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What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

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Design & Mfg. Software
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.

VMC
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.

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

Mold Components
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.

Mold Components
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.

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.

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.

Design & Mfg. Software
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.

Maintenance & Repair
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.

Machining
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.

Business Strategy
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.

Tips
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.

Business Strategy
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.

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.
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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

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.

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.

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

5 Mar 2025
National Surface Finishing Day
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD

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.

25 Aug 2025
National Composites Week 2025
The goal of National Composites Week is to celebrate and bring attention to the myriad ways that composite materials and composites manufacturing contributes to the products and structures that shape the American manufacturing landscape today. Learn how you can participate in this year's National Composites Week on NationalCompositesWeek.com.
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Basics/101 See All

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

Regulations
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.

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

Tips
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.

Case Study
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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Proto Labs, Inc.

Proto Labs, Inc.

AS SEEN ON MMT

5540 Pioneer Creek Dr.
Maple Plain, MN 55359 US
877-479-3680 | 763-479-3680
customerservice@protolabs.com
protolabs.com

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As Seen On MoldMaking Technology

Technology and Sourcing Guide 2023: Additive Manufacturing

Protolabs Launches Productuion Capabilities for Metal 3D Printing

Protolabs Celebrates 20 Years with Grand Opening of New Facility

3D Printing Aids Both Short- and Long-Term Production Needs

2018 Technology Review and Sourcing Guide: Additive Manufacturing

AMC 2018 Sessions Highlight Innovation in AM Technologies

Protolabs Wins Operational Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Protolabs Expands Capacity with New Building and More Machines

Defining Rapid Manufacturing

Demo Mold Teaching and Marketing Tool

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