Tuesday, December 11, 2018
All News
Automotive and Packaging
September 26, 2017
Automotive spending surges, and rapidly growing food/beverage spending also means more packaging. Article Post: 5/1/2017 Steven Kline, Jr. Chief Data Officer, Gardner Business Media Automotive Spending Surges 3 of Last 4 Months The real 10-year treasury rate was 0.92 percent in February, which was a slight decline from the month before and the
Walmart June 28 Open Call for U.S. Products
September 26, 2017
Walmart wants to meet its commitment to purchase an additional $250 billion in U.S.-made products through 2023. Here is an opportunity for companies to apply and qualify to be suppliers, says the Reshoring Initiative. How to: ·   Apply: Companies can apply at www.walmart-jump.com. ·   Pick the
Medical and Consumer Goods
September 26, 2017
Slower Growth Ahead for Medical Production The medical industry is in a sort of holding pattern as it waits to see if the Affordable Care Act will stay on the books as is, be modified, or be scrapped and replaced. At the time of this writing, I’m not sure anyone knows what will happen. After two years of a nearly straight-line increase,
End Market Reports: Automotive & Consumer Products
September 26, 2017
Automotive Shipment Values Falling Despite Strong New Orders The annual rate of total vehicle sales nearly doubled between February 2009 and May 2015, increasing from 9.2 to 18.1 million units. This is an impressive feat for a pillar of the U.S. economy. The industry’s second notable feat was sustaining that hefty sales level for nearly two
Industrial Equipment & Machinery and Medical Findings
September 26, 2017
U.S. manufacturing competitiveness increases. Without AHCA and tax reform, small medical manufacturing companies lose opportunities for profitability. Article Post: 8/1/2017 Michael Guckes Senior Economist, Gardner Intelligence Shipments of Industrial Machinery Compared to Its Real Value from 2008-2017. Graph highlights industrial production and
U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Continue to Gain Strength, Says AMT
September 26, 2017
The U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report for May 2017 showed gains for the month and year over year, according to AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. May orders were up 3.1 percent over April, and 21.8 percent over May 2016. Automotive customers made some significant orders in the month, and continued investment from
Shop Acquires Material Characterization Testing Business
September 26, 2017
Beaumont Technologies has recently acquired the Autodesk MoldFlow material characterization business that services North America and Europe. According to the company, the material characterization services are comprised of the full range of tests required for the successful performance of Autodesk’s simulation programs. These tests include
AIM Launches New Molding Certificate Program
September 26, 2017
The American Injection Molding (AIM) Institute has launched a brand new Injection Molding Certificate Program. This program was developed recognizing that molders should be able to apply diverse techniques to establish an optimized process and creativity to efficiently solve complex molding problems. “This program was designed to not only
SLIDESHOW: Amerimold Technology Showcase
September 26, 2017
We’re in the home stretch! Amerimold 2017 opens this week, and promises to be exciting, motivating and, of course, loaded with opportunities to learn, make connections and have fun with mold-industry colleagues. We’re in the home stretch! Amerimold 2017 opens this week, and promises to be exciting, motivating and, of course, loaded with
First Article Inspection Reports Analyze Simulation Models
September 26, 2017
Cimquest, now a certified reseller of Moldex3D software, will debut its Projected Fair first article inspection reports, which are compiled using the company’s Spec Check software to analyze Moldex3D simulation models. New Product Post: 5/22/2017 Cimquest, now a certified reseller of Moldex3D software, will debut its Projected Fair first
2017 Annual Moldflow Summit
September 26, 2017
  Plastics are used in a wide array of industries and applications. The annual Moldflow summit brings together a wide range of professionals to enhance collaboration and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, including mold engineers, plastics professionals and engineeering leadership. Investigate and discuss different approaches to
Simulation Software Reduces Debugging, Improves Cycle Times
September 26, 2017
Spring Technologies will demonstrate its NCSIMUL Solutions simulation software, highlighting the NCSIMUL Machine and NCSIMUL 4CAM modules. The 2017 version of the software is designed to provide ease of use, flexibility and automation for manufacturers to move towards Industry 4.0. New features include new probing strategies, support for turning
Technology Showcase: Machining, AM and Software
September 26, 2017
With Amerimold in our rear-view mirror for the time being, there are still several new products that have been released, or will be soon, to bring to MMT readers’ attention. With Amerimold in our rear-view mirror for the time being, there are still several new products that have been released, or will be soon, to bring to MMT readers’
Additive Manufacturing Simulation Offers Virtual Experimentation
September 26, 2017
CGTech says that Vericut 8.1, which will be available early in the fall, adds the ability to identify potential problems that can occur when integrating additive methods.New Product Post: 7/7/2017 Edited by Karen Cornelissen Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media
Meusburger and PSG China Merger Is Now Official
September 26, 2017
A new chapter of the cooperation of Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co KG and PSG Plastic Service Group, Inc. (China) began on September 1, 2017, when the companies’ collaboration, Meusburger Mould and Die (Wuxi) Co. Ltd, became official. Wuxi is located on Lake Taihu and on the shore of the Yangtze river. The metropolis has six million
Technology Showcase: On Display at EMO 2017
September 26, 2017
EMO is a large, international metalworking tradeshow with thousands of exhibitors. Check out the slideshow to see what will be on display!Blog Post: 9/12/2017 Karen Cornelissen Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media Event: EMO Hannover 2017 Date: September 18–23, 2017 Time: 9 a.m.–6p.m. Location: Fair Grounds, Hannover,
Technology Tuesday: Equipment of the Leadtime Leaders
September 26, 2017
Cruise through this slideshow to see what technology Leadtime Leaders use to make significant contributions to their fields. Blog Post: 9/26/2017 Karen Cornelissen Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media MoldMaking Technology is looking for the 2018 Leadtime Leader award winner. You may have seen videos or tweets announcing our
Automotive Tooling Industry Event Covers Key Topics and the Future
September 26, 2017
This year’s annual OESA and Harbour Results, Inc. Automotive Tooling Update calls experts together to discuss key trends in automotive tooling industry. This year’s annual OESA and Harbour Results, Inc. Automotive Tooling Update will be at the Dearborn Inn in Dearborn, Michigan. The event takes place on November 2, 2017 from 9
Krauss-Maffei to Host Open House with Seminar on Melt Delivery Systems
September 26, 2017
John Bozzelli and Rich Oles will host a seminar that combines segments of presentations they have each given separately on plastic injection molding. For the first time, John Bozzelli and Rich Oles will co-present a 30-minute seminar titled “Melt Delivery Systems Required for Scientific Molding” at the Krauss-Maffei Corporation Open
Are Your Apprentices Registered with the DOL?
September 26, 2017
A U.S. Department of Labor presentation about registered apprenticeships spurred discussion among Chicago AMBA members about the need for more effective ways to boost representation in order to boost interest in moldmaking as a career. If you don’t register your apprentices, why not? There has been discussion about this among members of
SLIDESHOW: Technology Showcase, Amerimold Product Showcase
September 26, 2017
This is our industry’s show, and this week we bring you yet more previews of what you can expect to find as you walk the aisles of the biggest Amerimold Expo yet. The list of exhibitors that will display their wares at Amerimold just keeps growing. Attendees will be in for a great show, with a pre-event workshop, machining demos, informative
Engraving, Texturing Services Offered
September 26, 2017
Wisconsin Engraving provides a variety of simple and complex mold engraving and texturing services. Applications include engraving, texturing, sinker EDM, CNC machining and polishing. New Product Post: 5/12/2017
Open House Set for Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales
September 26, 2017
Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales, a full-service mold polishing, repair and maintenance company, is hosting an open house on June 13th, from 9am - 6pm, at its headquarters, which is located at 265 Industrial Drive, Wauconda, Illinois. Tony Demakis, marketing manager says, "Why not get the most out of your time while visiting
Stoner Molding Solutions Celebrates 75th Anniversary
September 26, 2017
Success of leading mold release manufacturer rooted in service to customers, company says. Stoner Molding Solutions, a manufacturer of mold release agents, celebrates 75 years of business. For the past 75 years, dedication to service has led the business, a reflection of the company’s humble beginnings and one man’s passion for serving
International Perspective: The Electrochemical Mold Polishing Advantage
September 26, 2017
Most of Portugal’s 500-plus moldmakers are located either in Marinha Grande or Oliveira de Azemeis, both of which you can visit in a quick, two-hour trip from Lisbon. Projects, Molds and Manufacture Lda. (PMM) Moldes, located in Maceira in Marinha Grande, is one such shop. Founded in 1987, the company specializes in mold development and
SLIDESHOW: Technology Showcase, Amerimold Exhibitor Products
September 26, 2017
Amerimold 2017 kicks off in a few weeks, so I wanted to continue bringing you the technology on display to whet your appetites, as well as some details on our new showfloor demonstrations. Amerimold connects buyers and sellers of products and services used for designing, building, maintaining, processing and managaing molds, so here
Laser Services Range from Engraving to Polishing to Repair
September 26, 2017
High Tech Laser & Polishing offers laser engraving, texturing and etching on metal, graphite and plastic materials. The lasers are capable of, engraving to depths ranging from 0.0002" to 0.100" or deeper, on a sidewall or contoured surface, as well as in a deep pocket or slot or other hard-to-reach areas. Polishing capabilities range from
Welding Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell Material
September 26, 2017
Key tips help ensure safe shop welding practices when using pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material.Article Post: 9/1/2017 Contributed by Paul W. Britton Images courtesy of PCS Company. Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material is an alternative option to a pre-hardened P20 mold steel. It offers uniform hardness distribution through its center but requires
Carbide Application Equipment Coats Large Parts Quickly
September 26, 2017
EMO 2017: Rocklin Manufacturing Co. will exhibit its Rocklinizer carbide application equipment, which deposits titanium carbide, tungsten carbide and Rockhard electrode onto metals, tools and dies. New Product Post: 8/8/2017 Edited by Julia Hider Assistant Editor, Modern Machine Shop
Pre-Hardened Mold Steel Offers Faster Machining
September 26, 2017
PCS Co. is the exclusive supplier of mold bases and mold plate made from International Mold Steel’s NAK 55 material. The mold steel is pre-hardened to 40 HRC and is available in sizes ranging from 8" × 8" to 24" × 35" in a variety of thicknesses. According to the company, the material offers benefits over high-hardness P20 steel,
OR Laser, Heraeus to Collaborate on Metal Materials Development for AM
September 26, 2017
OR Laser has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Heraeus for developing powdered metal materials for additive manufacturing applications using the Orlas Creator Platform. Headquartered in Hanau, Germany, Heraeus is an international, family-owned technology company with specific expertise in materials development. The company has built a
Variety of Aluminum Products Offered
September 26, 2017
[unable to retrieve full-text content]Clinton Aluminum offers a variety of aluminum products, including 7000, 6000, 5000 and 2000 series alloys.
Stainless Steel Grade Features Mirror Finish
September 26, 2017
International Mold Steel offers its newest stainless steel grade, S-Star 420 ESR, which features a mirror-finish surface, high corrosion resistance and hardness ranging to 53 HRC. New Product Post: 5/21/2017 International Mold Steel offers its newest stainless steel grade, S-Star 420 ESR, which features a mirror-finish surface, high corrosion
Welding Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell Material
September 26, 2017
Key tips help ensure safe shop welding practices when using pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material.Article Post: 9/1/2017 Contributed by Paul W. Britton Images courtesy of PCS Company. Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material is an alternative option to a pre-hardened P20 mold steel. It offers uniform hardness distribution through its center but requires
Throwback Thursday: Selection Process for Stainless Mold Steels
September 26, 2017
Successful production of plastic components associated with the extrusion, injection and compression molding greatly depends on the mold material selection. Successful production of plastic components depends on mold material selection: final plastic part requirements, cosmetic requirements, resin type, filler content, expected tool life,
Steelmaker Machines Stock to Near-Net Shape
September 26, 2017
Scana Steel can perform and outsource sawing, cutting, gundrilling and milling of tool/die steel bars or blocks, with an objective of delivering products as close to near-net shape as possible. The company stocks a variety of tool/die steel grades in different sizes and can produce grades such as P20, O2, O6, S5, S7, W2, 420, H10, H11 and H13 in
Laser Welder Can Complete Mold Repairs Within Variety of Equipment
September 26, 2017
The Alpha Laser ALFlak Max laser welder from Phoenix Laser Solutions builds on the ALFlak body but adds a 9-ft. arm range and the ability to be driven into a spotting press, molding machine or a milling machine to complete repairs with the least amount of downtime possible. New Product Post: 6/14/2017
Maintenance Matters: Cultivating Craftsmanship
September 26, 2017
Maintenance training becomes increasingly necessary each time a boomer clocks out for good. Decades of repair experience and mold knowledge are gone in the flash of a retirement party, severely compromising ongoing mold maintenance. This is mainly because many companies do not document critical procedures accurately. On top of that, younger
Throwback Thursday: Codes of Conduct
September 26, 2017
Culture is a topic that comes up a lot in conversations among mold builders, so I felt this throwback to an article on the communication/teamwork chasm was worth a second look. Steve Johnson, who works with me on his Maintenance Matters series, shares his thoughts on how old habits die hard when it comes to maintenance cultures. Back in 2006
Pulsed Fiber Laser Welding System
September 26, 2017
The LMF70-HP from Amada Miyachi America, Inc. is the newest addition to its LMF Series of lasers. The 70-watt LMF70-HP is designed to be ideal for welding small components and thin metals up to 0.01-inch (0.25 mm) thick. Amada Miyachi says it is particularly well suited for welding battery tabs to cans (two thin sheets of metal), but
Amerimold 2017: Plastics Exhibitors Promoted Products, Too
September 26, 2017
Amerimold had it all this year—or should I say it had MORE than ever before. While metalworking tools, materials and systems reigned supreme, the plastics side of the equation was also well represented. Amerimold had it all this year—or should I say it had MORE than ever before. While metalworking tools, materials and systems reigned
Learning About Machines and Systems Up Close
September 26, 2017
Amerimold 2017 had many new and different activities for attendees this year, including demos and presentations about machines and systems to help moldmakers optimize their processes and get higher-quality results. Amerimold 2017 had many new and different activities for attendees this year, including demos and presentations about machines and
MoldTrax and the AIM Institute Team Up for New Conference
September 26, 2017
MoldTrax and Beaumont Technologies, Inc.’s American Injection Molding (AIM) Institute are excited to announce a new conference for the injection molding industry. The Mold Performance Technology Conference will bring processing and tooling experts together to explore strategies to optimize mold performance and to maintain efficiency on many
Welding Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell Material
September 26, 2017
Key tips help ensure safe shop welding practices when using pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material.Article Post: 9/1/2017 Contributed by Paul W. Britton Images courtesy of PCS Company. Pre-hardened 40 Rockwell material is an alternative option to a pre-hardened P20 mold steel. It offers uniform hardness distribution through its center but requires
Throwback Thursday: Shaving with Occam’s Razor, Part 1
September 26, 2017
You may not be familiar with Occam's Razor, but you "shave" with it every time you're challenged by a mold issue. James Bourne has been a valued and regular contributor to MMT, writing his popular “In the Trenches” columns that reveal, unabashedly, the trials and triumphs of his life as a tool repair supervisor. Today’s Throwback
SLIDESHOW: Technology Showcase, Amerimold Exhibitor Products
September 26, 2017
Manufacturing trends are constantly changing, and in this thriving global marketplace, it's very important that you keep up with the latest processes, techniques and applications to ensure your company can be an active part of the industry. Take a look at more of the technology to be on display next week at Amerimold. Next week marks the 18th
Progressive Components Introduces New Component Certification Program
September 26, 2017
Production mold component developer and distributor, Progressive Components, announced the release of its new Component Certification program, which offers visibility of supplier component purchases and verification of mold specification compliance. When a new tool program begins, component specifications are identified and expected to be
Custom Machine-Ready Blanks Are Made to Order
September 26, 2017
Custom machine-ready blanks from TCI Precision Metals provide the high value process of finish machining by eliminating material prep and other time-consuming processes. Machine-ready blanks can be furnished as close as ±.0005” dimensionally and as close as .0002” in flatness, squareness and parallelism. For custom machine-ready
Tunnel Gate Inserts Designed for Large Contour Steps
September 26, 2017
Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co KG has two new tunnel gate inserts suitable for large contour steps. The company says its tunnel gate inserts with a “banana-like” geometry are the ideal solution for hidden gate marks. Such a geometry enables plastic injection from the bottom of the component. Additionally, a clearly defined tear edge
Moldmaking Hits Nebraska
September 26, 2017
Looking for an opportunity to see what’s new in products and technologies for mold building and molding? Then join MMT on October 3rd in Grand Island, Nebraska. Hawk Mold and Die Supply, Inc. has selected Grand Island, Nebraska to hold its 7th Product & Technology Showcase. Hawk has supplied its customers with mold and die