Mold manufacturing requires using measurement to a shop’s advantage because what gets measured, gets done. I’ve played golf with players who want to improve their game, and the one thing I noticed is that they keep track of their shots in one form or another (fairways hit, greens in regulation and putts). You might be [...]
A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2024, as revealed through our analytics. This review highlights the most popular technical articles, case studies, tips and best practices that captured the industry's attention over the past year. 3D Printing Innovates Hot Runner Manifold Design we want to detail a 3D-printed manifold technology that significantly [...]
Mold repair is the second most expensive budgetary item in a plastics molding facility, That statement should make everyone stop and pay attention. The only way to change that figure is to change the culture, and we all know that culture change is tough. We wish we could just have somebody purchase maintenance widgets that [...]
Mold builders are talking about tried-and-true as well as new technology, both focused on working faster, cutting costs and tackling labor challenges. It’s about innovation and efficiency with mold design, additive manufacturing (AM), automation and data management. Mold design and engineering are seen as the future of mold manufacturing, so shops are laser-focused on technologies [...]
Moldmaking typically moves in tandem with industrial equipment investment. A reduction in industrial equipment investment could signal a potential slowdown in new tooling projects. The PLASTICS Quarterly Forecast predicts a potential decline in mold production in 2024. However, plastics conversion has been on the rise, especially in the early months of 2024. According to PLASTICS' [...]
The mold manufacturing industry is constantly evolving. As a result, options for overcoming complex mold texturing challenges are evolving, too. Our complex marketplace demands new and innovative design possibilities with higher accuracy and tighter tolerances while keeping production times as short as possible. For example, some projects may require depth or detail unachievable by acid [...]
The moldmaking industry is experiencing numerous challenges, from the evolving global economic and social landscape to rising environmental concerns and the need for sustainable solutions. To tackle these obstacles, moldmakers must first confront the scarcity of skilled labor. Workforce Challenges The mold manufacturing industry has unique workforce challenges because of its highly specialized nature and [...]
The most common technique for manufacturing plastic items in bulk for various applications is injection molding. It can generate simple to complicated components with little waste and is inexpensive and effective. Nonetheless, designing plastic components is a challenging task that takes into account various application-specific aspects. It is vital to design the plastic mold considering [...]
Metal 3D printing is helping to create better designs for hot runner manifolds. Not only is it making complex melt flow channel designs possible, but this same process also shortens lead times via fewer R&D iterations and evolves projects much faster, enabling upfront cost savings. We are talking about attaching 3D printed inserts to a [...]
Investment in five-axis machining centers and adoption of multi-axis technology has been the winning formula for many shops. Shops that make this investment seldom regret it. Yet, the overall adoption rate of five-axis machinery with American mold builders and job shops remains low compared to other developed countries. Let’s review some of the key benefits [...]