Moldmakers were the first wave of manufacturers affected by the outsourcing trend that pushed manufacturing into China. But now we’re seeing that business is coming back . Culture and geography have helped provide a temporary stay for domestic moldmakers. But make no mistake, China and other offshore manufacturing industries will fix these problems, and they [...]
Examining the mold development process itself is equally important for determining how specific tools and development platforms can benefit a moldmaking operation. Such an assessment will reveal a fact that most moldmakers already know: […]
The challenge for moldmakers with multi-axis machines is to generate CNC programs that fully exploit the capabilities of these machines. The goal is to take full advantage of the additional axes of movement—whether on the table or in the tool head—in the most efficient manner while producing an outstanding surface finish. […]
This process map serves as a good guide for receiving transfer tooling in your facility or it can aid OEMs in selecting a proactive vendor. Establish internal mold numbers or tracking and log the tool into your system. Validate contact list with team leaders identified. […]
Thus far the year 2009 has been very dry for moldmakers, as industry experts and economists have predicted. With little in the pipeline, bankruptcies are expected to rise by 50 percent to 70 percent this year and the ripple effect will be felt for quite some time. This unfortunate situation—with all of its chaos and [...]
It’s doing more with less—more efficient order picking operations at less cost with smaller staffs, by using the right combination of equipment and software significantly improving efficiency. Automated systems have the advantage of significantly increasing productivity, up to two-thirds in some applications, […]
Rule 1: Mold tolerances become more critical.As parts get smaller, any miscalculations have a significantly greater impact. When requesting a micro mold, aim for 10 percent part tolerances, as opposed to the 25 to 50 percent level commonly seen in macro molds, […]
The fact that electronics manufacturers are constantly introducing new products despite the economic downturn is good news to mold manufacturers who serve this industry. One moldmaker—who is known for its specialty niche of micro moldmaking—has realized huge success by capitalizing on the recent trend of the miniaturization of electronics. the country’s only vertically integrated moldmaker [...]
Opportunity is blowing in the wind for many auto parts makers. With automakers slumping, many auto parts makers and suppliers have to look elsewhere for work. Currently more than 500 Michigan moldmakers and manufacturers are doing some kind of wind energy work and in many cases are still auto parts suppliers. […]
In an educational seminar prior to an ISO certification effort, a training instructor recounted the story of a quality guru telling a group of automotive executives that they were going to produce a zero defect car. After the predictable response of smirks and snorts, Alright! how many defects are enough? Do you want to make [...]