Plastics Business Every news cycle brings more stories detailing the successful implementation of a new 3D-printed product, and there's no doubt the technology has caught the fancy of the national media, despite the fact that the process itself has been around for decades. Whether it's referred to as 3D printing, additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping, there's no … [Read more...] about 3D Printing Changes the Production and Tool Build Models
Molds/Tooling
Challenges for the Tooling Industry will Impact Processors
by Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, Inc. In October of 2013, Harbour Results, Inc. (HRI) and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) collaborated on a study of automotive tooling. The initial goal for this benchmarking study was to analyze payment terms and sourcing practices within the industry, which are two very hot topics for tool suppliers. However, the … [Read more...] about Challenges for the Tooling Industry will Impact Processors
Mold Cleaning Technologies Save Time, Money and Aggravation
by Steve Johnson, ToolingDocs As noted in "The Cleaning Culture for Molds" (Plastics Business Fall 2012), the most popular method of cleaning plastic injection molds remains rooted in the antiquated process of scrubbing tooling and plates, one piece at a time. Ask why and the answer will be some form of "This is the way we have always done it," "We cannot cost-justify … [Read more...] about Mold Cleaning Technologies Save Time, Money and Aggravation
Moving Beyond Traditional Mold Cleaning Methods
by Steve Johnson, ToolingDocs LLC In the majority of molding plants around the globe, more labor hours are spent cleaning mold plates and tooling (see chart) than any other repair stage. There are two reasons for this: (1) clean plates and tooling are critical to maximizing mold life and the quality of the product; and (2) the vast majority of molds still are being cleaned … [Read more...] about Moving Beyond Traditional Mold Cleaning Methods
Why Plastic Flows Better in Aluminum Injection Molds
by David Bank, Aluminum Injection Mold Co., Dave Klafhen, Advent Tool, Ron Smierciak, Alcoa Forged and Cast Products There have been numerous articles published regarding the cycle time advantage aluminum molds have over steel when configured with the same gate, part geometry and cooling channels, but there is little specific information available to demonstrate why this … [Read more...] about Why Plastic Flows Better in Aluminum Injection Molds