2012 The American Mold Builder Magazine - Spring

Spring 2012
2012 Convention Wrap

Mold Builder of the Year Exploring the Silicone Mold Niche
The Official Publication of the American Mold Builders Association
THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION AGAINST WEAR FROM GLASS FILLED PLASTICS!
DYNA-BLUE
DYNA-BLUE & DYNA-MAX BENEFITS

Resists wear from glass filled plastics up to 10 times longer than nitride, chrome and nickel coatings Resists attack from harsh environments such as PVC Better weldability than ion/gas nitride High wear and corrosion resistance DYNA-BLUE.com Maintains excellent micro finishes ISO 9001:2008 ACCREDITED Capacity 75x100 up to 10 tons APPROVED BY AEROSPACE & FDA Enhanced parting line durability TIER 1 SUPPLIER TO AUTOMOTIVE, DEFENSE & TOOLING Overnight service available Dimensionally stable Reduces sticking
CUT COST INCREASE TOOL LIFE WITH DYNA-BLUE & DYNA-MAX

The most cost-effective way to cut mold/tool cost is to increase tool life with DYNA-BLUE & DYNA-MAX.. DYNA-BLUE is a low temperature Ferritic Nitrocarburizing process that produces a hard 75+ HRC compound zone diffused into the steel supported by a Nitrogen rich diffusion which increases wear resistance 2-10 times over nitriding, chrome, nickel plating, or other coatings. The surface has an oxide layer blue in color that resists corrosion and assists in mold release. The latest in technology is DYNA-MAX, a revolutionary new surface treatment to dramatically improve the performance and tool life of Injection/Compression Molds and Diecast Dies up to 10 times longer than PVD, CVD and Diamond coatings. We also offer DYNA-BRITE, a proprietary new process to minimize the polishing time needed after DYNA-BLUE for high finishes needed on Lens/Lighting Molds, Class 1 finishes; and DYNA-GLOSS, a proprietary new process incorporating an oxide removal process to maintain/restore gloss levels on textured molds after the DYNA-BLUE process.
7784 Ronda Drive Canton, MI 48187 tel: 734-459-8022 dynablue.com Loren Epler, President lepler@dynablue.com
Speak Out
First of all, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to serve as AMBA President. I feel very fortunate to be able to give back to the industry that has meant so much to me and my family. I am also blessed to be getting more involved at such a great time for the AMBA. If you were among the attendees at the May convention in Grand Rapids, you know what I mean. The one thing that is crystal clear is that the AMBA is energized and focused on providing fantastic value for its members. The Todd Finley AMBA President AMBA Board of Directors set lofty goals for attendance and took some risk in moving the convention to Grand Rapids, and I can tell you that we have exceeded even our most optimistic expectations. Our focus was to bring tangible and exceptional value to the attendees, and I am most gratified to hear the extremely positive feedback. I am amazed at the depth and breadth of the valuable information our speakers shared with the audience on relevant topics. By the end of the convention, my head was literally spinning with new ideas and information to take back to the shop. We plan to hold our next convention in the Chicago area in the spring of 2013. The buzz at the convention was that the Plant Tour Workshops were a resounding success. This was my third time to attend a workshop, and the first time Commercial Tool has been a host, and it was a great experience. As an attendee, I always leave the tour with new ideas. As a host, we took away some great feedback that will help us truly improve our business. How often do you get the chance to have some of the leaders of our industry look at what youre doing and tell you what they think? Hosting a Plant Tour Workshop is an experience that is well worth the effort it takes to put together. The next opportunity to participate will be the Plant Tour Workshop at Industrial Molds Group, Rockford, IL, in conjunction with the IMTS trade show (Chicagos McCormick Place) the week of September 10th. If you are interested in attending, make sure you sign up early since every workshop to date has sold out! Id like to congratulate Michael Bohning of Creative Blow Mold Tooling, Lees Summit, MO, for his election as the vice president of the AMBA. He will continue in his role as treasurer of the board of directors, as well as his new responsibility as vice president. Michael has distinguished himself in the board room for his business savvy and knowledge. His experience as a CPA is truly an asset that we rely on for guidance and I look forward to his contributions to the AMBA in his expanded role. I also want to commend Mike Armbrust for his dedication, service and great leadership during his two years as AMBA president. This industry and this association were at a crossroads during some of the most difficult economic times to hit our industry, and I can say confidently that Mikes leadership guided the AMBA to a much better place. I am fortunate to follow in his footsteps and I know that these are very big shoes to fill. Thank you, Mike! Finally, I want to convey what a true honor it is to work with great American manufacturers in service to this association. I think AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix says it best, America is what America makes. As we work more closely together at great events, we can truly help each other improve our businesses and distinguish American-built molds as the best in the world. Todd Finley, Commercial Tool & Die, Inc
The American Mold Builder Published by the
American Mold Builders Association 3601 Algonquin Rd., Suite 304 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 p 847.222.9402 f 847.222.9437 info@amba.org www.amba.org
Officers and Board of Directors President Todd Finley, Commercial Tool & Die Vice President and Treasurer Michael Bohning, Creative Blow Mold Tooling Secretary Shawn McGrew, Prodigy Mold & Tool Legal Counsel Alan Rothenbuecher, Ice Miller LLP Board of Directors Mike Armbrust, Mako Mold Corp. Andy Baker, Byrne Tool & Die Robert Earnhardt, Superior Tooling Dan Glass, Strohwig Industries Roger Klouda, M.S.I. Mold Builders Justin McPhee, Mold Craft Tim Peterson, Industrial Molds Group Scott Phipps, United Tool & Mold Steve Rotman, Ameritech Die & Mold Mike Walter, MET Plastics Wendy Wloszek, Industrial Mold & Machine AMBA Team
Troy Nix, Executive Director Kym Conis, Managing Director Sue Daniels, Web/EMarketing/Member Services Shannon Merrill, Business/Advertising Coordinator
Managing Editor: Kym Conis Assistant Editor: Sue Daniels Contributing Author: Clare Goldsberry Art Director: Cara Pederson Advertising/Sales: Shannon Merrill Circulation: Shannon Merrill
Opinions expressed in this publication may or may not reflect the views of the Association, and do not necessarily represent official positions or policies of the Association or its members.
www.amba.org
8 9
18
Spring 2012
Contents
10
Features

6 8
Market Trends
Spring Business Forecast Shows Good Business Conditions
Focus
AMBA Chapter of the Year AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
departments
3 Speak Out 16 Industry 30 Association 36 Product 46 Calendar 46 Ad Index
10 18

Convention Wrap Technology

Exploring the Niche Market of Silicone Molds A Closer Look at Tandem Mold Technology
26

4
Show Preview Inside Track
amerimold 2012 Show Preview Helping Your OEM Customer Mitigate Risk: Be an Asset, NOT a Liability iWarriors.org Travel to California in March
34 40 42
Special Report Strategies

Changing the Sales Process to Reflect New Buyer Behavior
Spring 2012
Visit our website:
www.amba.org
the american MOld Builder
The Event for Tool and Mold Makers, Molders & Additive Technologies
Novi, Michigan Suburban Collection Showcase
June 13-14, 2012
At amerimold you will experience cutting-edge product technologies and learn the best practices and business management tips needed to develop new business opportunities, increase productivity and efficiency in your shop, and grow your business!
EXHIBITS
Tooling & Machining Design & Engineering Materials & Components
Conformal Cooling 5-Axis Machining Rapid Tooling / 3D Printing
CONFERENCE
VIP Cocktail Reception Management Roundtables Keynote Presentations
NETWORKING
RegisteR today for your FREE Exhibit Hall Pass!

PRESENTED BY: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
USE PROMO CODE
AMBA
CO-LOCATED WITH:
BONUS OFFER: Receive a 50% discount on conference registration when you register online using AMBA!
amerimoldexpo.com
Market Trends
Spring Business Forecast Shows Good Business Conditions
The Spring 2012 Business Forecast survey of members of the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) reveals that business conditions remain quite good for most mold builders. In fact, excellent current business conditions jumped 11 percentage points to 36 percent in the Spring survey, from 25 percent in the Winter 2012 survey. Current business conditions are good for 54 percent of the survey respondents, down four percentage points from the Winter survey; and fair for 10 percent. Once again no respondents reported that current business conditions are poor or bad, the same as the Winter 2012 survey. Mold business is very good for the year 2012, commented one respondent. That said however, another noted that Three months is not a good benchmark because there is generally an historic difference in tooling business from late in the year to the beginning of a new year. The new year is usually busier. previous three months, most likely proving out what one respondent said and noted above, about the first quarter of the year being stronger. Backlog remains the same for 34 percent, and down for 25 percent of the respondents. Profits, which always seem to be a challenging area for many moldmaking companies, were up for 25 percent of the respondents, a drop from 32 percent in the Winter 2012 survey. However, profits stayed steady for 63 percent of the respondents compared to 54 percent in the Winter survey, and down for 12 percent in the Spring survey compared to 14 percent in the Winter survey. Commenting on these conditions, one respondent wrote, The work is out there but pricing pressures remain. Margins need to improve but it wont be through higher pricing. It will have to be through productivity. Optimism also was present among respondents with one commenting: Orders are slow to release and mold acceptance takes forever, but long-term commitments are very strong.
Projections of their companies business over the next three months (Q2) fell strongly in the middle with Spring 2012 Business ForecastResults Results AMBA a total of 80 AMBA Spring 2012 Business Forecast Survey Survey percent of respondents AMBA Business they expect business Employment opportunities continue among mold compareporting that Forecast Survey was developed to provide AMBA members with information The AMBA members with revealed to increase The AMBA Business Forecast or conditionsdeveloped to provideThe Spring months. The Spring that employment is up moderately (41 percent) Survey was the same nies. the upcoming survey information 2012 on the current conditionsremain and a projection of on the current business business and a projection of the upcoming months. The Spring 2012 for 29 percent of respondents, but (39 percent). Seven percent expectrate of 34% from34% from AMBA members. Business "Good" "Good" remains the same for Survey resulted a business to increase Survey resulted a responseresponse rate of AMBA members. Business remains remains substantially and 13 the respondents, and for 36%to the respondents it is "Excellent." forpercentthe respondents, andof decrease respondents itEmployment is down for 8 percent. Currently 54% of expect business for 36% of the 63 percent. is "Excellent." for 54% of moderately. None of the respondents expect business the average number of shop employees is 23, and five for
AMBA Members Current AMBA Members Current Business Business ConditionsConditions 0% 0% 0% 0% 36% 36% Excellent
Good Fair Excellent Good Fair Poor Bad
Projection Projection ofOver the Next 3 the Next 3 of Business Business Over Months Months Increase Increase 41% 41%
Substantially Substantially Increase Increase Moderately Moderately Remain the Remain the Same Same
10%
10% 54% 54%
Poor Bad
7% 0%
7% 13% 0% 13% 39%
Decrease Decrease 39% Moderately Moderately Decrease Decrease Substantially Substantially
to decrease substantially. One respondentCurrent BusinessBusiness in Last 3 Months commented Design and Engineering. Work-week hours for shop emCurrent Level of Level of in Last 3 Months that while demand for new molds [is] down, repairs are ployees stands at 50 for the Spring survey, up one hour 70% Quoting 70% Quoting up.Another said that he has no visibility beyond three from the Winter survey and 48 for Design and Engineering 60% 60% employees, the same as the WinterShipments survey. months to project with confidence. Shipments
50% 50% 40% When comparing their40% current level of business with 30% 30% that of three months ago, business remains the same for 20% 20% 51 percent of the respondents, but up for 33 percent and 10% down for only 16 percent. Shipments are strong with 34 10% percent reporting0% shipments are up, and 55 percent say that 0% Up Same Same shipments remain the same.UpShipments are down for 11 percent of the respondents. Work-Week Hours Hours Current Current Work-Week
Backlog Backlog However, would more shops be hiring if there were more available skilled workers? One respondent commented Profits Profits that his company need[s] four more CNC [operators] and toolmakers. Another saidEmployment Employment his company may be adding staff in the near future.
Down Down
Plant Employees
Plant Employees
Work Hours
Work Hours
The AMBA is Current Number Plant Employees the Plant industry Current Numberonly Employees trade organization run by 50 50 mold manufacturers for mold manufacturers in the United 50 50 with a focus on helping its members stay up to date Backlog appears to be 40good however, with 41 percent 40States, 40 40 saying their backlog for the first quarter is up over the on technology, benchmark best business practices and 30 30 50 30 48 30 50 48 remain competitive in a global marketplace.
20 20 the american MOld Builder 10
Spring 2012
20 10
20 10
23
23
Makino
F5 Vertical Machining Center
Familiar Makino performance and quality at a not-so-familiar price. The F-Series Vertical Machining Centers from Makino feature a high-performance spindle, robust construction for superior accuracy and SGI.4 for unparalleled surface finish on cores and cavities. Thats a lot of hardmilling performance in a machine any shop can afford. Get more familiar with all the features at makino.com/F5.
2012 Makino
www.amba.org
Focus
AMBA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
In recognition for its ongoing promotion of education and apprenticeship programs and its promotion of moldmaking in the state of Illinois, the AMBA proudly honors the Chicago Chapter with the 2011 Chapter of the Year Award. 40 members strong, the Chicago Chapter promotes education and apprenticeships among its member companies by hosting quarterly meetings that enable the companies to learn about vital issues important to their businesses.
The Chicago Chapter was fortunate to receive a $5,000 endowment for AMBA Chicago Chapter members accept the 2012 Chapter of the Year award. (l. to r.: the 2011 Chapter of the Year Award Todd Steinhoff, Progressive Components; Wayne Sikorcin, Craftsman Tool; Cyndi (from Progressive Components) and Kushtush, Progressive Components; Francine Petrucci, B A Die Mold; Mike Walter, presented the funds to the Austin MET Plastics; Mike Armbrust, Mako Mold (photo 2012 Todd Schuett, Creative Technology Corp.) Polytechnical Academy in Chicago, IL. Receiving the same from Progressive in 2012, the Chicago Chapters goal is to attract entry level employees Chapter will donate the endowment to the school of its into the moldmaking industry at a young age by offering choice. At the presentation, members were able to meet this financial assistance. administrators of the academy and partnership with Austin Polytech to promote careers in the moldmaking industry. The Chicago Chapter also offers assistance to its members The Chicago Chapter continues to encourage its members in applying for training and equipment grants through to partner with institutions such as this in its quarterly the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development. In addition, the chapter updates members on newsletter entitled the Chicago Benchmark. legislative matters and encourages members to regularly In 2011,' the Chicago chapter continued promoting stay in touch with their state and local representative, apprenticeships by offering its annual Mold Your including offering assistance in setting up meeting and plant Career Award for employees of chapter companies who visits. In September of 2011, the chapter brought nationally have been with their employer for over one year and recognized economist Alan Tonelson to its chapter meeting demonstrate promise as a future moldmaker, designer, to advise members on ways to get their representatives to CNC machinist or diemaker. The second annual back legislation to support the moldmaking industry. scholarship award went to Gregory Zaucha of A-1 Tool Corporation. At the chapters April 17, 2012, meeting, According to newly elected Chapter President Francine he was presented with a $1,000 gift card to DGI Supply Petrucci of B A Die Mold, Inc., Receiving the Chapter of (sponsored by SCHMOLZ+BICKENBACH USA) to the Year award again was a great feeling (and a big surprise)! enable him to purchase tools needed to pursue his career This group of board members and chapter members are the best. Our dinner meeting attendance is growing and in mold building. we want to continue the momentum and try to attract the As has been highlighted in the news and experienced by few shops that have yet to attend. The networking at our many AMBA member companies, there is a moderate meetings, being able to bounce a problem or concern off of to severe lack of skilled workers in the moldmaking a fellow shop owner, is invaluable. Sikorcin added, I can't industry. According to Chicago Chapter Vice President stress enough how important it is to have an administrator Wayne Sikorcin (who recently completed his term as to keep the chapter on course. Karen Norville does an chapter president) of Craftsman Tool & Mold Co., The amazing job of keeping the BOD in check.
8
the american MOld Builder Spring 2012
CHICAGO
AMBA MOLD BUILDER OF THE YEAR

By Todd Schuett, Creative Technology Corp.
RALPH OSWALD
The AMBA recently awarded Ralph Oswald, CEO of Chicago Mold Engineering Co. (CME), its prestigious Mold Builder of the Year award for 2012 at its annual convention last month in Grand Rapids, MI. The award, sponsored by Progressive Components, includes a $5,000 endowment for continuing education in moldmaking, to be presented to the educational institution of the recipients choice. Presenting the award, AMBA outgoing President Mike Armbrust cited Oswalds long commitment to the industry, the AMBA and technology, along with numerous other impressive credentials. Over his 52 years in the industry, Oswald continually has demonstrated his leadership abilities to employees and competitors alike, often extending Chicago Molds helping hand in the area of manufacturing capabilities to other shops less equipped. Authoring numerous articles in industry publications and presenting white papers at trade conferences demonstrates CMEs willingness to share knowledge and best practices with industry peers. Working with the AMBA, TMA and the NTMA, Oswald has fostered Chicago Molds current and future designers, programmers and machinists with an extensive apprenticeship program, including six young men going through the program at this time. Even in lean years, we had three to four apprentices in the shop; we never gave up on attracting young people to the trade, said Oswald. Many of these went on to be shop owners. Oswalds real passion is using the latest technology to build better molds faster. Throughout his tenure as CEO, Oswald has maintained significant ongoing investments in cutting-edge CAD/ CAM systems, high-performance CNC machining, robotics and high-performance inspection. He quickly asserts that he couldnt be the Mold Builder of the Year without an impressive team behind him. Founded in 1944 by Eric W. Oswald, Ralphs father, Chicago Mold Engineering has grown steadily since its humble beginnings. Eric Oswald built the company based on quality, attention to detail and confidence in the future. Chicago Mold was early in its adoption of new technology to manufacture mold contours. Pantographs led to tracers, making parts with pleasing sculptured contours more attainable. The introduction of CAD/CAM, NC
(photo 2012 Todd Schuett, Creative Technology Corp.)
Don Mazurek and Ralph Oswald, Chicago Mold Engineering Co.
and CNC in the 1970s further improved manufacturing productivity and the company continued to position itself as a leader by routine, heavy investment in ground-breaking technology. Chicago Mold builds a wide variety of injection and compression molds in a range of sizes. CME is known worldwide for its expertise in building automotive head and tail light lens molds, a specialty demanding high accuracy on a large scale. An innovative center-gated cold runner system is just one of many in-house developments that distinguishes Chicago Mold in this niche. One of Oswalds innovative moves was the 2005 acquisition of the first ATOS III white light scanner in North America. Initially acquired for complex reverse-engineering, the scanner also is used to qualify every completed mold prior to shipment. CME recently upgraded to the latest ATOS system, improving both its speed and its ability to capture fine hidden details. CMEs latest major acquisition is a new 1,100-ton molding press with extra height for stack molds. By keeping our mold tryout in-house, we gain a big advantage by delivering faster without the cost of going outside, said Oswald. Today more than ever, Chicago Mold Engineering, under the guidance of Ralph Oswald, continues its legacy of progressive thinking, recognizing industry trends and adopting them ahead of the industry curve. Embracing technology is the very essence of Ralph Oswald and Chicago Mold Engineering. It is quite gratifying to be selected for this honor by a group of my peers, Oswald concluded. Remaining a leader in state-of-the-art technology has not been easy over the years this award makes it all the more worthwhile.
www.amba.org
Convention
AMBA Conve
American mold builders from across the United States joined together in May in Grand Rapids, MI, to learn how to efficiently separate their businesses from the pack. In examining best practices, mold building metrics and even plant tour workshops, attendees discovered that moldmaking operations share many things in common including similar equipment technology, similar training resources, similar methodologies, and in some cases, even pull from the same pool of human resources. However, with all of these things in common, the most important, uncommon variable is profitability. As Troy Nix, executive director of AMBA, stated in his kickoff address, the ability to execute and deliver is the primary distinction between moldmaking operations - leading to a variance in the strength of the bottom line. Strength in Numbers (this years convention theme) prevailed throughout the three-day event, as the AMBA community united to bring together the largest number of attendees ever to attend an AMBA convention in nearly 40 years! This meant more opportunity to explore, discuss and absorb, and attendees seized the opportunity to do just that.
Speaker Take-Aways
Keynote Scott Paul, Alliance for American Manufacturing, focused on getting "manufacturing" back on the public radar. Paul shared what every manufacturer can do this year to make a difference:
1. Flaunt your Made in America brand. It's never been more popular. 2. Engage your customers in the "Total Cost of Ownership" analysis available through http://www. reshorenow.org/. 3. Check out the services available to you through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program at http://www.nist.gov/mep/. 4. Aggressively partner with vocational schools and community colleges to recruit a skilled workforce. 5. Ensure your community leaders know your total value. Every employee in your shop supports about four other jobs around the nation. 6. Reach across party lines in your advocacy. It will take bipartisan support to pass a bill to stop China from manipulating its currency.
Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, presented powerful benchmarking data that outlined a range of mold shops. Across over 80 mold builders around the world, the leaders in sales per employee are generating over $193,000; while above average companies are operating over $161,000.
Scott Paul, Alliance for American Manufacturing
10 the american MOld Builder
Spring 2012
(photos 2012 Todd Schuett, Creative Technology Corp.)
ntion WrAp
Looking at sales per designer, the best in class are over $1.7M. In average EBIT across companies, there are some that are averaging over 17 percent but then there is a huge drop to under 10 percent in above average companies. The financial data proves that there is a significant stair step at $20M and once companies reach this level of sales, they almost have to push to $40M in order to get economies of scale and overall profitability. Harbour reported that the most significant areas of opportunity for all companies are in operations with elements such as continuous improvement, throughput and waste, visual management, workplace organization (5s), set-up and changeover and strategic planning.
Alan Rothenbuecher, ICE Miller, had this to say about terms and conditions for mold builders, As you seek ways to limit exposure and manage risk, terms and conditions can act as your front-line of defense. But for terms and conditions to work effectively, they need to be enforced consistently, updated regularly, modified as appropriate and be clear, legible and accessible. When possible, mold builders should get their customer to sign a document acknowledging its agreement to their terms and conditions. Tightening up business terms will lead to increased cost savings and the shrinking of exposure. Steve LeFever, Business Resource Services, revealed highlights from the AMBAs 2012 financial and operational benchmarking initiative, unveiling invaluable financial and operational data specific to the moldmaking industry. The information assisted owners and managers in evaluating and determining where opportunities lie to grow their companies and create fiscally stronger, more profitable operations.
business, no matter what the business condition. By using the tools of cost and break-even analysis, attendees came away with a road map to make critical decisions regarding the profitability of individual locations and products - as well a gauge the impact of changes in cost, volume and pricing.
Eric Keiles, Square 2 Marketing, focused on the dramatic shift in buyer behavior, transitioning to a guided sales process and creating a revenue department three big ideas to help attendees think differently about their sales and marketing efforts and beat the pants off of the competition. In order to be truly remarkable and create the kind of company that gets people talking, owners need to do things differently. To this end, Keiles offered the following takeaway actions to attendees:
-Create your marketing strategy (the four key questions) -Create a No Risk Offer and put it on your website -Get three testimonials from clients (with their video!) -Plan a calendar of marketing events that will actually get done -Think of two programs that can position your company as remarkable page 12 u
LeFevers second session offered a uniquely powerful tool, Break-Even Analysis, to provide attendees with an action plan to identify and capture incremental profits. His 360-approach to profit management enabled attendees to see performance measurement in a whole new light and offered a process to squeeze additional profits out of their
Alan Rothenbuecher, ICE Miller LLP
www.amba.org
11
t page 11
-Go back and review all of your marketing materials and make sure they focus on what your clients problems are -Improve your execution to make sure clients refer you via word-of-mouth
Laurie Harbour's wrap up presentation focused on what mold builders can do to improve their business given all of the data that they obtained throughout the convention. Emphasis on benchmarking and leadership marked the most successful organizations. In order for companies to improve, they must set a plan in place, create the necessity to improve, recruit the best people and measure their performance throughout the company. Although program management and engineering are the strongest in most tool shops, Harbour reported that most companies are not capitalizing on efficiency in these areas and recommended that each company do a detailed value stream map of each major area in the value chain to identify waste, both physical and transactional, with the focus on waste elimination. Harbour left the group with a homework assignment, asking leaders to go back to their plants and stand in one
spot on their shop floor and observe for 30 minutes. Look for waste in movement, picking up and putting down, walking, etc., she instructed. Those organizations that teach their team members to identify waste will be eliminating it faster than they can imagine.
Grand Rapids-Area Plants Open Up Shop
Byrne Tool & Die, Commercial Tool & Die, CS Tool Engineering and DieTech& Engineering all hosted top-notch plant tour workshop events. As the first to pioneer this type of learning exchange
Troy Nix, AMBA Executive Director, and Mike Armburst, Mako Mold
Spring 2012
at an AMBA convention, these four shops graciously opened up their shops and shared leading-edge technologies and practices with convention attendees. Met with resounding praise, these tour workshops provided attendees with invaluable takeaway and substantial feedback to the host companies. As expressed by a convention attendee, Excellent experience. I was very impressed! Loved their ideas and am trying to implement some of their ideas here!
Pride in American Manufacturing
From the Welcome Reception on Wednesday to the supplier trade fair (with 36 exhibitors) all three days, attendees made business contacts and networked with friends and industry peers further strengthening the conventions underlying theme: Pride in American Manufacturing. Underscoring that sentiment, attendees were given a patriotic Pride in American Manufacturing banner to hang in their operations. The Pantlind Ballroom with it gold leaf ceiling and majestic white columns served as the perfect venue to host the AMBA Awards Banquet. MC Mike Armbrust, Mako Mold, welcomed incoming AMBA President Todd Finley with Commercial Tool & Die; Tim Bartz with Mold Craft made a special iWarriors presentation and AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix honored Mike Armbrust for his contributions during his tenure as AMBA president. Rounding out the evening, the Chicago Chapter took the Chapter of the Year Award (for the second year in a row) and Ralph Oswald with Chicago Mold Engineering Co.
page 14 u
Tim Bartz, Mold Craft
www.amba.org
13
t page 13 was presented with the Mold Builder of the Year (see both stories under Focus in this issue). Both recipients were presented with a $5,000 endowment from Progressive Components to donate to the educational institution of their choice.
will all survive and prosper for generations to come, said Nix, because deep down, we all know and understand that America is What America Makes.
A Final Call to Action
Spearheaded by an insurmountable amount of data on operational and financial benchmarks, AMBAs convention uncovered primary differences in execution and the ability to deliver. From both global and domestic viewpoints, attendees were treated to a better understanding of industry norms and best practice information helping senior moldmaking executives evaluate their own competitive positions in the marketplace. During the convention wrap-up, Nix highlighted a call to action never before seen at an industrial event: industry supporters, vendors and service providers physically encircled the mold building convention attendees significantly underscoring the true belief that indeed there is Strength in Numbers! As an industry and as an AMBA association, a stronger community among moldmakers and industry partners greatly improves the chances that we
AMBA Mold Builder of the Year Ralph Oswald, CME Co.
Spring 2012
Commercial Tool & Die plant tour
Wednesday night Welcome Reception
AMBA would like to thank all of the 2012 convention sponsors for helping to make this years convention an overwhelming success!
M & M Tooling Inc.

CNC Machining Specialist
With a personal touch
Custom Mold Bases

Rob Esling, Industeel, and Mike Armbrust, Mako Mold
M&M Tooling Inc., is a complete Custom Mold Base manufacturing facility with capacity up to 35 x 80. We employ top journeymen mold-makers, utilizing Mazak CNC machining centers maintaining tight tolerances, to achieve high quality results. M&M Tooling Incs mission is and always will be, to provide follow-through on commitments to our customers, with personal attention that exceeds expectations. Where Your Success is Our Business 395 E. Potter St. Wood Dale, Illinois 60191 Phone: 630-595-8834 Fax: 630-595-6806 Web: www.MMTOOLING.com Email: MMTOOLING@aol.com
Specializing in Mold Shop Overflow Work
Your Source!
A M B A
C O N V E N T I O N
Please visit http://creat.com/amba/2012convention-grand-rapids-michigan to see more AMBA convention photos.

Member
www.amba.org
15
industry
SPE 2012 Moldmaker and Mold Designer of the Year Announced
The Mold Making and Mold Design Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers Inc. announced the 2012 Mold Maker and 2012 Mold Designer of the Year award recipients during the division annual business meeting at ANTEC 2012 (Annual Technical Conference). This years conference co-located with the NPE 2012 (National Plastics Exhibition). The Mold Maker of the Year for 2012 is Robert Novak of suburban Milwaukee, WI. Novak is the Mold Making & Mold Design program chair at Waukesha County Technical College. He is a veteran moldmaker and has provided extensive guidance to moldmaking and mold design students/apprentices in the Greater Milwaukee Area. A $500 honorarium will be presented in Novaks name to the school of his choice. The honorarium is made possible through a grant from the D-M-E Company in suburban Detroit, MI. The Mold Designer of the Year for 2012 is Barbara Arnold-Feret of suburban Fort Worth, TX, a lifelong veteran of the plastics industry. She has worked extensively in the design and manufacture of rotational molds and related tooling, and has served the industry through the SPE and at various educational facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Arnold-Feret is the first person to receive the award whose career has not been focused entirely on injection molds, demonstrating the wide range of career paths available in the field of moldmaking and mold design. A $500 honorarium will be presented in Arnold-Ferets name to the school of her choice. The honorarium is made possible through a grant from Progressive Components Inc. in Wauconda, IL.
Tech Mold Inc., Tempe, AZ, has long been known for its expertise in designing and manufacturing high-volume, multi-cavity injection molds for the medical disposables industry. With medical disposable products in the spotlight for increased demand and the need for greater consumer safety through anticounterfeit measures, the judges of the International Plastics Design Competition recognized the importance of this innovation, presenting the Judges Award to the In-Mold Label (IML) Syringe Barrel. The International Plastics Design Competition was sponsored by the SPI and awards were presented at a special event held at the NPE 2012. We were extremely pleased and honored that the Judges have chosen to recognize the merits of our efforts, commented Vince Lomax, vice president of Tech Mold Inc., which designed and built the 16-cavity mold for the NPE project. Putting together a dream team of companies working together to introduce this innovative product using technology developed by each company, is certainly noteworthy. Tech Mold was initially approached by Mold-Masters to collaborate on a mold to showcase its Melt-Cube technology. The project evolved into the development of an innovative IML cell. CBW Automation, a leading supplier of automation for the plastics industry specializing in medical and packaging markets, was one of six companies that collaborated on this highly complex IML cell, submitted the IML Syringe Barrel to the Competition on behalf of the team of six companies that developed this beta cell. The other partner companies in this unique collaborative effort included Milacron (supplied the injection molding press); Inland Label (the designer and supplier of the labels) and PolyOne, which
In-Mold Labeled Syringe Barrel Recognized for Innovation at NPE
Spring 2012
supplied the resin. Mold-Masters Ltd. contributed its new side-gate hot runner technology, called Melt-Cube, to the mold to enhance overall molding processing and make possible the in-mold label technique.
Components for MPC Inc. While there were other moldmakers who believed they could make a mold for this part, MPC ultimately chose Industrial Molds. Tom Stonis, MPCs tooling engineer for the Water Outlet project, said that through his experience with developing tooling for nearly 45 years, he knows that there are many moldmakers who can build the mold but cant guarantee the part will be successful. We presented this project to several other moldmakers but they backed away from it. I was told by some mold shops that theyd be surprised if we got a part out of the mold in one piece, said Stonis. The Water Outlet assembly is made possible through the development of a complex injection mold, incorporating multiple sequential valve gates to prevent material overpack and gas entrapment. The 10 male ports are created without a parting line usually required with conventional injection molding. Seamless hose joints are made possible through precision timing of multiple valve gates and multiple slide actions to properly form this complex product in one piece. Because of the complexity of this mold, the mechanical actions, the hydraulics and electronics that had to be all married together, it was critical that each one of these movements in the tool had to move precisely in sequence, Stonis remarked.
Industrial Molds Designs and Builds Complex Mold for Winning Part
Industrial Molds Group, Rockford, IL, was pleased when its customer, MPC Inc., a Tier 1 molder of automotive components for global OEMs, won the Single Part award in the SPIs International Plastics Design Competition. The award was presented at NPE. The Water Outlet assembly represented a metal to plastic conversion which integrated two components into one assembly. The thermoplastic replacement is a single molded product, delivering greater than 25-percent cost savings and a 450-gram weight reduction. During the early development stages, MPC discussed building these molds with multiple moldmakers, some of which had concerns with the design, noted Brad Hakes, product engineering supervisor Molded
Pick a mold base.
any mold base. NO ONE has mOrE variEty.
dme.net 800.626.6653
Find the right mold base at dme.net/moldbaseguide
www.amba.org
17
Technology
Exploring the Niche Market of Silicone Molds
By Rick Finnie, M.R. Mold & Engineering
lthough life seems to be returning to the mold manufacturing industry, there are many moldmakers still looking to find their niche. M.R. Mold & Engineering, Brea, CA, found its unique niche 15 years ago when the plastics industry experienced a downturn and the company needed to survive. To that end, M.R. Mold & Engineering has focused on becoming world-class in the silicone realm and shares its knowledge on the topic with The American Mold Builder readers.
Eight cavity medical silicone mold with an 8 drop open nozzle cold runner
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) and Liquid Injection Molded Silicone Elastomer (LIM) are high-performance thermoset elastomers. The raw material comes in a paste consistency. The material is a two-part platinum curable elastomer that is pumped and combined in a static mixer mounted to the barrel of the molding machine. The benefits of using silicone elastomers include the following: High temperature stability up to 600 degrees Low temperature flexibility down to -160 degrees Resistant to many fluids i.e., fuel, oil Outstanding sealing properties i.e., low compression set Excellent weatherablity Very good dielectric properties Bio-compatibility - there are many FDA approved silicones for implant applications. Some are specific to 29 days or less, while others are approved for permanent implant.
Because silicone elastomers are thermoset materials, it is necessary to keep the material at room temperature until it is injected into a hot mold. Typical mold temperatures for silicone range between 250-400 degrees. Good communication between the mold buyer and moldmaker is imperative. Clarification of these items should be done before the tool build: Critical tolerances Gate location Parting line location Any steel safe requirements Surface finish Wall thickness tolerance Seal surface Flash allowance Parting line mismatch allowance
Silicone is used consistently in these industries because of its exceptional properties: Medical Automotive Aerospace Consumer products Infant care Construction
Designing and building molds for liquid silicone rubber requires a different mindset. Critical specifications need to be considered when designing and building a silicone mold.
Spring 2012
Silicone flashes very easily, making critical tolerances of the utmost importance. Due to this fact, plates must be parallel and flat. It is important to note that conventional ejector pins will flash. High polish will leave silicone with a clear shiny eyeglass finish; however, silicone will stick to polished surfaces. LSR releases best from matte or textured finishes. Using mold flow analysis on difficult product designs during the design process is the most effective way to decrease costs in labor and material. Considerations of the critical details in the systematic
simulation allow engineers to rely, with a high degree of confidence, on the simulation results. Parting line selection in silicone tools is vital in some products and procedures. Parting lines will determine where the air can escape, where the part will remain when the mold opens and whether or not the part can be removed from the mold. They will form a seam on the molded part so care has to be taken in sealing applications. In order for a part to fill correctly, the part needs to be gated in a particular place. Gates determine where the last place to fill will be located and possible air entrapment. The correct selection of gate style and gate location is frequently critical. Gates leave a minor blemish on the part so care must be taken in sealing and cosmetic situations. The runner system in a silicone mold is distinctly different than in a plastic mold. Standard plastic industry sprue bushings should not be used. The sprue is far too large and will result in extended cycle time. Because silicone tears easily, full round runners are preferable with radius on all corners. Runners for silicone can be as small as 1/16 in diameter, but need to be strong enough not to break when removed from the mold. Venting in silicone molds is distinctly different. Whenever possible, the moldmaker must always add vacuum to assist in venting. Vacuum is used to evacuate the air out of the mold prior to injection. Proper sealing of the mold to achieve high vacuum is critical. In silicone molds, vent depths have to be controlled very carefully to prevent flash. It is typical to test a mold without vents to determine the prime vent location. Vents can be surface ground, burnt on a sinker EDM, high-speed milled or laser machined. There are times additional requirements are needed to enhance the molds capabilities. For instance, critical parting line mismatch requires additional mold components Polymer Type Natural Rubber Butyl Rubber Styrene-butadiene Rubber Nitrile Rubber Ethylene-propylene Diene Monomer High Consistency Silicone Rubber Liquid Silicone Rubber
Silicone micro medical parts
to assure proper alignment. Parting line locks are used for alignment on high-volume production molds. Taper locks are devices that engage at the final closing of the mold for proper alignment. Self-registered cavities and cores are typically done with round diaphragms. Side actions are sometimes required when there is an undercut feature in the part design, which should be avoided if possible with silicone. Side actions can be operated by air cylinders, hydraulic cylinders or angle pins. The buyer should indicate a preference as to which style of side action to use. Uniform mold heat is required. Cartridge heaters, tubular heaters, bendable heaters and band heaters are all considerations. The location of thermal couples is significant. A 25-degree variation in a typical 1.375 thick heater plate will result in a .0002 change in thickness. Multiple zones are used to control the heat in a silicone mold. All plates coming in contact with the silicone must be heated. Whenever feasible, heat is added inside the cores. Current Pricing Increase in per Lb. (Post-2010) Price $2.50 $3.00 $1.50 $2.0 $2.70 $4.50 $5.20 317% 235% 131% 167% 238% 29% 16%
page 20 u
www.amba.org
ASTM Traditional Desg. Pricing per Lb. (Pre-2000) NR $0.60 BR $0.85 SBR $0.65 NBR $0.75 EPDM $0.80 VMG LSR $3.50 $4.50
Reference chart supplied by Rick Ziebell, R.D. Abbott; October 2011
19
t page 19
The use of a cold runner system is highly recommended for high-volume silicone production molds in order to reduce cycle times through the ease of automation and a waste less design. The table on page 19 shows the pricing of rubber materials over the past several years. The contrasting differences in price for organic rubber polymers is a cause for huge concern when it comes to runner and transfer pad waste. Cold runner injection molds are a way to reduce that waste to zero. Cold runner systems are used to enable projects to be more cost effective by eliminating runners and material waste. There are pros and cons of using a cold runner system versus a conventional runner system. Although a cold runner system adds to the cost of a project, there are many instances in which a single cold runner system can be used on more than one project. It should be noted that a cold runner system also increases the maintenance costs on the overall tool. Skilled technicians are required to maintain a cold runner tool, which equates to additional training costs. Spare components and replacement components, i.e., nozzles, seals, nozzle tips, valve gate pins, etc. are an added expense. Consideration must be given to the molding machine specifications to ensure there is enough daylight to allow for a taller mold with a cold runner. Cold runner systems can be equipped with either open nozzles or valve gate nozzles. Open nozzles are less expensive, have less maintenance, can have tighter nozzle spacing and require less daylight in the molding machine. Open nozzles do have their challenges. Controlling gate remnant and nozzle drool is a delicate balancing act within the injection cycle. A cured plug from the open nozzle will be injected into the following shot. There is no control
over individual nozzles. Injecting with maximum pressure and velocity for the first stage of the injection cycle can be abusive to the molding machine. The molding machine must be equipped with a diving nozzle. When using valve gates with a cold runner system, more reliability with repeatable gate remnants is experienced. Valve gate nozzles provide individual control over each nozzle. They also require less processing skills. The process allows lower injection pressures, therefore enabling it to be used for large and small parts. With these benefits, come drawbacks. Valve gates are more costly because of their complexity. A pneumatic mechanism is required to control the valve gates. The valve gate mechanism might require larger cavity spacing. The valve gate pneumatics requires more daylight on the molding machine. Automating the silicone mold can be the answer to cost effective molding. Whether the silicone mold uses a cold runner system or not, automation must be considered. There are various styles of ejection methods used in silicone molds, including the following: Pop-up cores Ejector pins Air poppet Mold sweep Grippers Strippers End-of-arm tooling to fit a standard robot Custom-built integral robot supplied with the mold 6-axis robot
M.R. Mold believes in Made in the USA and is doing all that it can to encourage the industry to educate itself on ways to compete with off-shore companies. Good communication between the mold buyer and the moldmaker is vitally important in this competitive climate. Keeping up with current technology within the industry is of the utmost importance. Rick Finnie is president of M.R. Mold & Engineering and is an active participant in the education of moldmakers and future moldmakers across the US. M.R. Mold & Engineering Corp. provides precision tooling for the rubber and plastic industries and specializes in liquid silicone, gum stock rubber and plastic injection molds. M.R. Mold validates all LSR tools within its 4,000-squarefoot Tech Center. For more information, contact Finnie at 714.996.5511 or visit www.mrmold.com.
Intricate geometry on silicone mask projects
Spring 2012
Your reliable
for
partner
tool and mold making
Meusburger guarantees
Reduced warping during machining through high-quality steel heat-treated for stress relief Savings in time and costs as well as durable reliability based on strict quality guidelines Optimum service through easy-to-handle ordering facilities and competence on all levels Permanent availability of the products thanks to an extensive standard parts warehouse Short lead times through optimized processes and excellent logistics networks
Our company is a global leader in the field of standard parts. More than 8,000 prestigious customers all over the world currently benefit from our excellent service and our many years of experience in manufacturing high-quality standard parts. Offering an extensive product range that is perfectly adapted to your needs, we are the ideal partner for facing all kinds of challenges in tool and mold making.
Meusburger always reliable
Novi (US) | June 1314, 2012 | Booth #631

www.amba.org
21
Technology
A Closer Look at Tandem Mold Technology

By Wilhelm Kliewer, American T-Mould, LLC
Whenever you hear the phrase Tandem Technology and you see the two parting lines of the injection molding tool, it is easy to assume that it is a stack mold. Right away, many people have told me they know all about tandem technology. However after explaining the details of tandem technology, a surprised look followed by astonished questions are guaranteed. So, what is tandem technology?
What is tandem technology?
Definition of "Key Words"
In order to explain, it is essential to start with the basic main elements of a standard cycle of the injection molding process. Each standard cycle has the following steps: mold opening, ejection, mold closing, injection, hold and pack and remaining cooling. During the conventional process, the remaining cooling time is considered as dead time, even though it is an essential part of the cycle. Tandem technology uses the cooling time to inject resin into the second parting line. Tandem technology is basically the alternating process of two parting lines: Parting Line 1 (PL 1) starts out the process with mold opening, ejection, mold closing, injection and hold and pack parallel PL 2 is cooling. Before cooling starts in PL 1, it is locked with a Compact Locking System (CLS) and Parting Line 2 (PL 2) is unlocked. While PL 1 is cooling, PL 2 continues the process with mold opening, ejection, mold closing, injection and hold and pack. PL 2 is locked with the CLS and the cooling continues.
Spring 2012
Each parting line has its own processing parameters, equal to a single parting line process parameter. With a software update, a standard injection molding machine is able to run the tandem process. This software update provides a separate set of parameters for each parting line, which runs independently. This enables the production of completely different parts (with different geometries) out of the two parting lines. Each parting line can be locked and the tool can be processed as a standard tool. This makes a very good case for tandem when discussing different production volumes on products. For example, a tandem tool produces a left hand and right car door latch the customer needs a larger volume of one product over the other. All that needs to be done is to lock the parting line and produce out of one parting line. This would not be as simple with a family mold or stack mold. When building a tandem tool, several requirements exist. The injection molding press needs to have two core pulls, most likely hydraulic. In some cases, a pneumatic core pull for the CLS Locking System works as well. One core pull for the CLS Locking System and the second for
Print Notes or Special Requirement PANTONE XXXX PANTONE XXXX PANTONE XXXX
C
C O L O U R S L U G
Process Cyan
Process Magenta
COLOUR MAY NOT REPRODUCE AS SHOWN. The above colour is specified for this project and may not reproduce exactly on various equipment. If printing 4 colours spot colours will be converted to process. Questions? contact us at www.creativitygoesbang.com
the hydraulic cylinders that are installed in the stationary ejector side. The CLS Locking System, as well as the hydraulic cylinders on the stationary ejector side, will have positioning sensors or switches that send a positive signal to the press. This signal is used in the tandem program to process in alternating sequence. In addition, a software update is needed to process the tandem sequence. Almost all press manufacturers have the software update and are able to support the requirements.
Hot Runner Systems For Any Application

Y
Process Yellow
Process Black
Special A
Special B
Spot UV
Direct-Flo Gold Systems I Designed for Engineered Resins I Unitized, Integrated, and Hot Half Systems I Standard and Custom Manifold Designs I Thermal, Valve, Open and Edge Gate Options Opti-Flo Systems I Rheologically Balanced Manifolds I Superior Part Cosmetics
with
What differentiates tandem from stack?
First, the stack mold opens parallel two parting lines while the tandem opens only one parting line in an alternating process. Therefore, it is only half the shot size compared to a stack mold - just like a conventional standard tool. This means that the barrel remains standard size; however most of the time with stack molds, the barrel needs to be upgraded to reflect the larger volume requirement.
Technology
I Unmatched Processing Control
Based on the over 900 tandem applications worldwide, it is safe to say that tandem technology does not require a larger press and therefore provides the user more flexibility.
Second, tandem tools need only half of the mold opening stroke, meaning that the daylight requirement for the press most of the time is equal to a standard tool requirement. Third, the tandem process is easier to control. The process profile is the same as a standard tool. With that in mind, the process does not need to be adjusted when processing only one parting line. Fourth, stack molds require equal cavity pressure between PL 1 and PL 2 most of the time. While sequential valve gating does provide different options, most stack applications are not processed with sequential valve gating. Even with sequential valve gating, the process window is limited. With tandem, it is possible to process shot variance up to 60-percent difference.
page 24 u
www.amba.org
INCOE Hot Runners Today

Designed for optimal performance and cost effectiveness, we partner with our customers to help them exceed their expectations. With more than 50 years of in-eld experience, our systems are supported globally with local application expertise. Thats INCOE Hot Runner Performance.
North America | Europe | Asia | South America
INCOE Corporation
1740 East Maple Road Troy, Michigan 48083 USA T: +1 (248) 616-0220 F: +1 (248) 616-0225 E: info@incoe.com www.incoe.com
23
t page 23
Fifth, stack molds require some sort of mechanical carrier and activation system. This adds to the complexity and pushes, by design, the stack into a non-standard press. Very often, stack molds require a dedicated press. Based on the over 900 tandem applications worldwide, it is safe to say that tandem technology does not require a larger press and therefore provides the user more flexibility. In other words it is possible to utilize a smaller, less expensive injection molding press.
Short and long valve gate nozzle solution
How does the material get into the parting lines?
In general, as each application is unique, many different solutions for tandem applications exist. Some application examples include the following:
Valve to valve transfer plus valve gated nozzles
Open valve solution
Every tool is unique and the solution varies based on the tooling requirement. Almost every hot runner system provider has worked on a tandem tool application.
Can tandem technology combine with other technologies?
A tandem tool was featured at the NPE 2012 in Orlando and many interested visitors asked whether tandem technology can be used in combination with other technologies such as MuCell or 2-shot or multicolor. The answer is possibly; however, it varies from application to application. Projects realized and successfully implemented include MuCell, insert molding, overmolding, gas-assist molding, compression molding, index platen technology and core back technology.
Valve to valve transfer into manifold with open nozzles
What press range and materials can be used with tandem technology?
As far as presses, standard IMMs from 35 ton up to 3500 ton clamping force and hydraulic, hybrid and all electrical presses can be used. It should be noted that a software update for the controller will be needed.
Spring 2012
The Koolest Water Manifold System Available

The following list details just some of the materials that can be used: PP (+GF; +LGF; +EPDM) PA (+GF up to 50%) PBT, PC, ABS+PC, POM, PPA, TPE and more In a nutshell, tandem technology produces several main advantages, including Increase the output up to 100 percent Production of family parts on one injection molding press Lower production costs up to 40 percent Faster set-up time Perfect color matching and Higher press efficiency.
US designed & manufactured Modular corrosion protected aluminum construction Flexible port option Viton O-rings & tie-rods included 90 degree option available 3D CAD file configuration
Information about tandem technology can be requested by contacting the inventor and developer of the technology, T/Mould Solution LLC. Contact Wilhelm Kliewer at 616.617.2422, wilhelm.kliewer@t-mould.com or visit www.t-mould.com.
Oldcastle, Ontario Fountain Valley, California
www.dmscomponents.com
YOUR SOURCE FOR QUALITY MOLD COMPONENTS FOR OVER 40 YEARS
1-800-265-4885
Schaumburg, Illinois Hong Kong
Corroplast FM is the new stainless steel mold base material available exclusively from SCHMOLZ+BICKENBACH. The team of metallurgical engineers from Deutsche Edelstahlwerke GmbH specically developed this grade for the plastics tooling industry. Corroplast FM offers the benets of an improved microstructure, superior machinability and excellent corrosion resistance compared to other free machining stainless grades. Corroplast FM is ideally suited for mold bases, manifold plates, hot halves and other plastics tooling associated with processing corrosive resins (PVC) or used in corrosive manufacturing environments. For more information about Corroplast FM, please visit our website or contact us at (800) 323-1233 ext. 2295.
USA www.schmolz-bickenbach.us (800) 323-1233 Canada www.schmolz-bickenbach.ca (800) 268-4977
www.amba.org
25
Show Preview
Show Preview
amerimold returns to metropolitan Detroits Suburban Collection Showplace, June 13-14, 2012, with an event that offers solutions for every aspect of the mold business. From product technology to process improvement, business development to management strategies if you are responsible for improving any part of a mold manufacturing business, theres something for you at amerimold 2012.
Product technology
This years exhibit hall features product technology impacting all parts of the mold lifecycle. amerimold attendees will experience firsthand new technologies for designing, engineering, machining, finishing, maintaining and repairing molds. Along with more than 100 product and service suppliers, exhibit hall attendees receive access to four complimentary keynote addresses. Highlighting these show floor presentations are two sessions that explore advanced manufacturing and rapid product development in the performance racing and automotive industries. Delivered by Mark Bringle, technical sponsorship and marketing director at Joe Gibbs Racing, the first keynote will examine rapid product development at Joe Gibbs Racing. A second keynote will explore process innovations applied through the manufacturing lifecycle of the 2013 Roush Mustang. The keynote will be presented by Gary Jurick, vice president and general manager, Roush Performance Products.
All conference sessions are interchangeable and registrants receive breakfast and lunch on both days of the show and admission to the opening night reception.
Business development
Complimenting the exhibit hall and technical conference, amerimold 2012 includes a number of business networking opportunities. The annual amerimold Casino Reception will be held the opening night of the show. A big celebration, the reception brings together conference registrants, product suppliers and industry experts. All conference registrants receive an invitation to the event or exhibit hall attendees can purchase a ticket. New this year, amerimold will co-locate with the National Tooling & Machining Associations (NTMA) Purchasing Fair. The Purchasing Fair is a business development event that seeks to connect OEMs and large manufacturers with contract job shops. If you are looking for product technology, process improvements or networking opportunities that will help improve and grow your mold business amerimold 2012 is your one-stop business solution shop. AMBA members receive a free Exhibit Hall Pass and 50-percent discount on the conference. Simply register online or onsite using the promo code: AMBA.
Process improvements
The amerimold technical conference will offer focused sessions aimed at delivering process innovations and business strategies that will help improve your mold business. This years Mold Manufacturing sessions will focus on product and process technologies impacting all aspects of a molds lifecycle. Specific topics include fiveaxis machining, conformal cooling, mold maintenance, workforce development, business best practices and customer service. The Additive Manufacturing sessions feature leaders from xlaFORM, Vista Technologies, RapidTech and Innovative Medical Device Solutions (IMDS) presenting topics ranging from 3D printing to advanced materials to the future of rapid product development.
Spring 2012
The following amerimold exhibitors may be of interest to The American Mold Builder readers: American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) Booth # 333 www.amba.org
AMBA is the premier trade association for the US mold manufacturing industry, serving its members with financial and operational metrics, cost-saving programs, educational resources and so much more. Membership information,
the AMBA Sourcebook and the latest issue of The American Mold Builder are available at the AMBA booth.
DMS Booth # 102
AST Technology GmbH Booth # 607
AST specializes in initiating systems and standards for OEMs and contract manufacturers and will demonstrate the latest developments of its CVe Monitor, which electronically tracks mold performance, activity and maintenance history.
www.ast-tech.de
DMS will highlight the latest tunnel gate inserts from I-Mold and Exaflow, REDEVAULT, Full-Color mold plaques, Kool Flow water manifolds and Heatlock, plus many other innovative mold products.
www.dmscomponents.com
Dynamic International Booth # 407
Bales Mold Service, Inc. Booth # 213
Bales Mold Service, Inc. was established in 1978 and has grown into a cutting edge, full service polishing and plating operation, providing high-quality diamond chrome, hard chrome, diamond polishing, passivation, electroless nickel plating and proprietary coatings Nicklon and Nibore.
www.balesmold.com
Founded in 1986, Dynamic International provides stateof-the-art die/mold machine solutions for a broad-base of discriminating North American companies and represents OKK, HNK, Kuraki, Samsung, Dynamic Speed, IMSA and Sigma.
www.dynamicintl.com
Ellwood Specialty Steel Booth # 312
Beaumont Technologies Booth # 621 www.beaumontinc.com
Ellwood Specialty Steel is a mold steel and aluminum supplier, including the unique products of Rovalma.
www.ess.elwd.com
Beaumont Technologies, Inc. is a plastics engineering firm that offers unique engineering, development, training and consulting services for the injection molding industry, focusing on plastic flow drives internal development of patented products revolving around the melt delivery system.
Gesswein Booth # 226
Gesswein carries a complete line of finishing supplies, tools and equipment, including ceramic superstones, mounted abrasive products, ultrasonic polishers, micromotor polishing systems and microwelders. page 28 u
www.gesswein.com
BORIDE Engineered Abrasives Booth # 523 www.borideabrasives.com
BORIDE Engineered Abrasives is a leading US manufacturer of bonded abrasive products, showcasing mold/diemaker polishing stones, diamond compounds, mounted points, industrial sharpening stones and other specialty abrasive products.
is Manufacturing
Software Solutions
Choice Mold Components Booth # 426 www.choicemold.com
Fastest 2 axis - Simultaneous 5-Axis CAM Software for the toughest molds. Auto-5 for automatic deep 5-axis milling. Job Management & ERP solutions for Custom Manufacturers and Job Shops.
Choice Mold Components manufactures quality, fully detailed custom core pins, water-cooled cores and custom ejector sleeves, offering a large selection of 'in stock' inch and metric ejector blades as well as custom blades.
Creative Technology Corp. Booth # 721
With 30 years of technical experience, Creative Technology Corp. provides complete photo, video and website services for die/mold manufacturers and industry professionals.
www.creat.com
Work Smarter Work Faster
Plan your Work Work your Plan
DME Company Booth # 307
DME Company is a global leader for a complete line of mold bases, quick-change mold systems, mold components, moldmaking and molding equipment and supplies, hot runner systems, control systems and cold runner systems for elastomers.
www.dme.net
www.sescoi.com info@sescoi.com 248-351-9300

www.amba.org
27
t page 27
GPI Prototype and Mfg. Services Booth # 713 www.gpiprototype.com
GPI Prototype and Mfg. Services Inc. is a premier service provider of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and offers conformal cooling in tool inserts for molding applications, rapid prototyping using additive equipment, 3D laser scanning and reverse engineering.
the Direct-Flo GOLD series offering superior rheological control, unmatched balance, unitized systems and complete hot halves complimented by advanced control systems.
Materion Brush Performance Alloys Booth # 702 www.materion.com
Haimer USA Booth # 611
Haimer USA offers cutting tools and tooling, tool management systems, toolholders, optical measuring systems and inspection/measurement.
www.haimer-usa.com
Materion Brush Performance Alloys products can be found in the telecommunications, computer, automotive electronics, appliance, industrial components, plastic tooling, optical media, oil and gas, aerospace and defense and off-highway and mining equipment markets.
HASCO America, Inc. Booth # 622
Meusburger Georg GmBH & Co KG Booth # 631 www.meusburger.com
HASCO America is a leading global manufacturer of standard mold units and components including hot runner technology and will highlight the latest enhancements of standard mold units created half a century ago.
www.hasco.com
Meusburger, the reliable partner for tool and moldmaking is a global leader in the field of standard parts, with excellent service and many years of experience in manufacturing high-quality standard parts that are perfectly adapted to customer needs.
Incoe Corporation Booth # 431
INCOE offers hot runner systems that increase productivity while maximizing molder up-time, including
www.incoe.com
Mold Base Industries, Inc. Booth # 533
Mold Base Industries, Inc. manufactures quality custom mold bases and rough or finished ground plates. The mold bases are machine finished so customers can simply
www.moldbase.com
Spring 2012
install cavities, cores and auxiliary items, making their mold ready for testing.
ToolingDocs LLC Booth # 603
PCS Company Booth # 512
PCS Co. is a leading full-line supplier of high-quality molding components, standard and special mold bases, hot runner systems, custom-made products and nanotechnology products.
www.pcs-company.com
ToolingDocs, a leading authority on mold maintenance, will highlight its new Certified Maintenance Provider Program, which provides moldmakers with a viable strategy for increasing revenue, as well as other unique certification training programs.
www.toolingdocs.com
Progressive Components Booth # 503
Vista Metals Corporation Booth # 427 www.vistametals.com
Progressive Components features off-the-shelf standards that speed mold building and reduce costs and downtime, including the exclusive CVe Monitor, ProtoBridge System, DT Series Collapsible Cores, Lifter Blades and Cores, Locking Series Date Stamps, Internal and External Plate Lock Systems and more.
www.procomps.com
Vista Metals will showcase its Duramold-2 and Duramold-5 Aluminum Mold Plate products along with the ATP-5 Aluminum Tooling Plate.
Yarde Metals Booth # 221
Roehr Tool Corporation Booth # 605
Roehr will feature patented Collapsible Core technology, including the DT Series, proven to reduce cycle times, simplify mold designs and give part design flexibility and space savings. New developments in Minicore and Expandable Cavity technology also will be highlighted.
www.roehrtool.com
Yarde Metals is a worldwide distributor of aluminum mold and cast plate including Q-10 2 through 20; M-1 and M-5 through 30 thick; K100-S, MIC-6, ALCA-5, 2024 through 6 thick; 6061 through 16 thick; and 7075 through 12.
www.yarde.com
Seco Tools Booth # 524
Seco Tools offers a choice of advanced tooling solutions for high-efficiency, high-precision milling, turning, cutting and drilling of difficult-to-machine materials.
www.secotools.com/us
SelfLube Booth # 212
SelfLube is a US-based manufacturer of precision mold and die components such as bushings, gibs, wear strips, parting line locks, lifter slides and related items 8,000 standard parts numbers in all, many of which are self-lubricating.
www.selflube.com
Sescoi Booth # 217
Sescoi provides manufacturing software solutions, including WorkNC CAD/CAM (an advanced, automated, CAM package to efficiently mill molds and dies) and WorkPLAN (providing ERP functions for made to order and custom manufacturers).
www.sescoi.com
info@wi-engraving.com
www.amba.org
29
Association
Finley Takes the AMBA Helm
The AMBA would like to welcome Todd Finley, president of Commercial Tool & Die, Inc., as the AMBAs incoming president, effective May 18, 2012. Taking over the helm from past president Mike Armbrust of Mako Mold, Finley will serve a two-year term. In his new position, he hopes to continue to grow AMBA membership and make the annual convention THE place to go for leaders in the industry, with attendance doubling again in the next two years. Finley continued, I also would like to make headway in setting industry standards and guidelines in areas such as payment terms for molds and developing programs for attracting and training a talented workforce to this industry. Finley began his career as a moldmaker apprentice in 1985. My grandfather got me a summer job at Troy Tooling in 1985 as a way to make a little extra money for college, Finley explained. I really enjoyed learning all of the skills needed to build molds, and my summer job became a career. His career has taken him from a moldmaker at Troy Tooling to project manager, design manager, chief engineer, plant manager and vice president at Delta Technologies Group. Currently, he is the president of Commercial Tool & Die in Comstock Park, MI, where
AMBA President Todd Finley accepts congratulations from Past President Mike Armbrust at the AMBA National Convention in Grand Rapids, MI. (photo 2012 Todd Schuett, Creative Technology Corp.)
Order Gold Plates for all Your U.S. Built Molds!

We now offer two sizes of Made in USA plates to put on all your U.S. built molds! 1-1/2" x 2" size for 3" x 4" size for
his responsibilities include sales ($40M) and operations. Under his leadership, Commercial was awarded the 2008 and 2009 MoldMaking Technology magazine Leadtime Leader Award for a Large Shop. As current secretary of the AMBA West Michigan Chapter, Finley has served on the AMBA National Board since 2009. During this time, he represented the AMBA in working with other tooling associations (NTMA, CTMA, PMA, etc.) to make recommendations to the Automotive Task Force just prior to and during the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies. Our members that build automotive tooling were at risk of not getting paid for work completed, and it was this committee's position and recommendation to the task force that tooling must be paid for in full, Finley explained. He also testified in front of the Michigan House of Representatives Judiciary Committee regarding the issues with the current Michigan Mold Lien Act and how the legislation should be rewritten. Finley continues to be passionate about excellence in manufacturing and continuous improvement in a lean environment. He believes that US moldmakers can be globally competitive on a level playing field. Being a part of the AMBA Board of Directors has helped me make great relationships with outstanding leaders in our industry, said Finley. This has given me the opportunity to talk through difficult business issues with trusted friends and gain great advice on how to move our business forward.
$1 each
plus s/h
MADE IN USA
$2 each
plus s/h
The new updated AMBA logo and the words Made in USA are imprinted on the plates. Order your mold plates today, and highlight your Made in the USA status!
Email AMBA at info@amba.org or call the AMBA office to order your gold plates today! 30 the american MOld Builder
Spring 2012
Welcome New Members and Partners

Craig Dusing, President 815.225.7250 www.carrollmolds.com Carroll Industrial Molds, Inc. is a full-service mold shop specializing in aluminum molds for the plastics industry. The company manufactures custom aluminum molds for a wide range of molding processes and serves a diverse customer base.
Members Carroll Industrial Molds, Inc., Milledgeville, IL
Tech Molded Plastics, Inc., Meadville, PA
Galaxy Technologies, Winfield, KS Andy Plyler, President/CEO 620.221.6262 www.galaxytool.com Galaxy Technologies provides tooling concept, design, fabrication and installation services for the aerospace, aviation and plastic industries. GW Plastics - Mold Division, South Royalton, VT
Scott Rosen, Plant Manager Mold Division 802.763.2194 www.gwplastics.com GW Plastics internal mold design and build capabilities ensure customer applications perform consistently throughout the life of the program. GW/PT features include zero-defect tool DFM approach, advanced material flow and shrinkage analysis, quick turnaround prototype support, single-cavity bridge tooling for pre-production launch, high-cavitation precision tooling for volume production, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) expertise, polishing and texturing and more.
Dale Pringle, Tooling Operations Manager 814.724.8222 www.ttmp.com Tech Mold Plastics has been building complex, precision molds since 1973. Techs Tooling Operation is an innovative precision tool and moldmaking facility that is fully integrated with Techs in-house design and production services, specializing in the latest CAD/CAM technologies, multi-cavity molds, quick change molds, insert molds, multiple slide action molds, custom wire and Ram CNC EDM, close-tolerance spare tooling and production-quality prototypes. Nichole Segrue, Controller/Treasurer 716.985.4691 www.u-t-c.com UTC specializes in the design and construction of thermoplastic injection molds, compression molds, die casting dies and blow molds ranging up to 5,000 pounds. In addition, the company does repair work, CNC milling and turning, grinding and Ram EDM.
Universal Tooling Corp., Gerry, NY
HagBros Precision LLC, Round Rock, TX Josh Bejhat, CFO 512.341.9368 www.hagbros.com HagBros Precision specializes in the design and manufacture of high-precision tooling/injection molds, dies, assembly fixtures, gauges and small machines with logic control. Kent Mold & Mfg. Company, Inc., Kent, OH Paul Ferder, President 330.673.3469 www.kentmold.com Kent Mold & Mfg. design/builds blow, rubber and plastic injection molds, specializing in precision maintenance and repair/revisions with state-of-the-art CAD/CAM and CNC machining capabilities. Mekra Tool and Mold, LLC, Ridgeway, SC David Hong, Operations Manager 803.337.4990 www.mekratool.com Mekra Tool and Mold designs and builds high-precision plastic injection molds, dies, fixtures and gauges.
Vince Romano, President 440.942.7585 Vast Mold & Tool specializes in the production of injection molds, thermo set compression and transfer molds. Mold repair, prototypes, tools, jigs and fixtures, Ram EDM, CNC production, general machining, mold and part design and molding services are available.
Vast Mold & Tool, Inc., Mentor, OH
Partners Crystallume Engineered Diamond Products,
Santa Clara, CA Ed Francis, Vice President 408.653.1700 www.crystallume.com Crystallume, founded in 1984, is a pioneer in the development and application of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond technology for the machining of graphite electrodes. Crystallume has one of the largest diamond coating facilities in the US. Kenny Lu, CEO 248.946.4570 www.moldex3d.com Moldex3D produces CAE product for the plastics injection molding industry. With the best-in-class analysis technology, Moldex3D can help simulate the widest application range of injection molding processes to optimize product design and manufacturability, shorten time-to-market and maximize product ROI. page 32 u
www.amba.org
Moldex3D, Northville, MI
31
t page 31
Mold Buyer Leads from NPE 2012

AMBA exhibited at the NPE 2012 show, April 1-5, 2012, in Orlando, FL. The AMBAs purpose when exhibiting is to promote the US mold manufacturing industry, the AMBA, AMBA members and to distribute the AMBA Sourcebook to OEMs and mold purchasers. A qualified list of potential mold buyers has been assembled from the attendees that visited the AMBA booth. Please note: every company on this list also received a copy of the AMBA Sourcebook. This list of leads is presented as an Excel report that includes contact names, email addresses, phone numbers and the comments and notes made by the staff and booth volunteers about each company. This list is available to AMBA members only at My AMBA on www.amba.org (navigate to "Trade Show Lead Lists" to download this spreadsheet of trade show leads).
AMBA Member Wins Free Weekend Trip During Convention

During the AMBA National Convention, exhibitor Century Sun Metal Treating gave away a trip to Traverse City, MI as part of its booth promotion. Congratulations to Todd Spearritt with Quality Mold & Engineering. Spearritt won two nights and three days at the Holiday Inn West Bay in Traverse City with premium lodging, a $50 fuel card, $50 food and beverage card and a personal plant tour of Century Sun Metals heat treating facility.
AMBA Members, Did You Know...

AMBA member companies can get specialized online manufacturing training with Expert Technical Training? AMBA has teamed up with W.W. Grainger?
Grainger and AMBA have leveraged over $5,000,000 in aggregated purchases in order to bring AMBA Members the best value. You get FREE shipping on all orders, a 10-percent flat rate discount on red book items and factory-direct pricing on over 1,800 commonly used items up to 40-percent savings.
Expert Technical Training provides thorough, up-todate video-based classes, with a 36-percent discount on all online courses to AMBA members and a 10-percent discount on customized training and consulting.
AMBA offers a legal assistance program with Ice Miller LLP?
You get three hours of complimentary legal advice. Ice Miller provides a clear understanding of the moldmaking industry, offering legal advice on a wide range of topics with special fixed fee billing on items such as terms and conditions review and confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements.
AMBA works with First American Payment Systems?
First American Payment Systems provides you with discounted business credit and debit processing, premier merchant services and a complete product line for all card processing needs.
AMBA member companies can get comprehensive insurance with Acrisure Commercial Insurance?
AMBA member companies can save on all office products and printing with OfficeMax?
Acrisure Commercial Insurance was selected through a rigorous, comprehensive process by AMBAs board of directors. The company has 50 years of combined experience insuring the moldmaking industry and specializes in risk management for the mold building market. It guarantees to give you the best rate the first time.
Spring 2012
You get significant savings on over 12,000 office products, discounted print and document needs and can purchase online or at a local retail store.
AMBA members can advertise directly to OEMs and mold buyers for just $100 in the Mold Buyer ENews?
You can advertise directly to your potential customers, build your visibility in the industry and drive customers to your website.
Chapter News
Chicago
The chapter held a general meeting on April 17. The chapter presented the winner of its Mold Your Career Apprentice Award to Gregory Zaucha of A-1 Tool Corp. AMBA National Executive Director Troy Nix spoke to attendees on how best to understand the needs of plastics processing companies. In addition, John Stocker of Schmolz + Bickenbach USA spoke to the meeting attendees about Corroplast FM - a new stainless mold base material. The chapter held a board meeting on May 22nd. A vote was held and a new chapter board of directors has been announced. The new chapter president is Francine Petrucci of B A Die Mold, and the chapter vice president is Wayne Sikorcin of Craftsman Tool & Mold. The chapter secretary is Matt Thurow, of Alpha Star Tool & Mold Inc. and the treasurer is Mike Walter of MET Plastics.
From left to right: Charlie Grimm (DGI Supply--sponsor), John Stocker (Schmolz+Bickenbach USA--sponsor) and Gregory Zaucha, Chicago chapter Mold Your Career Apprentice Award Recipient
Minnesota
The chapter will hold its annual Golf Outing and fundraiser on July 19th at Oak Glen Golf Club, in Stillwater, MN. View more details as they become available at www.amba. org on the event calendar.
West Michigan
The chapter held a special awards presentation on May 8th at Boulder Creek Golf Course. The annual chapter scholarship awards were presented. The chapter gave out nine scholarship awards. The first four recipients received amounts of $1,200 and the other five recipients received $600 each. The 2012 West Michigan chapter scholarship recipients were Abigail Vance, daughter of James Vance of General Die & Engineering; Hannah Snow, daughter of Don Snow of CS Tool; Rachel Schmitt, daughter of Beverly Schmitt of Franchino Mold & Engineering; Sara Ransom, daughter of Tim Ransom of CS Tool; Brenden Magnan, son of Shelly Miller of Commercial Tool & Die, Max Kempf, son of Tom Kempf of Viking Tool & Engineering; Katelyn Schmid, daughter of Jerome Schmid of Proper Group International; and James and Natasha Azure, children of Lisa Azure of CS Tool.
www.amba.org
33
inside Track
Helping Your OEM Customer Mitigate Risk: Be an Asset, NOT a Liability
By Clare Goldsberry
Suppliers are chosen for a reason, or many reasons, that can include price, delivery time, quality, the suppliers capabilities and even the relationship that has been developed over time. At the heart of the OEM/Supplier relationship, however, is the suppliers ability to help its OEM customers mitigate the risk that exists inherently in the supply chain. aluminum and copper can impact the cost of a mold at a time when competitiveness in pricing is critical. Speaking of competitiveness, the survey revealed that the US registers second only to China as a destination for new sourcing in the next 12 to 24 months. While many multi-national OEMs seek to build new manufacturing plants in emerging markets into which they can sell their goods, the 2011 KPMG survey showed that 43 percent of the respondents plan to expand capacity in developed markets (such as North America) in more than twice the proportion that plan cutbacks. Over the next 12-24 months, the KPMG survey underscored the fact that cost management (39 percent of respondents) is at the top of the list when it comes to OEMs investing in their business model. Innovation and R&D came in next with 35 percent citing indicating more investment, which is one area in which mold manufacturers can be an extension of their OEM customers business. Innovation is the key to keeping multi-national OEMs on the cutting edge of competitiveness, and new solutions in mold design and development, prototyping for new products and other creative methods are what many OEMs look for in their supply base. With OEMs stress testing many of their suppliers as a means to gauge their financial strength, suppliers need to beef up their P&L statements. Managing supplier risk is near the top of OEM concerns with their supply chain, with 49 percent of the respondents saying that using technology to increase supply chain visibility is the number one tool/ approach they will use to identify supply chain risk for their company.
Now that the recession has eased, many OEMs are making changes in the supply chain model with the goals of adding greater flexibility and reducing risks associated with suppliers. Lessons learned over the past few years with regard to suppliers include ensuring that suppliers are financially strong and have the wherewithal to support the OEM To help OEMs achieve long-term, and that geography their goals of cost does matter. Suppliers falling into bankruptcy or worse yet, management, quality closing their doors suddenly and components and reliability unpredictably, and natural disasters in Japan, Indonesia and other Asian in the supply chain, countries subject to earthquakes, tsunamis and monsoon flooding OEMs and their suppliers have sent a message to OEMs have to engage in close that they must that be prepared for anything that could cause plants to collaboration. shut down production lines.
"
The latest survey of 220 senior manufacturing executives, conducted by KPMG in collaboration with the Economist Intelligence Unit and released in December 2011, shows that manufacturers will look to their supply chains to manage volatility and costs. The top two cost-control measures on which manufacturers expect to focus in the next 12-24 months involve their supply chains: one is collaborating more closely with suppliers to reduce costs (40 percent); the other is consolidating their manufacturing or production sites (36 percent), said the surveys analysis from KPMG. It is clear that supply chain management will be a key focus for manufacturers seeking to implement their growth strategies. OEMs are extremely focused on the price volatility of raw materials, which have an overall impact on their products. The KPMG survey showed that 44 percent of respondents say that price volatility is the biggest headache for manufacturers. For moldmakers, the price of steel,
Spring 2012
"
Becoming an asset to your OEM customers
With so many OEMs seeing risk in the supply chain, what can you do to be an asset to your OEM customers? First of all, you need to have a business strategy in place to strengthen your company and show positive growth. If your OEM customers begin setting standards for their
suppliers to meet financial strength requirements, youll be able to support those standards by having a plan in place. Some of the stresses the OEMs are evaluating include your customer base. Does any one company or customer comprise more than 30 percent of your customer base? When mold makers have one or two customers that represent the bulk of their business, OEMs get nervous. Show that you have a diverse customer base diverse both in markets and companies served. What do your accounts receivable look like? Do your customers pay you in a reasonable time? Do you have receivables on the books that have been there for six months? Have you written off payments as uncollectable over the past few years? Have you been put on C.O.D. by any of your suppliers? Those types of events raise red flags for OEMs. In the KPMG survey, 40 percent of the respondents say they have implemented dashboards and other alerts to provide early warning of issues or signs that a supplier might be in trouble.
While many of these multi-nationals the Goliaths of manufacturing have policies that tend to hurt their suppliers the Davids of the industry you dont have to let them have all the leverage. You can be an asset to your customers by having contracts that outline your payment terms, and then stick to them. While many of the OEMs complain about supply chain risk and other issues with suppliers, there are some that dont realize that theyve created the problems in the first place with their heavy-handed payment policies, such as those associated with PPAP in the automotive industry. Youll be a better asset to your OEM customers if you have a business plan, a growth strategy and a marketing and sales plan that puts you on the path to being a strong supplier.
Being as asset is a two-way street. Its tough for moldmakers to be an asset to their OEM customers if the customers themselves are a liability. Since your customers are investing in supply chain risk management, you might start thinking about implementing customer risk management that can tell you when customers are starting to become a liability to your company. To help OEMs achieve their goals of cost management, CRY-2883 Prelim1-1.fh11 1/15/07 3:33 PM Page 1 quality components and reliability in the supply chain, OEMs and their suppliers have to engage in close collaboration. Another factor is the importance of trusted relationships with suppliers, a factor which has nearly doubled, according to KPMG, in order to help ride out volatility in prices. This has resulted in a rise in longerterm contracts with suppliers, aimed at stabilizing key input (component) prices.
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Collaboration with suppliers also supports new-product development. Recently, one of Industrial Molds Groups customers approached the company with a project that several other mold manufacturers said couldnt be done. Collaborating closely very early in the project meant the customers tooling engineer sitting down with Industrials mold designer, discussing, sketching, performing Moldflow analysis and researching the feasibility of this unique mold. Because of the complexity of the mold, the customer began working with Industrial two months prior to the projects kick-off date. This early collaboration resulted not only in a successful outcome for the Water Outlet component, but also resulted in the customer winning the International Plastics Design Competition at NPE in the Single Part category. Develop good contacts and stick to your guns. Its okay to be a banker to your OEM customers if you have the financial wherewithal, and if theyre willing to pay interest.
Composite
www.amba.org
35
Product
INCOE Introduces SoftGate Advanced Sequential Control Performance
INCOE Corporation, Troy, MI, announced the introduction of the SoftGate hot runner valve pin velocity control to global markets. SoftGate, initially introduced in Europe during K2010, has performed exceedingly well in numerous challenging applications. In those applications, it has successfully improved part and surface quality. SoftGate valve pin velocity control technology resolves process challenges related to conventional hydraulic sequential molding. Poor flow characteristics leading to part inconsistency, flow hesitation lines or blemish marks are reduced with SoftGate. The gradual pin actuation, precisely timed as needed for optimized melt flow velocity to the mold cavity, provides a key process control advantage for molders. For added value, the technology has been designed to retrofit onto existing INCOE hydraulic valve gate systems, allowing molders to take advantage of SoftGate without the requirement of purchasing a completely new system. Visit www.incoe.com for more information. Designed with a long 47.24 (1,200 mm) distance between spindles to eliminate any interference of tooling during multitasking, the NTY3-250 allows for multiple tools in the cut simultaneously. The NTY3-250 also features a 60degree slant bed for easy access to the work and tooling, in addition to better chip flow. For more information, visit www.methodsmachine.com.
Support for Euro-Style MultiSpindle Machines

Hardinge Inc., Elmira, NY, supports Europeanstyle, multi-spindle machine owners in North America. It manufactures and inventories solid collets, master collets and pads, solid feed fingers and master feed fingers and pads for Euroturn, Gildemeister, Index and Schtte machines with 24-hour shipping of standard fractional and whole metric sizes. Decimal sizes and products for other brands of machines will be available within a 5to 7-day delivery. Hardinge institutes a semi-finished blank program for fast turnaround of pickoff burring collets and special-shape collets and helps match the collet size (order hole) exactly to the workpiece or bar stock diameter. For more information, visit www.hardingeus.com.
Methods Introduces High-Speed Multitasking Turning Center

Methods Machine Tools, Inc., Sudbury, MA, has introduced the NakamuraTome NTY3-250 Multitasking Turning Center. The new NTY3-250 has three high-rigidity turrets, each with a Y-axis of 4.4 (112 mm) the longest Y-axis in its class. The NTY3-250 dramatically outperforms twoturret multitasking machines and can eliminate downtime due to tool changeovers with its 72 tool capacity. This allows for short cycles times and complete turning / machining/finishing capabilities. The new NTY3-250 provides X-axis and Z-axis speeds of 1,181 lpm and 1,574 lpm respectively. To accommodate these high speeds, the machine significantly outweighs its competition at 31,807 lbs. (14,425 Kg) to ensure rugged, stable performance.
Spring 2012
Ultra Hard Coatings from PCS

PCS Company, Fraser, MI, has introduced UltraC coatings from Entegris, which are DLC (diamond-like carbon) coatings, which are ultra-hard, extremely smooth, highly lubricious coatings that are ideal for plastic injection mold components. UltraC Diamond and UltraC-HT will substantially enhance the durability of mold components, reduce friction, increase mold productivity and reduce corrosion. The coatings are deposited using a low-temperature (<150C) proprietary Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) process and can be uniformly deposited over large areas, on virtually all vacuum-compatible substrates, including polymers, and is very conformal to the surface features. The UltraC coatings can be applied to existing tool designs without the need for design changes and modifications. Entegris also can refurbish DLC coated parts, lowering the cost of ownership (COO) while maximizing the life of these highvalue critical components. UltraC-HT is an innovative, multi-layer, fully dense coating based on UltraC hard carbon coating technology. This mono-dimensionally modulated
page 38 u
You Dont Need Better Mold Design Software

What you need is to deliver high quality molds at shorter times and lower costs
Weeks to Customer Delivery
12.0
11.6
10.0
9.3
8.0
8.7
7.9
Cimatron Operated tool shops
6.0
Laggard tool shops
Average tool shops
Best in class tool shops
Findings from the Aberdeen Groups Mold and Die Shop Benchmark study show that toolshops using Cimatron deliver significantly faster than the rest of the industry
Go to www.bettermoldmaking.com and see how you can cut your delivery time or call us: 248-596-9700 ext. 237
t page 36 (MDM) coating system, consisting of individual layers of the two materials differing in elastic modulus, has high strength, toughness and excellent resistance to erosion and wear. For more information, visit www.pcs-company.com.
Wide-Ranging Line of Hardness Testers

Tinius Olsen, Horsham, PA, has launched a diversified line of new generation hardness testers, which can rapidly and accurately determine the hardness value of a wide variety of materials including metals, plastics, large parts and small precision parts. Users can choose from universal models that can run any popular hardness scale test (Vickers, Micro-Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell, Superficial Rockwell, Knoop, HBT or HVT) or method-specific units. Portable, bench and floor-mounted testers are available. By integrating the latest designs, hardware and firmware, these testers are fast, accurate and demonstrate some of the best gauge repeatability and reproducibility data in the industry, along with excellent accuracies and resolutions. For more information, visit www.tiniusolsen.com.
New and Innovative Features Enhance Machine Tool Productivity

Siemens, Chicago, IL, introduced enhancements to its Sinumerik Operate user interface and the Sinumerik MDynamics CNC milling and turning technology package. Both will increase user productivity, improve part surface finish and offer more convenience. Sinumerik Operate combines the HMI-Advanced, ShopMill and ShopTurn operator and programming interfaces to create a single consistent user interface for use with machine tools. 0 Even the most complex workpieces can be set up with ease and produced in a single clamping operation, owing to a range of new functional features. The new Quick Viewer function for moldmaking applications offers a quick overview of the workpiece and the relevant sub-program. Even the biggest NC programs can be converted in the shortest amount of time into a 3D workpiece preview. For more information, visit www.usa.siemens.com/cnc.
BIG Kaiser System Ideal for Aerospace Industry

The BIG Kaiser (Hoffman Estates, IL) HSK-A125 tooling system for machines such as Makino's T2 and T4 models offers a solution for the aerospace industry capable of tackling large-scale titanium and other workpieces on massive tables. The A125 lineup is an expansion of BIG
We increase Profitability!
With our Automation and Cell Management Solutions
With EROWA, the machine operator has the production cell under control at all times. More info: www.erowa.com
Spring 2012
Kaiser's existing HSK Form A program and is available on request. The lineup features a multitude of tool holder types, including HMC and Mega Double Power milling chucks up to 2, Mega ER/Mega N/Mega E collet chucks, shrink fit holders, face mill adapters, Kaiser KABadapters and Mega Synchro Tapping Holders. All holders feature coolant through capability as standard, and most holder types offer a sealing solution for directing coolant through the tool, or coolant directed around the tool periphery. For more information, visit www.bigkaiser.com.
C U T T I N G
E D G E
S O L U T I O N S
CAM Software Separates Roughing, Finishing

CGS North America, Oldcastle, ON, announces Version 8.1 CAM-Tool CAD/CAM software featuring a protruding divide function that enables users to separate roughing and finishing programs based on the length of the tool protruding from the holder. Other enhancements include the ability to retrieve a drill from the tool database, cutting simulation/animation, improved Z-level scan roughing and general improvements and fixes. Also available is Version 2.1 of CG CAM-Tool, which is designed to work within SolidWorks to enable users to apply 3D and 2D tool paths directly to a SolidWorks model, which is said to minimize handwork and polishing on electrodes, inserts, slides, lifters and core and cavity components. For more information, visit www.camtool.net.
Insert & solid carbide tools for conventional, high speed & hard milling. Inch and metric sizes 0.020 to 1 1/4 & 0.5 to 32 mm Ball nose, toroid, bull nose, square & back draft tools for virtually every milling application Cut cores, cavities & surfaces cleaner, smoother & faster
Taper Pipe Taps

Emuge Corp., West Boylston, MA, has introduced a line of NPT Taper Pipe Taps that features a newly developed flute form with variable skip tooth geometry. The advanced flute design optimizes chip flow and clearance and lowers tapping torque, which is ideal for materials that produce long, stringy chip formations. Taper pipe threads have a much higher volume of chip removal in the tapping process compared to straight UN screw threads, especially in materials that are prone to clogging flutes with long chip strings, such as aluminum, carbon steels, stainless steels and mold steels. Emuge NPT taps significantly improve chip flow, provide better thread finish and gaging, in addition to higher production rates due to less machine downtime. The new flute design on the Emuge NPT taps allows for improved chip flow and chip clearance, which results in longer tap life than conventional pipe taps that often pre-maturely fail due to severe chipping of the cutting teeth or total breakage due to chip clogging. Visit www.emuge.com for further information.
WORLD HEADQUARTERS 30200 Ryan Road Warren, MI 48092 U.S.A. Tel: (586) 573-9450 Toll Free: 877-645-5782 877-MILLSTAR Fax: (586) 573-9451 info@millstar.com www.millstar.com
www.amba.org
39
Special report
iWarriors.org Travel to California in March

the AMBA represented and how the donations were raised. After a presentation of gifts to each of the Marines present, the remaining time was spent talking to the Marines about their wounds, treatment and rehabilitation, followed by photos, hugs and handshakes. The group then was escorted to meet with two additional in-patient Marines who were presented with gifts as well. Karen Earnhardt summed it up well when she said she had been concerned about how she would handle her emotions when meeting the young men. I found my emotions surfaced mostly when I was overcome with pride. Not only pride in the Wounded Warriors, but in their officers, facilities and hospital staff. Her husband Robbie added, To look a young man in the eyes who has lost his legs or experienced other injuries and see a smile on his face from a small token of our appreciation is just heart-stopping and a very emotional experience. Day two was spent at Camp Pendleton, located one hour north of San Diego, and the group was greeted by more Marines and their officers. iWarriors felt honored to have Mrs. Carla Hogan on hand for the ceremony. She is the mother of fallen 1/5 Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan, who at age 20 sacrificed his life to save the lives of his fellow Marines. The Hogan family had recently been presented the Navy Cross, the highest honor given in the Marine Corps for heroic actions. The presentation of gifts was made to eight wounded members of the 2/4, all of whom had received gunshot wounds. Following the ceremony, the iWarriors group was invited to dine with the wounded Marines in the Chow Hall. Chris Norman recalled, In every conversation I had with these boys, they never put themselves first. No matter how injured they were, the number one thing I heard was how they want to be back with their unit. I look
Over two days in March, members of iWarriors.org spent time with Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and delivered iPads, earbuds, iTunes gift cards and carrying cases to 35 of them. The nonprofit organization was represented on the trip to California by Tim and Kim Bartz of Mold Craft, Inc., Willernie, MN, and their children, Heather and Hunter; Robbie and Karen Earnhardt of Superior Tooling, Wake Forest, NC; Chris Norman of Erowa Technologies, Arlington Heights, IL; and Scott Smith of Sales Pro, Inc., Rochester, NY, and his wife Julie. The iWarriors set of a goal of $30,000 for the project and easily surpassed that with the support of 37 AMBA members and partners. It was great to have such support from these (AMBA) members and partners, Kim Bartz said. Some shops, such as Creative Blow Mold Tooling, Lees Summit, MO, went so far as to match its employees donations on top of the iWarriors $600 challenge last fall. We will definitely add that idea to the 2012-13 campaign. This year, iWarriors supported two battalions from the Fifth Marines based at Camp Pendleton, CA. Nicknamed The Fighting Fifth, the regiment consists of the 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 2/4 and a Headquarters company. The 1/5 deployed last spring to southern Afghanistan, and the unit was relieved by the 2/4 in the fall of 2011. The turnover of command from the 2/4 to the 2/5 happened in early March, and the last members of the 2/4 returned to Camp Pendleton in early April. All are infantry battalions. Day one of the trip was spent at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego where the group was greeted by 14 Wounded Warriors and hospital staff. Most of the Marines at the hospital are outpatient amputees who had received their wounds from IED explosions. Tim Bartz spoke to the Marines and explained how iWarriors came to be, what
Spring 2012
at these guys and see their life-changing injuries and think how I would be affected, and I am in awe of their courage and dedication. After lunch and goodbyes to the Marines, the group was treated to a base tour by Gunnery Sgt. Hanson. The first stop was at the newly dedicated Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan Barracks, which houses over 1,000 Marines, several of whom are wounded and now have handicap-equipped quarters. The group drove by the air field where a C-17 sat waiting to take off, and the next stop was at the Mechanized Museum, where the iWarriors team had a chance to sit in Humvees and tanks.
C M Y CM MY CY
The group all felt very fortunate to have made the trip to meet and present the iPads to Wounded Warriors. It was an experience that is hard to explain, other than to say it was an honor and a life-changing experience. iWarriors plans to make the trip again next year and hopes others will join in. Thank you to everyone who donated this past year.
CMY K
Visit iWarriors.org to view photos and to learn more about iWarriors.org and the Fifth Marines. Follow iWarriors on Facebook for updates on fundraising, stories and photos of the Marines supported by the nonprofit.
www.amba.org
41
Strategies
Changing the Sales Process to Reflect New Buyer Behavior
By Eric Keiles, Square 2 Marketing
Everything business owners learned about the traditional sales persons role has changed amidst this revolution of buyer behavior. It has to change by definition because the buyers are acting differently.
Many entrepreneurs rely on their sales teams to create their own sales opportunities (a.k.a prospecting). While methods like networking will always have a place in the sales process, a lot of the other traditional sales tools are becoming more and more ineffective. In a recent poll by Hubspot, the four tactics identified by marketers at midsized companies as receiving the least amount of the budget are telemarketing, trade shows, direct mail and advertising all tools of the traditional sales team. Entrepreneurs have been forced to change the strategy of their sales efforts. The first way to start making enhancements is to consider the mix of sales and marketing investment (not just defined by money, but time and effort, too). Traditionally, business owners thought of their sales teams as carrying the ball, while marketing played a lesser role supporting them. That is now flipped. To match new buyer behavior, marketing has to carry the ball and provide the content to help educate prospects. The sales team now finishes the marketing teams effort by guiding the prospects to make the right purchase decision and close the deal. Entrepreneurs should consider this flip as illustrated by figure 1.1. Another way to look at how sales and marketing work together is to use a military analogy; marketing provides the air cover, softening the prospects up for the ground troops by delivering educational content, that helps prospects gain the knowledge and expertise needed to be comfortable making a purchase decision. Then, the ground troops or sales people come in and handle the details associated with finalizing the deal. Both air (marketing) and ground (sales) strategies need to work in concert to win the war and grow revenues. So what makes up the bulk of this new marketing weighting? Content! Instead of simple leave-behind brochures and trade show handouts, marketers need to focus on the challenge of educating their prospects so thoroughly that
Spring 2012
75% 75%
25% Marketing Marketing
25%
Sales
Traditional Sales & Marketing Balance
Guided Sales Process Balance
figure 1.1
they establish their companies as the obvious choice with which to do business. This requires more effort and creativity than ever before. And, it requires that companies build a new sales and marketing system as explained in figure 1.2, The Reality Marketing Sales Funnel. The Reality Marketing Sales Funnel is broken into four distinct steps, each accounting for 25 percent of the process: Inbound traffic No risk offers Low risk offers Sales process
The first requirement of this new system is to generate inbound traffic. Inbound traffic is generated by the marketing messages (strategy) that are sent out to the public and the tools (tactics) chosen to deliver them.
Sales
opportunity to invite prospects to take the next step in the relationship by offering them the Low Risk Offer. The Low Risk Offer can be in many forms. Webinars and webcast are popular ways to invite the prospect to connect with your company. Free consultations and demos work nicely, as well as assessments and reviews (e.g. free evaluation of your companys energy usage and how ABC Energy can suggest savings). Despite the fact that these offers are free, they contain more risk than the Free Report or white paper. The No Risk Offer does not require any human interaction. Prospects can download a free whitepaper at 2 a.m. in their pajamas and no one will reach out to them. For example, a workshop or webinar as a Low Risk Offer contains much more perceived risk. Time out of the day, finding a parking spot, configuring the software and most significant the perceived pressure from a sales person are all risks the prospect considers when enrolling in the Low Risk Offer. However, once a person commits to the Low Risk Offer and the human interaction that accompanies it, now the marketer is one step closer to getting them further along the sales process. If the content provided educates and moves a prospect to ask for some individual conversation afterwards, the Low Risk Offer has worked.
figure 1.2
These tactics might include internet marketing like payper-click and search engine optimization, all forms of advertising, public relations, speaking engagements and, of course, the most important and effective word-ofmouth and referrals. All of these are designed to introduce the company to the prospect for the first time. Google indicated at the end of 2009 that 88 percent of all prospective buyers will visit a companys website first, before reaching out via phone or email to start the conversation with a new vendor. Assuming that is accurate, marketers have to look to the internet for the second step in the process, the No Risk Offer. The most common example of a No Risk Offer is the free whitepaper. Commonly offered on the home page of their websites, companies offer information in exchange for the visitors email address. Getting the email address is the goal of the No Risk Offer. Understand that business owners arent really looking for visitors to their websites they are looking for qualified leads to be generated by visits to the website. Too often business owners boast about the traffic to their websites when they should be tracking how many visitors converted to contacts. This conversion is the goal. Once marketers have the contacts email address, a regular monthly email campaign can begin. Most companies find a monthly email is the right rhythm, and the content delivered to these prospects starts to build a virtual relationship with them. Along with this email conversation, there is an
Heres an example:
HardMetrics sells software that manages call centers. Utilities and larger companies rely on HardMetrics to keep their call centers running smoothly and to manage their metrics (e.g. time on call). Once per quarter, HardMetrics uses its email campaign and sales team to invite potential clients to a lunch and learn webinar. This 45-minute conversation is not a pitch for HardMetricss services, but a discussion about a specific challenge in running call centers and the solutions that are possible. HardMetrics always invites a client to tell its story, as part of presentation/ conversation. The invitations usually generate about 50 registrants over the 90 days of promotion, but only about 25 people actually attend the webinar (this is a typical registrant-to-attendee ratio, since the event was free). Out of those 25 attendees, about five request consultations with the HardMetrics sales team, and it closes one or two new clients each time. With the substantial average ticket size, the program has a huge ROI. page 44 u
www.amba.org
43
t page 43
This is the first time the sales team has been mentioned in this four-step process, and it occurred in the last 25 percent of the process. This is the new role of the sales person. To sift through the opportunities that the expanded marketing effort presents to them and guide the qualified prospects the rest of the way home. This is a dramatic shift from depending on the sales team to find, educate, pitch and close new clients. And, thats why you have to fire the sales team today. No, we dont mean to permanently fire the entire sales team. Fire them, but immediately rehire the qualified ones to a new position, the Sales Guide.
decide on the right strategy. When the family arrives, the guide is prepared and the adventure begins. Along the way, the guide will show the family different sites, warn of any dangers and encourage them to try new things. He or she will help every step of the way with, the goal in mind of providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If the guide executes correctly, the trip is a smashing success, which provides the family with many memories. See the correlation? Consumers in this new era of buyer behavior want to be guided not sold. The challenge is changing the way companies approach the sales function.
Heres an example:
What is a Sales Guide?
Lets visualize the new Sales Guide position with a story about taking a 3-4 day rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. If a family decides to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip, chances are they will go on a guided tour and not venture out on their own. To choose which company the family might want to contract with, they could ask family and friends to recommend a firm. In lieu of a recommendation, the family could research companies on the internet by searching Grand Canyon Rafting Trips or Colorado River Rafting. They will find many companies that offer the service, but also will find companies like TripAdvisor that provide thirdparty comments and ratings on the various companies. The family visits the websites of the firms they are interested in, watches videos on the firms websites, read testimonials of other guests and read about different trip options. Having reached out to a few by phone or email, they make a choice. Now that a company has been selected, the family is assigned a guide. The guide will reach out to discuss the trip and the familys preferences. He or she will ask many questions to prepare for the trip: Are there any food concerns? Would the family rather sleep under the starts or in tents? How old are the children in the party? How well can everyone swim? And probably 50 more questions to ascertain the right trip details for the family. He or she will suggest the right course of action and together, the family and the guide will
Spring 2012
Springboard Media is an authorized Apple reseller. They have two stores. When they opened their second store, the management team decided to compensate their sales people on the floor differently. They are not paid sales commission as in the original store; instead, they are paid based on the stores Net Promoter Score. The Net Promoter Score is obtained by asking customers a single question on a 0 to 10 rating scale: How likely is it that you would recommend our company to a friend or colleague? Based on their responses, customers are categorized into one of three groups: Promoters (9-10 rating), Passives (7-8 rating) and Detractors (0-6 rating). The percentage of Detractors is then subtracted from the percentage of Promoters to obtain a Net Promoter score. A score of 75 percent or above is considered quite high. The Sales Guides (note they arent sales reps) at Springboard Medias new store are charged with providing an amazing experience for the shoppers in the attempt to grow sales. They can take as much time as needed to correctly guide someone through the process of buying a new Apple product. They do not have to rush customers to ring up sale after sale to make a living. The result is more evangelists, more referrals and subsequently more sales. But its done in a way that matches what a consumer wants to experience a guide through the buying process. While not simple, buying a computer is not as complex as selling a $500,000 software suite or an intricate piece of machinery. In a business-to-business setting, the guide becomes even more important. The key to a successful sale in this era requires co-creation of the solution with the prospect. Taking the time up front to do deep discovery to find the critical issues needed leads to the perfect solution and a much better chance of making the sale. Now, as opposed to providing a quote and following up
(read: badgering), the Sales Guide has the distinct competitive advantage of being the trusted advisor to the prospect, not the sales person. So how can companies help the Sales Guides perform this new role? Once again, effective marketing is the answer. Marketing takes the prospects all of the way to the point where they raise their hand and say, Lets talk about doing business together. Eric Keiles (eric@square2marketing.com) is the chief marketing officer at Square 2 Marketing and the co-author of the book Reality Marketing Revolution. Square 2 Marketing practices Reality Marketing, a realistic way small- and medium-sized businesses can generate more revenue - without the fluff. More information and free resources to help your business can be found at www.square2marketing.com. Article edited by Josh Righter.
HEAVYWEIGHT
SHIPPING
STARTS
HERE
YRC is the leader in 2-5 day cross-country and cross-border LTL (less-thantruckload) service with the most comprehensive network in North America. American Mold Builders Association members can receive significant savings with YRC, simply go to www.enrollhere.net or call 800.647.3061.
www.amba.org
45
CALE N dA R
June
amerimold 2012, June 13-14, Novi, MI, 513.527.8800, www.amerimoldexpo.com MD&M Chicago, June 19-21, Chicago, IL, 310.445.4200, www.mdmchicagoconference.com
OCTOBer
PACK EXPO International, Oct. 28-31, Chicago, IL, 703.243.8555, www.packexpo.com
nOveMBer
Euromold 2012, Nov. 27-30, Frankfurt, Germany, 49.69.27.40.03.0, www.euromold.com
SePTeMBer
IMTS 2012, Sept. 10-15, Chicago, IL, 703.893.2900, www.imts.com AMBA Plant Tour Workshop, Industrial Molds Group, Sept. 13, Rockford, IL, 847.222.9402, www.amba.org
Ad index
Acrisure ....................................................................... www.acrisure.com ...........................................Inside Back Cover A. Finkl & Sons Co..................................................... www.finkl.com .........................................................................41 amerimold ................................................................... www.amerimoldexpo.com ..........................................................5 Boride Engineered Abrasives ..................................... www.borideabrasives.com ........................................................33 Cimatron ..................................................................... www.bettermoldmaking.com ....................................................37 CGS North America, Inc............................................. www.camtool.com.....................................................................45 Crystallume Engineered Diamond .............................. www.crystallume.com ...............................................................35 DME Company ........................................................... www.dme.net.............................................................................17 DMS ............................................................................ www.dmscomponents.com........................................................25 Dynamic Surface Technologies .................................. www.dynablue.com ........................................ Inside Front Cover Ellwood Specialty Steel .............................................. www.ess.elwd.com ....................................................................28 Erowa Technology, Inc. .............................................. www.erowatech.com .................................................................38 Incoe Corporation ....................................................... www.incoe.com .........................................................................23 M & M Tooling, Inc.................................................... www.mmtooling.com ................................................................15 Makino ........................................................................ www.makino.com........................................................................7 Millstar, LLC .............................................................. www.millstar.com .....................................................................39 Meusburger ................................................................. www.meusburger.com...............................................................21 Progressive Components............................................. www.procomps.com ...................................................Back Cover Rocklin Manufacturing Co. ........................................ www.rocklinmanufacturingco.com ...........................................16 SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH USA, Inc. .................. www.schmolz-bickenbach.us ....................................................25 Sescoi .......................................................................... www.sescoi.com ........................................................................27 Smith Enterprises ........................................................ www.smithpins.com ..................................................................14 Ultra Polishing Inc. ..................................................... www.ultrapolishing.com ...........................................................41 Wisconsin Engraving Co. Inc. / Unitex ...................... www.wi-engraving.com ............................................................29 YRC ............................................................................ www.enrollhere.net ...................................................................45
Spring 2012
RICK MILLER
Over 35 years experience insuring mold builders just like you.
JAY FAGAN
Over 35 years experience insuring businesses just like yours.
For businesses that expect more.

As an AMBA member, you should expect more from your insurance provider. Knowing your business is our business at Acrisure.
Contact Rick and Jay at 800.748.0351
www.acrisure.com
upgrade your specs... in a flash.

unlock mold history
When Tooling Engineers visit their suppliers, accessing mold drawings and performance data is difficult - and it can be nearly impossible to obtain when they are not nearby. Progressives new CVe Monitor provides: Cycle time monitoring to verify consistent part quality and cost Maintenance activity tracking to reduce unscheduled mold stoppages Reports accessible to Tooling Engineers wherever the mold is run Along with performance history, drawings and setup sheets are stored on the units 2GB flash drive. And, with all of this capability fitting into the same pocket as the worlds most popular cycle counter, your mold specs are ready for an upgrade.
LEARN HOW TO BOTH GATHER AND STORE MOLD INFO BY CALLING 1-800-269-6653
See Progressive Components at: | AMBA Annual Convention | MD&M East | Amerimold | Euromold |

2012 The American Mold Builder Magazine - Spring

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2012 The American Mold Builder Magazine - Spring

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Spring 2012

2012 Convention Wrap

The Official Publication of the American Mold Builders Association

THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION AGAINST WEAR FROM GLASS FILLED PLASTICS!

DYNA-BLUE & DYNA-MAX BENEFITS

CUT COST INCREASE TOOL LIFE WITH DYNA-BLUE & DYNA-MAX

Convention Wrap Technology

Show Preview Inside Track

Special Report Strategies

Visit our website:

the american MOld Builder

Novi, Michigan Suburban Collection Showcase

June 13-14, 2012

Tooling & Machining Design & Engineering Materials & Components

Conformal Cooling 5-Axis Machining Rapid Tooling / 3D Printing

VIP Cocktail Reception Management Roundtables Keynote Presentations

RegisteR today for your FREE Exhibit Hall Pass!

USE PROMO CODE

10% 54% 54%

7% 13% 0% 13% 39%

Decrease Decrease 39% Moderately Moderately Decrease Decrease Substantially Substantially

AMBA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

AMBA MOLD BUILDER OF THE YEAR

(photo 2012 Todd Schuett, Creative Technology Corp.)

Don Mazurek and Ralph Oswald, Chicago Mold Engineering Co.

Scott Paul, Alliance for American Manufacturing

10 the american MOld Builder

(photos 2012 Todd Schuett, Creative Technology Corp.)

Alan Rothenbuecher, ICE Miller LLP

Grand Rapids-Area Plants Open Up Shop

12 the american MOld Builder

Pride in American Manufacturing

Tim Bartz, Mold Craft

A Final Call to Action

AMBA Mold Builder of the Year Ralph Oswald, CME Co.

14 the american MOld Builder

Commercial Tool & Die plant tour

Wednesday night Welcome Reception

M & M Tooling Inc.

Custom Mold Bases

Specializing in Mold Shop Overflow Work

Please visit http://creat.com/amba/2012convention-grand-rapids-michigan to see more AMBA convention photos.

In-Mold Labeled Syringe Barrel Recognized for Innovation at NPE

16 the american MOld Builder

Pick a mold base.

any mold base. NO ONE has mOrE variEty.

Reference chart supplied by Rick Ziebell, R.D. Abbott; October 2011

Intricate geometry on silicone mask projects

20 the american MOld Builder

tool and mold making

Meusburger always reliable

Novi (US) | June 1314, 2012 | Booth #631

A Closer Look at Tandem Mold Technology

Definition of "Key Words"

Hot Runner Systems For Any Application

What differentiates tandem from stack?

I Unmatched Processing Control

INCOE Hot Runners Today

Short and long valve gate nozzle solution

How does the material get into the parting lines?

Valve to valve transfer plus valve gated nozzles

Open valve solution

Can tandem technology combine with other technologies?