MoldMaking Technology Magazine

Source: Blum-Novotest, Inc. Blum-Novotest presents several product highlights for the automation of machining processes. Among them is the LC54-Digilog, a compact laser measuring system in the LaserControl Digilog series. The system is designed for tool measurement and monitoring in micromachining. The demands on precision in micromachining are constantly growing — especially when it comes to measuring extremely small tools.

Eclipse Mold, an IATF 16949-certified manufacturer serving the automotive, industrial, defense and medical markets, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Over the past five decades, the company has grown from a small tool shop into a $50 million manufacturer specializing in precision tooling, plastic injection molding and assembly services. Eclipse Mold began in August 1976 in the back corner of a warehouse at Paragon Fastener, where founder Fred S.

Every mold shop wrestles with the same tension: how do you standardize a process when no two jobs look alike? For NyproMold, a Jabil company, the answer isn't one lean playbook — it's mapping the individual path every component takes through the shop floor. Lead Manufacturing Engineer Mark Keller explained the mindset shift on a recent MMT Chat. "Rather than going through and optimizing one single process, it's kind of ...

The PJ 303X five-axis ultra-precision vertical machining center from Mitsui Seiki USA, equipped with automation, is designed to machine workpieces as large as 230 mm tall and 280 mm in diameter (9" × 11") and weighing as much as 20 kg (44 lbs.). Typical applications include lens molds, medical components, EDM electrodes and fuel cell parts.

MoldMaking Index: The Gardner Business Index (GBI) measures the current state of moldmaking activity through survey responses covering new orders, production, backlog, employment, exports and supplier deliveries. A reading above 50 indicates expansion; below 50 indicates contraction. The Moldmaking Index rose to 56.2 in July, its seventh consecutive month of expansion.

Zimmermann Inc. displays its FZU22 five-axis portal milling machine, which is well-suited for machining various workpiece shapes, sizes and materials. Aluminum, plastic, wood and other substrates can be processed, as well as finishing carbon fiber reinforced and other composite materials. The overhead gantry provides precise production of models and molded parts. A standard machine includes a toolchanger for 24 tools and a CNC from Siemens or Heidenhain for full motion control and tracking.

Die and mold component supplier PCS Company will hold its fourth annual Sept. 11 Golf Outing on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Cracklewood Golf Course in Macomb, Michigan. The event marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honors first responders and victims.

Source: Fives Giddings & Lewis, LLC Fives showcases its Giddings & Lewis horizontal boring mill platforms (HBMs), aiming to boost productivity and reduce setup time in large-part machining. Giddings & Lewis HBMs use a modular platform with configurable travel, headstock, table, pallet and control options for application-specific setups.

Source: Fives Giddings & Lewis, LLC Fives showcases its Giddings & Lewis horizontal boring mill platforms (HBMs), aiming to boost productivity and reduce setup time in large-part machining. Giddings & Lewis HBMs use a modular platform with configurable travel, headstock, table, pallet and control options for application-specific setups.

Elite Mold & Engineering selectively pursues complex manufacturing challenges, investing in advanced tooling, additive manufacturing and process development to support customer needs from prototype through production. Source (all images) MMT. Paul Patrash is willing to explore difficult manufacturing work, but not without doing the homework.