MoldMaking Technology

MoldMaking Technology The only monthly trade publication focused entirely on mold design, build, repair and management.

MoldMaking Technology addresses the complete lifecycle of the manufacture and maintenance of a mold—from design to first shot—by providing solutions and strategies to moldmaking professionals charged with designing, building and repairing molds. MMT utilizes an Editorial Advisory Board to help guide the direction of the brand. This board is made up of authorities with expertise within their respec

tive business, industry, technology and profession. Their role is to advise on timely issues, trends and advances in the field, offer editorial thought and direction, review and comment on specific articles and generally act as a sounding board and a conscience for the publication. MMT remains committed to bringing our audience what’s new and what works in mold manufacturing by focusing on the needs of today’s mold builders. Anything from successful business practices to manufacturing strategies can be found in a technology article, application story, shop profile or tip of the month that applies to today’s mold shop owners, tool and mold manufacturers, injection molders and OEMs.

How do expert engineering teams turn complex challenges into long-term solutions? At Industrial Molds, a Division of Pyr...
12/01/2025

How do expert engineering teams turn complex challenges into long-term solutions? At Industrial Molds, a Division of Pyramid Molding Group, their team overcame intricate impeller fan mold challenges through innovation, precision, and collaborative problem-solving. Faced with a radial pull, 16 hydraulic-driven slides, and precise timing requirements, they reengineered a compounded slide with a creative 180-degree redesign, transforming a tough mold into a decade-long production asset.

Their secret lies in seamless teamwork and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) expertise. Project Manager Randy Hanson bridges customer needs, while Engineering Manager Sasha Stojanovic and Moldmaker Bill Palakie ensure technical precision with manual hand-fitting and micron-level alignment. The result? A high-performance mold approved for countless parts and future designs.

This project showcases how ingenuity and collaboration can redefine moldmaking. What challenges have you faced in complex engineering projects, and how did you solve them? Share your insights below, and dive deeper into this inspiring story of problem-solving tenacity by reading the full article on our website. Let’s discuss how innovation drives success in engineering. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/how-industrial-molds-conquered-a-complex-impeller-fan-mold-challenge

In November, MoldMaking Technology’s most-viewed articles showcased the cutting edge of innovation and automation in mol...
11/28/2025

In November, MoldMaking Technology’s most-viewed articles showcased the cutting edge of innovation and automation in moldmaking. Key topics ranged from integrating AI to enhance efficiency to deep insights into automating processes and designs. From AI tools that streamline quoting and programming to automation in EDM for unattended machining, these articles highlight solutions for complex challenges and operational improvements. Industry stories also celebrated community spirit, milestones like Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing’s 50 years, and initiatives like the SPE Mold Technologies Division’s 2026 Moldmaking Distinction Awards.

What stood out most was the power of technology to transform moldmaking—whether through ultra-precision micro tools for medical device miniaturization or expert engineering to conquer intricate mold challenges. These advancements are reshaping how managers and engineers approach efficiency and precision in their work.

Which of these topics resonates most with your current challenges—AI integration, process automation, or precision tooling? Share your thoughts in the comments, and dive into the full details of our top 10 articles on our website to explore how these innovations can impact your operations. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/from-ai-software-to-incorporating-automation-into-edm-the-best-of-november

Gabe English, president of Western Carolina Tool & Mold and MMT Editorial Advisory Board member, shares his top MoldMaki...
11/26/2025

Gabe English, president of Western Carolina Tool & Mold and MMT Editorial Advisory Board member, shares his top MoldMaking Technology articles from the past year, offering insights that have directly impacted his business. From addressing the skilled labor shortage with robotics and metal 3D printing to justifying investments in five-axis machining for enhanced productivity, Gabe highlights actionable strategies for moldmakers. He also notes the accessibility of technologies once thought out of reach, like affordable 3D printing options, and the value of grant funding through the Society of Plastics Engineers to support education in the field.

One standout takeaway is the power of automation, whether through integrating robotics with five-axis mills or overcoming mindset barriers to streamline precision moldmaking. Additionally, Gabe explores innovative solutions like fiber lasers for mold cleaning, emphasizing simplicity and control in maintaining older molds.

How are you tackling the skills gap or integrating new technologies in your operations? What challenges or successes have you encountered with automation or advanced machining? Dive deeper into Gabe’s key takeaways and discover how these insights can apply to your business. Read the full article on our website and share your thoughts in the comments below. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/smart-tech-smarter-investments-skilled-workforce

A rookie mold designer’s mirror-image mishap turned into a funny shop-floor story and a valuable lesson for the entire t...
11/24/2025

A rookie mold designer’s mirror-image mishap turned into a funny shop-floor story and a valuable lesson for the entire team. Many years ago, during my early days as a mold designer, I created a single-cavity prototype mold for an automotive rear window release rod. After sampling, I was stunned to see the part was a mirror image of the intended design—top and bottom connectors completely reversed. The blunt feedback from a toolmaker was humbling, to say the least.

The error was corrected by cutting out and remaking the center blocks, saving the costly connector ends. The revised mold produced the correct prototypes, and the customer approved them for production. More importantly, this costly mistake led to a critical update in our process: a new line on the mold design checklist asking, “Will the part, and not its mirror image, be produced?” This simple addition later prevented at least one other expensive error.

Mistakes in mold design can be costly, but they also offer powerful lessons. Have you ever encountered a design error that led to a lasting process improvement? What strategies do you use to avoid mirror-image mishaps or other design oversights? Share your insights below, and dive into the full story on our website to learn more about turning errors into opportunities for growth. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/shop-talk-flipped-part-big-lesson-learned

U.S. mold imports are rising despite tariffs, showing strong demand as moldmakers face cost pressures, policy uncertaint...
11/21/2025

U.S. mold imports are rising despite tariffs, showing strong demand as moldmakers face cost pressures, policy uncertainty, and new opportunities from shifting manufacturing and consumption trends. Despite higher tariffs on imported molds and raw materials, the value of U.S. mold imports increased by 10.3% year-to-date through July 2025, reaching $1,186.92 million. This reflects resilient domestic demand and the critical role of molds across manufacturing value chains.

Global economic growth remains steady but uneven, with the IMF projecting a 3.2% expansion this year. Meanwhile, evolving consumption patterns—such as growth in light trucks, medical products, and nondurable goods like plastic packaging—present significant opportunities for moldmakers. However, navigating cost pressures and trade dynamics remains a challenge.

How are tariffs and shifting consumption trends impacting your business? Are you seeing opportunities in segments like light trucks or medical products? Share your insights below, and dive deeper into the data and trends by reading the full article on our website. Let’s discuss how moldmakers can adapt to this complex environment. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/moldmakers-in-a-shifting-economy-consumption-trends-tariff-impacts-and-production-outlook

Managing a magazine is similar to running an F1 team because both require ongoing improvement, collaboration, and flexib...
11/19/2025

Managing a magazine is similar to running an F1 team because both require ongoing improvement, collaboration, and flexibility to keep up with industry changes. As Christina Fuges, Editorial Director at MoldMaking Technology, reflects, the process mirrors the teamwork of engineers, mechanics, and drivers fine-tuning a car race after race. Just like an F1 crew adjusts aerodynamics and swaps components, the magazine team builds content with a clear vision—digging into trends, technical details, and real-world insights for the moldmaking community.

Maintaining quality means constant evolution. The moldmaking industry moves fast with new techniques and challenges emerging regularly. Staying relevant demands listening to feedback, watching the market, and adapting approaches. A magazine that doesn’t evolve is like a car running last season’s specs—it won’t win any races. The goal is to be a steady, practical tool, helping managers and engineers navigate their work issue after issue.

How do you adapt to rapid industry shifts in your own operations? Are you embracing new perspectives or tools to stay ahead? Share your thoughts in the comments. For deeper insights into how this collaborative, adaptive mindset drives success, read the full article on our website. Let’s stay on track together. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/teamwork-and-tune-ups

Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing is celebrating 50 years, driven by a legacy of innovation and industry passion. From its f...
11/17/2025

Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing is celebrating 50 years, driven by a legacy of innovation and industry passion. From its founding in 1975 by Ray Bendig and partners to Brian Bendig’s modern leadership, Cavalier has grown from a small startup to a 200-strong “Cavalier Army,” delivering high-quality molds with unmatched speed. Brian reflects on the rewarding journey of building a recession-proof business with a stellar reputation, emphasizing speed—delivering molds in 16 weeks when competitors take 22—through cutting-edge technology and a skilled team.

Starting with humble beginnings and overcoming challenges like the ‘82-’83 recession, Cavalier evolved by adopting advanced tech and fostering a culture of collaboration. Brian’s vision, shaped by global insights and a passion for speed, has propelled the company from 25 to over 200 employees, running five shifts with automation. As they look to 2030, the focus remains on value, expertise, and navigating industry changes.

What drives a company to thrive for half a century? How do you balance technology and people in manufacturing? Share your thoughts below, and dive into the full story of Cavalier’s incredible journey on our website to learn more about their milestones and vision for the future. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/cavaliers-50-years-strong

Automation in EDM is transforming manufacturing efficiency, offering long periods of unattended machining and seamless i...
11/14/2025

Automation in EDM is transforming manufacturing efficiency, offering long periods of unattended machining and seamless integration into closed-loop cells. As highlighted at MC Machinery Systems’ Technology Summit, adding automation to EDM can provide multiday stretches of unattended operation, while advanced control features streamline electrode design and process parameters. The MV1200-R wire EDM, for instance, demonstrated up to 80 hours of unattended machining with robotic tending, thanks to innovative clamping systems and rotary axes for complex geometries. Similarly, the SG28 sinker EDM showcased a reversed configuration, using a toolchanger to bring smaller workpieces to mounted electrodes for easy automation.

Beyond machine tending, Mitsubishi’s M800 series control automates critical aspects of EDM work with databases for material and parameter settings, ensuring precision and efficiency through adaptive control. This technology also supports closed-loop systems, connecting processes like milling graphite electrodes on the OPS-Ingersoll Eagle V9 to sinker EDMs via robotic handling and RFID tracking.

How are you leveraging automation to enhance precision and productivity in your operations? What challenges do you face in adopting such technologies? Share your insights below, and dive deeper into these cutting-edge solutions by reading the full article on our website. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/incorporating-automation-into-edm-2

AI is transforming Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) with innovative tools that boost efficiency and bridge knowledge...
11/14/2025

AI is transforming Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) with innovative tools that boost efficiency and bridge knowledge gaps. From dashboards built in hours to NFC integration for crane checks, AI streamlines processes like data extraction, wire cutter design, G-code optimization, and tool setter enhancements. It’s not about replacing skills but multiplying them, enabling machinists to tackle challenges and unlock unattended machine hours.

One striking example is a machine monitoring dashboard, crafted with minimal coding, aggregating real-time data via MTConnect for automated record-keeping and gamified insights. Another is a job data “spider,” weaving scattered EDM data into a traceable web for better tracking and planning. These aren’t just gimmicks—they’re practical solutions redefining modern machining.

AI in EDM isn’t a fad; it’s a partner for smarter work, helping address systemic issues like the skills gap. The question remains: will shops embrace this shift or risk stagnation by clinging to outdated methods?

What’s your take—how can AI elevate your machining processes, and what barriers do you see in adopting it? Share your thoughts below, and dive into the full article on our site for a deeper look at these six game-changing applications. https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/how-to-put-ai-to-work-in-edm

Summer School lesson #9 📝This week let's break down the hot runner controller. The first job of a hot runner controller...
08/08/2025

Summer School lesson #9 📝

This week let's break down the hot runner controller. The first job of a hot runner controller is optimal performance.It should accurately maintain the targeted molding set point while detecting and communicating issues. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3IXyGS2

For this summer school basics series, Pellet to Part explores each stage of the plastic injection molding process: from raw material to finished component. Catch up on last week's lesson here. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4o9jj9A

The hype surrounding AI can sometimes obscure its real-world value. However, in the world of moldmaking, AI-based techno...
08/07/2025

The hype surrounding AI can sometimes obscure its real-world value. However, in the world of moldmaking, AI-based technologies are delivering tangible results.

David Lindemann, Senior Application Engineer, Cimatron explains how feature detection powered by AI technology helps increase efficiency and provide a competitive edge for moldmakers, who face evolving demands and a shortage of skilled labor. ➡️ https://bit.ly/41b5mhb

08/05/2025

What happens when a mold shop embraces AI — not as a threat, but as a tool? 🧰

In our latest MMT Chat, Mike Murakami from StackTeck Systems Limited shares how he's using AI to automate tasks, build dashboards, and solve everyday EDM challenges. From automating runtime logging to using ChatGPT for real-time problem-solving, he’s proving that AI isn’t about replacing people — it's making them more efficient. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4l2hxEq

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MoldMaking Technology provides solutions and strategies to moldmaking professionals charged with designing, building and repairing molds. Through its qualified circulation, growing advertiser base, experienced staff and innovative, applicable editorial, MoldMaking Technology continues its commitment to serving the needs of both buyers and sellers in the mold manufacturing market. The Magazine - MMT reaches more than 20,000 qualified subscribers interested in the moldmaking-related products, processes, technologies and strategies explained each month.