sessions cover best practices, troubleshooting and processing solutions that can help you run your operation and maximize the utilization of your existing assets—as efficiently as possible. Extrusion professionals from the shop floor to the front office are represented at the Extrusion Conference. You’ll meet the entire global supply chain: manufacturing managers, supervisors, engineers and technicians, as well as engineers and technical managers at OEMs and other firms.

25 Jun 2025
Rapid + TCT 2025
On June 25-27, 2024, RAPID + TCT returned to the West Coast for the first time in nearly a decade! The three-day event featured the latest in 3D-printing technology from the industry’s leading product and service providers, a full schedule of speakers including a keynote series, and over 125 hours of educational content. The expansive show floor showcased over 400 exhibiting companies’ latest advancements. And next year? It will be even better! Start planning your trip to Detroit, MI to experience North America’s largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event in 2025!

5 Mar 2025 New & Upcoming
National Surface Finishing Day Register Now
Suppliers See All

Additive Manufacturing

Automation

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CAD/CAM and Other Software

Cutting Tools and Toolholders

EDM Equipment and Supplies

Hot Runner Systems and Supplies

Inspection & Measurement

Machining Centers and Machine Tools

Maintenance, Repair and Surface Treatment

Mold Components

Mold Materials

Moldmaking Equipment and Accessories

Molds/Tools/Dies

Services
Basics/101 See All

Basics
Understanding the Elusive Nature of Mold Ventilation
A personal journey of lessons learned about the challenges of poorly designed, understood and executed mold venting.

Basics
The Critical Role of Management Representatives in ISO 9001
In ISO 9001 quality management systems, the Management Representative (MR) plays a crucial role. While the 2015 version of ISO 9001 no longer mandates this position, having a trusted management member serve as an MR remains vital for streamlining operations and maintaining quality standards.

Basics
How to Optimize Mold Finishing
Circle segment technology requires fewer tool paths, improving surface quality and increasing cutting tool life.

Surface Treatment
How to Overcome Complex Mold Texturing Problems
Key benefits when considering laser technology for mold texturing and repair.

Basics
Understanding Diamond Compounds
Diamond compounds, with their varied grades, colors and base options, provide a comprehensive solution for mold builders in need of precise and superior polishing across diverse materials and applications.

FAQ
How to Clean and Maintain Molds With Intricate Conformal Cooling Channels
A water-based, eco-friendly plastic mold cleaning system helps Rankine-Hinman Manufacturing restore flow rates and avoid big-ticket failures on complex and costly molds.
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MMT Chats
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Michael Guckes

Michael Guckes Former Chief Economist & Director of Analytics

Business Strategy 30 Jan 2019

Industry Reports: Automotive, Medical and Aerospace

Chief Economist for Gardner Business Intelligence gives a rundown of status of the automotive, medical and aerospace markets.

Business Strategy 23 Jan 2019

Moldmaking, Molds and Tariffs

Gardner Business Intelligence addresses interest and concerns with the ongoing tariff changes.

Regulations 18 Jan 2019

Automotive Industry Continues Trajectory

If trade tensions escalate and interest rates increase throughout 2019, the automotive industry may find it harder than expected to expand.

Ecomonics 4 Jan 2019

Moldmaking Index Moves Higher On Surprise Rise in New Orders

November 2018 – 55.4

Business Strategy 24 Dec 2018

Moldmaking Index Remains in Lower Range

The Moldmaking Index was led higher by supplier deliveries, new orders, production and employment.

20 Dec 2018

Homeowners Drive the Appliance Market More than Home Buyers

The limited construction of new homes may tamp demand for appliances going into new homes, but these same conditions may entice current homeowners to upgrade their appliances and home furnishings.

17 Dec 2018

Homeowners Drive Appliance Market More than Homebuyers

The limited construction of new homes may tamp demand for appliances going into new homes, but these same conditions may entice current homeowners to upgrade their appliances and home furnishings.

Business Strategy 23 Nov 2018

Moldmaking Index Growth Continues to Seesaw

Production, supplier deliveries and new orders lifted the Moldmaking Index, at 54.4 for September 2018.

Business Strategy 20 Nov 2018

Medical Industry Strengthens Finances in Second Quarter

Data suggests growing capital spending by medical manufacturers through 2018.

Business Strategy 30 Oct 2018

Index Sees Another Month of Volatile, Slowing Growth

Registering 51.4 for August 2018, the Gardner Business Index (GBI): Moldmaking recorded another month of volatile but slowing growth since reaching an all-time high in February.

Business Strategy 8 Oct 2018

Moldmaking Index Sees Small Turnaround

Supplier deliveries, production and employment marginally boosted the Moldmaking Index, at 55.4 for July 2018.

Automotive 24 Sep 2018

Automotive Industry Beats Expectations

Through the first half of 2018, the automotive industry experienced a level of growth that exceeded the expectations of most experts.

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