What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing

- Engineer
- Build
- Maintain
- Manage
- All Topics
Engineer See All

Design & Mfg. Software
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.

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.

Case Study
Integrated CAD/CAM Streamlines Electrode Manufacture, Improves Quality
A focus on electrode design and automation helps toolroom improve efficiency, reduce tooling costs and deliver higher quality products.

Maintenance & Repair
VIDEO: Enhancing Data-Driven Decisions with Cloud-Based Mold Monitoring
Steps to improve data-driven decision-making and key features of a cloud-based system for mold monitoring and asset management.

Editorial Board Insight
Navigating the Future of Mold Design and Manufacturing
What follows is a Q&A with Justin Jagels, an MMT EAB member and owner/president of J Squared Design Services LLC.
Build See All

Mold Materials
VIDEO: Innovative Materials Boost Mold Efficiency
Advancements in metal 3D printing and stainless steel optimize mold building for diverse, high-demand industries.

Automation
MMT Chats: Cavalier Tool & Mfg. Talks VR in Mold Design
Join MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges as she gets the latest news on this mold builder's use of VR for mold design education.

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.

Additive Manufacturing
VIDEO: AM Powder Addresses Current Inefficiencies, Sustainability and Skills Gap
Steel supplier discusses high thermal conductivity metal powders that also address the skills gaps via user-friendly materials and promote sustainability via durability and higher cycle counts.

Mold Components
Preloading Slides for Optimal Mechanical Performance
Engineers use properly preloaded bolts, blocks, springs and side-action cores to enhance functionality and reliability in various mechanical systems.

Mold Materials
Overcoming Barriers to Automation Integration in Precision Moldmaking
It’s easy to imagine the advantages automation offers the moldmaking process, but it's challenging to change one’s mindset, develop a plan and invest.
Maintain See All

Workholding
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.

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.

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

Maintenance & Repair
VIDEO: Enhancing Data-Driven Decisions with Cloud-Based Mold Monitoring
Steps to improve data-driven decision-making and key features of a cloud-based system for mold monitoring and asset management.

Surface Treatment
Technology Review and Sourcing Guide 2024: Mold Maintenance, Repair and Surface Treatment
Utilizing helpful products and services for mold maintenance, repair and surface treatment (MRST) can save moldmakers time and money. Access more information about MRST in this exclusive, online-only content, including a suppliers list, products, services and more.
Manage See All

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.

Business Strategy
How to Empower Your Team with Leadership and Mentoring
What follows is a Q&A with James Jergens, an MMT EAB member and Owner of Ascend Innovative Mold.

Marketing
MMT Chats: Mold Builder Shares “Raw and Real” Social Media Strategy
MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges sits down with Murphy Forsyth, GM – Injection Molding and Director Of Marketing for Zero Tolerance LLC in Clinton Township, MI.

Business Strategy
How to Scale Your Moldmaking Business
Identify pain points, tackle each one strategically and maintain flexibility to keep your moldmaking business on a path to growth.

Education
An Academic Analysis of Moldmaking’s Workforce Challenges
Understanding and facing the moldmaking industry’s obstacles to growth requires a strategy focused on increased profitability.

Basics
Mold Design Review: The Complete Checklist
Gerardo (Jerry) Miranda III, former global tooling manager for Oakley sunglasses, reshares his complete mold design checklist, an essential part of the product time and cost-to-market process.
All Topics See All

30 under 30

3D Printing

Additive Manufacturing

Aluminum

amerimold

Analysis

Associations

Automation

Automotive

Auxiliary Equipment

Basics

Build

Business Strategy

Case Study

Conformal Cooling

Consumer

Cutting Tools

Data Management Software

Design & Mfg. Software

Digital Demos

Drills

Ecomonics

Editorial

Editorial Board Insight

EDM

Education

electronics

Engineer

FAQ

Five Axis

Grinding

High Speed Machining

HMC

Hot Runners

ICYMI

IMTS

Industry 40

Inspection & Measurement

jobposting

Leadership

Leadtime Leader

Machining

Maintain

Maintenance & Repair

Manage

Marketing

Medical

MMT25

Mold Components

Mold Materials

Molding Equipment

Moldmaking Conference

NPE

Packaging

Profile

PTXPO

Rapid Tooling

Regulations

Safety

Sales

Supply Chain

Surface Treatment

Sustainability

Tips

Tool Steel

Top Shops

Turning

VMC

Workforce Development

Workholding
- Webinars
- Videos
- Events
- Suppliers
- Basics/101
Webinars See All

30 Oct 2024
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

7 Nov 2024
5 Areas to Improve in Progressive Die Manufacturing with CAD/CAM 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

20 Nov 2024
Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Cooling
Discover how CAD/CAM functionality tailored for the mold industry can significantly enhance the mold design process. In part three of the webinar series, Cimatron will focus on designing waterlines and cooling components. It will demonstrate how CAD/CAM tools can verify drill line depths for water lines and baffles, ensure that minimum steel requirements are met while placing water lines, and provide a complete list of all baffle cutoff lengths. Additionally, it will explore how to confidently design runners and gates using CAD functionality specifically developed for these aspects of mold design. Agenda: Waterlines and verification Conformal cooling Baffles and charts Runners and gates

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

15 Oct 2024 New & Upcoming
Learn to Mold 1000+ Parts Using 3D-Printed Mold Inserts: Introducing Ultrasim3D NextMold Register Now
Videos See All

Workforce Development
VIDEO: Inspiring Future Makers: How Moldmaking Careers Make a Difference
Released earlier, this video remains a valuable recruitment tool and is being re-promoted in celebration of Manufacturing Day 2024.

Mold Materials
VIDEO: Innovative Materials Boost Mold Efficiency
Advancements in metal 3D printing and stainless steel optimize mold building for diverse, high-demand industries.

In Case You Missed It: Top September Articles
Explore the standout articles of September, featuring innovations, expert insights, and strategies to boost efficiency and quality for your moldmaking needs.

Automation
MMT Chats: Cavalier Tool & Mfg. Talks VR in Mold Design
Join MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges as she gets the latest news on this mold builder's use of VR for mold design education.

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.

Mold Materials
VIDEO: AM Powder Addresses Current Inefficiencies, Sustainability and Skills Gap
Steel supplier discusses high thermal conductivity metal powders that also address the skills gaps via user-friendly materials and promote sustainability via durability and higher cycle counts.
Events See All

8 Apr 2025
Formnext Chicago 2025
Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).
Suppliers See All

Additive Manufacturing

Automation

Business Development & Strategies

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

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.

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

Surface Treatment
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.

Surface Treatment
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.

Basics
How to Customize an Interoperable Software Solution for Your Moldmaking Process
A connected software solution streamlines the moldmaking process by providing a unified source of design data, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors, with five key steps benefiting from this integration.
Magazine
MMT Chats
Leadtime Leaders
EAB
Subscribe