Mold manufacturers who want to accept tool transfers may realize an advantage by joining forces with other mold manufacturers. Since our two shops (H.S. Die and Engineering and United Tool and Mold) partnered seven years ago, we have been able to successfully help molders with any tooling problems that may arise during tool transfer.

In the past 20 years, our combined experience has increased dramatically from managing several successful tooling refurbishment programs—which extend the life of many programs. Working closely with our mold leaders has helped us all understand the importance of a preliminary assessment of each program.

First sample each mold, and then do a complete preventative maintenance on them. These two tasks are the foundation that will allow the incumbent molder and the OEM who is transferring the tools to start out with some history—and be on the same page. This may be the only opportunity to open up each mold and review the current condition.

Offering a talented team of engineers, project managers, machinists, and bench hands, with facilities to tryout/sample each mold, will ease your customers’ minds that an experienced group of mold builders and technicians will evaluate the mold—and if needed—solve problems so they do not occur during initial part runs after the transfer. Adding sampling/tryout capabilities to your shop—or marketing these capabilities if you already have them—can help secure such tooling transfers.