What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing | MoldMaking Technology

What's New and What Works in Mold Manufacturing Subscribe Topics Engineer Build Maintain Manage All Topics Topics Engineer Build Maintain Manage All Topics Engineer See All Design & Mfg. Software 2024 Most-Viewed Products A comprehensive dive into 2024’s most-viewed products, as revealed through MMT's analytics. This review highlights the most popular products, ranging from technologies, services, softwares and more from this past year.  Five Axis MMT's Most-Viewed Case Studies in 2024 Did you miss any of MoldMaking Technology’s most-viewed case studies from 2024? Now’s your chance to dive into these trending topics.     Data Management Software Top 10 Engineering Content From 2024 Peruse the most-viewed engineering content that you may have missed this past year from MoldMaking Technology! Discover the next software to best benefit your moldmaking capabilties – from data management to design and manufacturing software, we have you covered.   Surface Treatment 2024 Moldmaking Insights: A Year in Review Part 2 A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2024, as revealed through MMT's 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. Workforce Development 2024 Moldmaking Insights: A Year in Review Part 1 A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2024, as revealed through MMT's 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. Mold Components MoldMaking Technology's Most-Viewed Content of 2024 The most popular MoldMaking Technology content according to analytics reports over the past year. Build See All EDM Dive Into the Year's Top Moldmaking Profiles Dive into these Q&A -based conversations to get to know the moldmakers that were featured in this year's most-viewed profiles.    Maintenance & Repair 2024 Most-Viewed Products A comprehensive dive into 2024’s most-viewed products, as revealed through MMT's analytics. This review highlights the most popular products, ranging from technologies, services, softwares and more from this past year.  Maintenance & Repair MMT's Most-Viewed Case Studies in 2024 Did you miss any of MoldMaking Technology’s most-viewed case studies from 2024? Now’s your chance to dive into these trending topics.     3D Printing Video: How 3D Printing Is Advancing Moldmaking Developments in 3D printing technology, from powder partnerships to automation, are improving moldmaking processes. Hot Runners Building Molds: Most Popular Reads of 2024 Dive into the most-viewed content for building your mold, including topics such as cutting tools, EDM, hot runners, additive manufacturing, mold materials, machining and mold components.    Conformal Cooling 2024 Moldmaking Insights: A Year in Review Part 2 A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2024, as revealed through MMT's 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. Maintain See All Maintenance & Repair MMT's Most Popular Maintenance Reads of 2024  Peruse this past year’s top maintenance content, including topics like inspection/measurement, maintenance and repair and surface treatment.    Business Strategy Dive Into the Year's Top Moldmaking Profiles Dive into these Q&A -based conversations to get to know the moldmakers that were featured in this year's most-viewed profiles.    Inspection & Measurement VIDEO: Optimizing Mold Measurement with CMMs Portable, shop-ready CMMs enhance precision, speed, and efficiency. Design & Mfg. Software 2024 Most-Viewed Products A comprehensive dive into 2024’s most-viewed products, as revealed through MMT's analytics. This review highlights the most popular products, ranging from technologies, services, softwares and more from this past year.  Design & Mfg. Software MMT's Most-Viewed Case Studies in 2024 Did you miss any of MoldMaking Technology’s most-viewed case studies from 2024? Now’s your chance to dive into these trending topics.     Surface Treatment 2024 Moldmaking Insights: A Year in Review Part 2 A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2024, as revealed through MMT's 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. Manage See All Machining Dive Into the Year's Top Moldmaking Profiles Dive into these Q&A -based conversations to get to know the moldmakers that were featured in this year's most-viewed profiles.    Business Strategy Experts Weigh In on 2024 Industry leaders share key insights on workforce, technology, sustainability and strategic growth impacting moldmaking. Basics MMT Chats: What Exactly Is a Fractional CFO and How Do I Hire One? Part 2 MMT Editorial Director Christina Fuges discusses exactly how a Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can empower small business owners to overcome the complexities of financial management.  Business Strategy MMT Chats: The Hidden Obstacles Holding Your Business Back (and You Don't Even Know It) Part 1 MMT Editorial Director Christina Fuges gets the personal stories of two small to mid-sized manufacturers who discovered how to unleash the hidden potential of their shops and pave the way for financial growth and long-term success. 3D Printing 2024 Moldmaking Insights: A Year in Review Part 2 A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2024, as revealed through MMT's 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. Education 2024 Moldmaking Insights: A Year in Review Part 1 A look back at the top moldmaking trends of 2024, as revealed through MMT's 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. 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 Resources Webinars Videos Events Suppliers Basics/101 Resources Webinars Videos Events Suppliers Basics/101 Webinars See All On Demand 5 Areas to Improve in Progressive Die Manufacturing with Next Generation Automation and 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 On Demand 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 On Demand Learn to Mold 1000+ Parts Using 3D-Printed Mold Inserts: Introducing Ultrasim3D NextMold While the transition from traditional methods to this innovative approach may present initial challenges, the benefits far outweigh the learning curve. Through the NextMold and partner network, Forward AM provides comprehensive support at every stage of the integration process. This ensures a smooth adoption of the technology into company’s operations, including seamless collaboration with molding companies. Forward AM’s commitment is to facilitate this technological transformation, enabling your business to leverage the full potential of 3D-printed mold inserts. Agenda:  Molding with 3D-printed inserts Ultrasim3D Next Mold: Forward AM offering Successful adaption: integration at Beaumont Technologies 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 On Demand Efficient Mold Design with Advanced Automation: Cooling Register Now Videos See All Video: Hybrid Manufacturing Without Melting: Hermle’s Metal Powder Application (MPA) Process   The Metal Powder Application (MPA) process merges five-axis milling with cold spray deposition to apply metal to an existing workpiece. The MPA process enables mold builders to add copper for cooling, create complex geometries and incorporate embedded sensors. A Moldmaker's Night Before Christmas: Industry Edition This fun, AI-generated poem celebrates the moldmaking industry and the spirit of Christmas. With a nod to the dedication of moldmakers and engineers, it offers a festive take on the challenges of meeting deadlines and striving for perfection—because even during the holidays, the cycle never truly stops.         ICYMI Moldmaking Conversations That Made an Impact The views are in! Explore the episodes that resonated most with our audience, featuring experts in the field, success stories and innovative ideas. Inspection & Measurement VIDEO: Optimizing Mold Measurement with CMMs Portable, shop-ready CMMs enhance precision, speed, and efficiency. FAQ MMT Chats: What Exactly Is a Fractional CFO and How Do I Hire One? Part 2 MMT Editorial Director Christina Fuges discusses exactly how a Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can empower small business owners to overcome the complexities of financial management.  3D Printing Video: How 3D Printing Is Advancing Moldmaking Developments in 3D printing technology, from powder partnerships to automation, are improving moldmaking processes. Events See All 18 Mar 2025 PTXPO 2025 PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities. 2 Apr 2025 Parts Cleaning Workshop Critical Cleaning Hands-on Workshop Do it; learn it! The one-day workshop teaches how cleaning and cleanliness testing work. By participating in hands-on exercises of techniques for cleaning and cleanliness verification, attendees gain the understanding and knowledge to make practical, effective, and sustainable manufacturing decisions. While exercises are supplemented by demonstrations and tutorials, the workshop is not death by PowerPoint! Topics include aqueous, solvent, and “non-chemical” cleaning, including cleaning chemicals and cleaning processes (spray, ultrasonics, cyclic nucleation, in-line, batch). Most manufactured product and product contact surfaces require cleaning during (and sometimes after) manufacture and assembly.  Examples of areas where effective cleaning is essential include: metal fabrication, product assembly, optics, electronics, microelectronics, wafer fab, medical devices, aerospace/aeronautics, military, and additive manufacturing. WHAT DO YOU CALL CLEANING? There are many different terms for cleaning. Cleaning Precision Cleaning Critical Cleaning Safety/Critical Cleaning Surface Prep for Finishing Technical Cleanliness Residue Removal WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE WORKSHOP If you or your company fabricates, finishes, maintains or repairs product or product contact surfaces (like reaction vessels), this workshop is time well-spent. If you sell chemicals or cleaning equipment, this workshop will help you better understand and optimize the market for your products. Examples include: Manufacturing Engineers Product Designers Managers Sales and Marketing Managers Facilities Personnel Assemblers, operators Process Technicians Quality Control Personnel Regulatory Affairs Experts (industry, military, and government) Safety/environmental professionals​ ​ Participants will receive a PDF Certificate of Completion with continuing education credits from Sam Houston State University. 7 May 2025 AMBA Conference 2025 Mark the calendar for AMBA Conference 2025, "Breakthrough Innovation," May 7-9, 2025, Grand Rapids, MI. During this industry event, attendees will meet with peers to discuss best practices in business, employee management, technology and more.  13 May 2025 Manufacturing Technology Series EAST 2025 The Manufacturing Technology Series East, featuring EASTEC in West Springfield, Massachusetts — is at the epicenter of a region that is a traditional manufacturing powerhouse. Historically, more than 700 companies have connected at this event to network, learn from industry experts and explore the latest manufacturing technologies. 20 May 2025 Extrusion Conference 2025 Extrusion's general sessions cover best practices, troubleshooting and processing solutions that can help you run your operation and maximize the utilization of your existing assets—as efficiently as possible. ​ Extrusion professionals from the shop floor to the front office are represented at the Extrusion Conference.​ You’ll meet the entire global supply chain: manufacturing managers, supervisors, engineers and technicians, as well as engineers and technical managers at OEMs and other firms.  25 Jun 2025 Rapid + TCT 2025 On June 25-27, 2024, RAPID + TCT returned to the West Coast for the first time in nearly a decade! The three-day event featured the latest in 3D-printing technology from the industry’s leading product and service providers, a full schedule of speakers including a keynote series, and over 125 hours of educational content. The expansive show floor showcased over 400 exhibiting companies’ latest advancements. And next year? It will be even better! Start planning your trip to Detroit, MI to experience North America’s largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event in 2025! 5 Mar 2025 New & Upcoming National Surface Finishing Day Register Now 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 Basics MMT Chats: What Exactly Is a Fractional CFO and How Do I Hire One? Part 2 MMT Editorial Director Christina Fuges discusses exactly how a Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can empower small business owners to overcome the complexities of financial management.  Leadership MMT Chats: The Hidden Obstacles Holding Your Business Back (and You Don't Even Know It) Part 1 MMT Editorial Director Christina Fuges gets the personal stories of two small to mid-sized manufacturers who discovered how to unleash the hidden potential of their shops and pave the way for financial growth and long-term success. Basics Understanding the Elusive Nature of Mold Ventilation A personal journey of lessons learned about the challenges of poorly designed, understood and executed mold venting. Business Strategy 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. FAQ How to Optimize Mold Finishing Circle segment technology requires fewer tool paths, improving surface quality and increasing cutting tool life. Tips How to Overcome Complex Mold Texturing Problems Key benefits when considering laser technology for mold texturing and repair. Magazine MMT Chats Leadtime Leaders Subscribe GO Contact About Us Editorial Advisory Board Advertise   Subscribe Magazine - Latest Issue Magazine - Archive Webinars Events Podcast Videos Products News Topics 30 Under 30 Ask The Expert Digital Demos Media Room