Injection Molding

Cavaform International LLC (www.cavaform.com) recently opened a new 22,000-ft² facility next to its current mold manufacturing plant. The new company, Modern Technical Molding & Development LLC, will provide molding sampling capabilities using the company's five injection molding presses that range from 75-375 tonnes capacity. "We can also install a customer's molding press up to 500 tonnes in pre-prepared sites," says Robert (Chuck) Massie, VP of Cavaform.

Company president Maureen Steinwall was all smiles this week as a representative of Deere & Company presented a trophy naming her company, molder/contract manufacturer Steinwall Inc., as John Deere's supplier of the year, the top performer in a 4400-member supply chain.

Based on a combination of the range of services offered, support of the customer's business model, perceptible advantages as a supplier, and a solid on-time delivery rate, Rockwell Automation selected TecStar Mfg. Co., a business unit of MGS Mfg. Group to receive its Supplier of the Year award.

"TecStar's technical capabilties and global footprint provide Rockwell Automation with a strategic partner who offers a competitive supply chain advantage", says Matthew Sprader, Strategic Sourcing Commodity Manager for Rockwell. 

A patent recently granted to robotic tooling supplier SAS Automation (Xenia, OH) recognizes the technical achievement of its robotic EOAT, which can be programmed to automatically relocate four separate component holders within the robot's cycle with the same EOAT. What the EOAT gives the user is increased productivity and lower costs.

The global sales and distribution network of DME Co. has been joined with the hot runner, processing, and analytical technology of Plastic Engineering & Technical Services Inc. in a strategic alliance aimed at improved sourcing for molders and moldmakers worldwide. First targets: new solutions for medical and high-volume consumer applications.

When Tim Peterson of Industrial Molds invited the district's Congressional Representative to visit the Rockford, IL company, he didn't expect Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL16) to actually come. But in early February he did, and Peterson is even more convinced than before that this is the right thing to do. Washington, says Peterson, appears to be getting the idea that these jobs are important.

Last year was tough on the building and construction market, but hope shines eternal, as was evidenced at this year's International Builders Show in Las Vegas, a fitting place for these who continue to bet on a return of the housing market.

You may not have heard of Edex Machinery Co. (Taipei), but the latest entrant to injection molding machine manufacture in Taiwan aims to make waves with its Atom Series micromolders.

When a heat exchanger begins to fail or becomes problematic, it may be indicative of various problems ranging from inappropriate mechanical design to unforeseen chemical reactions. But, is it better to replace or to repair a heat exchanger?—By American Power Services (Erlanger, KY)

PlasticsToday's Clare Goldsberry has written books for molders and moldmakers that include business and marketing strategies. Based on her long experience, she's come up with five key points to running a successful mold manufacturing operation.