Article Archive

Bridging the Gap: Helping Young Professionals Develop into Effective Leaders
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder

Gridlock in Washington: Is it Real and Good for Business?
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC

Malware Disrupts CNC Machines: Are You Prepared for a Cyberattack?
By Brittany Willes, writer, The American Mold Builder

North American Automotive Tooling Spend Declines 31%: What’s Next for Tool Builders?
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Digital Transformation: How Machine Monitoring Can Drive Continuous Improvement
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

NPE2021: Opportunities in Virtual and In-Person Formats
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Workforce Trends, Salary Freezes and New Data in Annual Wage Report
By Rachael Pfenninger, director of strategic execution, AMBA

Healthcare Trends to Influence 2021 Insurance Rates
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Revamping Healthcare At Vital Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

UV Surface and Air Disinfection Devices: Let the Buyer Beware!
By Castine A. Bernardy, Nicola M. Elardo, Alexa M. Trautz, and James P. Malley, Jr., Ph.D., Environmental Engineers, University of New Hampshire

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Issue 3, 2020

Reducing Dimensional Errors in Moldmaking
By Gisbert Ledvon, Director of Business Development, Machine Tool, Heidenhain Corporation

Sales, Marketing and Customer Communication in the Time of COVID-19
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Simple and Clear Communication at Thal Precision
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Mold Builders Reduce Federal and State Tax Liabilities with R&D Tax Credit
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP

Recruiting the Next-Generation Workforce
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

2020 Elections: China and the US Presidency
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC

Economic Smooth Sailing or Headed for the Rocks?
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Issue 2, 2020

Improving Underperforming Accounts: Advice from the Trenches
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Mold Builders Face Rising Costs: AMBA 2020 Health and Benefits Report
By Rachael Pfenninger, AMBA Project Manager

Take Charge of Your Healthcare
By Rachael Pfenninger and Susan Denzio, AMBA

COVID-19 Threatens Phase I US-China Deal
By Omar Nashashibi, The Franklin Partnership, LLC

Amerimold Connects Offers Free Online Event Experience
The American Mold Builder

The Importance of Training
By Andy Routsis, president, Routsis Training

The COVID-19 Effect: Preparing Your Business for a ‘New Normal’
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results

CARES Act Provides Relief to Mold Builders
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost

What I ‘Love’ about this COVID-19 Experience
By Phillip Van Hooser, author and keynote speaker

Information Download: How Mold Builders are Moving Forward During COVID-19
Compiled by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

CNC Machine Utilization: Downtime
From a study conducted by MachineMetrics

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Issue 1, 2020

AMBA Conference 2020
The American Mold Builder

State of the Industry 2020
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Nationally Funded Program Offers Assistance to Mold Builders
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

China, NAFTA and What is Next from Trump on Trade
By Omar Nashashibi, founding partner, The Franklin Partnership, LLP

Investing in the Future: Training to Retain Talent
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder

Economic Indicators Forecast Uncertainty
By Rachael Pfenninger, Project Manager, AMBA

CAD/CAM Offers More Efficiency, Connectivity and Precision
By Cynthia Kustush, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Customized Software Spurs Shipping Efficiency at Craftsman Tool & Mold
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder

Moldmaking 4.0: Evolving Technologies in the Molding Industry
By Brittany Willes, writer, The American Mold Builder

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Issue 4, 2019

Fostering a New Business Model at Precise Tooling Solutions
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Molds in the Middle: Trump vs. China
By Omar S. Nashashibi, Founding Partner, The Franklin Partnership

Educational Opportunities Abound at PLASTEC West 2020
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

What to Know Before Selecting a Mold Temperature Controller
By Moldex3D

Year-End Tax Planning Opportunities
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, Mueller Prost

Aptitude Testing Gets the Right People in the Door at Industrial Molds Group
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Efficiencies in Machine Programming – How Do You Compare?
By Rachael Pfenninger, AMBA Project Manager

The Risk of Repetitive Injury
The American Mold Builder

Harbour’s Automotive Tooling Forecast Offers Cautionary Tale for Entire Industry
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Understand the Impact of Your Profit Per Sale
By Jill J. Johnson, president, Johnson Consulting Services

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Issue 3, 2019

United Tool and Mold Keeps the Industry Running
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Mold Coating Treatments Add to Performance, Protection
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

The Impact of the Onboarding Process on Employee Retention
By Rachael Pfenninger, project manager, AMBA

A Deeper Look at Onboarding Checklists
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Workplace Implications for Marijuana Use
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

EHS Summit Emphasizes Preparedness
The American Mold Builder

Five Steps to Better Supply Agreements
By H. Alan Rothenbuecher, partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Four Key Attributes that Deliver Lead Time Reduction
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.

Seven Steps to Turn Employee Potential into Performance
By Brad Wolff, managing partner, PeopleMax

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Issue 2, 2019

Liberty Molds Takes Service to the Next Level
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Key Points in the Design and Construction of Injection Molds for In-Mold Decorating
by John Berg, director of marketing, and Alan Kastelic, tooling manager, Sussex IM

Review: AMBA Conference 2019
The American Mold Builder

Mold Builder of the Year: Rick Finnie
The American Mold Builder

Tooling Trailblazer of the Year: Century Die
The American Mold Builder

Business Evolves with Customer Needs at Precision Laser Technology
The American Mold Builder

Amerimold Show Preview 2019
The American Mold Builder

Heat Energy Management in Molds
by Torsten Kruse, founder and president, Kruse Analysis and Kruse Training

Managing the Sales Pipeline in Mold Manufacturing
by Rachael Pfenninger, project manager, AMBA

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Issue 1, 2019

AMBA Conference 2019
The American Mold Builder

Advocacy for Mold Building in Legislation
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Mold Builders Offer Increased Compensation and Additional Benefits in 2019
by Ashley Turrell, analytics manager, AMBA

Danger Ahead: Disaster Potential Goes Beyond Facility Concerns
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Tool Steel Market Set to Surpass USD 6.5 Billion by 2024
by Global Market Insights, Inc.

Detroit Auto Show Says ‘So Long Winter, Hello Summer’
by Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.

Designing 3D Printed Jigs and Fixtures
by Andrew Edman, industry manager product design, engineering and manufacturing, Formlabs

7 Steps to Move from Confrontation to Conversation
by Dr. David Chinsky, founder, Institute for Leadership Fitness

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Fall 2018

Actionable Strategies and Best Practices for Recruiting Millennials
By Rachael Pfenninger, Project Manager, AMBA

The 3 P’s to Becoming an Engaged Healthcare Consumer
By Dr. Josh Luke, faculty member, University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy

Demand for Speed and Quality Pushes Mold Polishers to Meet Goals
By Nancy Cates, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

If You Can’t Convince Them, Confuse Them
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence

PLASTEC West 2019 Returns to Anaheim
By Liz Stevens, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Transitioning the Business on Your Terms
By John T. Carter, Insyght Transitions

Key Employee Buy-In Transition: A Case Study
By Lara Copeland, contributing editor, The American Mold Builder

Finding New Talent through Apprenticeships at ROMOLD
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder

Tooling Industry Outlook: Uncertainty Ahead
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Summer 2018

Global Trends in Mold-Filling CAE Technology
By Venny Yang, president, and Sam Hsieh, senior deputy technical manager, CoreTech System (Moldex3D)

Peer Networking Groups – the Latest in Problem-Solving
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

AMBA Member Raises $13,000+ for iWarriors
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

OEE Leads to SMART Solutions at PMC
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Global Tool and Die Industry Developments
By Andre Ey, vice president, Makino

Crafting a Workplace Cell Phone Policy
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder

Recruiting Millennials: Learning to Speak Their Language with Video
By Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Five Warning Signs an Accident is Near – and How to Prevent It
By Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

R&D Tax Credit Rewards Mold Builders
By Michael Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Spring 2018

Dramco Tool: Innovation in the Midwest
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Optimize Mold Shops with Capacity Planning
By Nick Stanziola, senior consultant, Harbour Results, Inc.

amerimold 2018 Descends upon Novi
The American Mold Builder

Standardization of Mold Bases and Components
By Brenda Clark, engineering manager, HASCO America, Inc.

Plastics Technology Alliance: Evolving to Meet Customer Needs
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Moldmakers and Drugs in the Workplace
By Ashley Burleson, analytics manager, AMBA

Ten High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Drive Higher Levels of Employee Engagement
By Curt Redden, Primal Success

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Winter 2018

Mark Slack Named AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

MSI Mold Builders Wins Tooling Trailblazer Award
By Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder

NPE2018 Returns to Orlando in May
The American Mold Builder

4DX Strategy Pushes Ideas to Goal Execution at GreenLeaf Industries
By Nancy Cates, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Making the Move to 5-Axis Machining
By Harvey Lemire, sales and technical specialist, CGS North America, Inc.

Tax Reform Implications for the Mold Building Sector
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost

Challenges Give Insight into 2018’s Moldmaking Industry
By Ashley Burleson, analytics manager, AMBA

Establishing an Effective Machine Tool and Spindle Service Program
By Chris Hetzer, CEO and partner, Gilman Precision

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Fall 2017

Mold Builders Look Ahead to 2018
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Tooling Industry Forecast Indicates Increase in Sourcing Activity
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Job Shadowing Programs Help Close the Skills Gap in Mold Manufacturing
By Katy Ibsen, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Mold Building Suppliers and Partners to Exhibit at PLASTEC West
The American Mold Builder

Manufacturing Day: Changing the Direction of the Industry
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

AMBA Award Honors Outreach Efforts
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Process Combination Optimizes Mold Manufacturing Cycle Times
By Ryan Weister, application engineer, UNISIG

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Summer 2017

TK Mold Sets a Vision for Younger Employees
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Vector Simplifies Mold Movement
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Quality Processes Lead to Quality Products
By James Ricci, chief technology officer, Harbour Results, Inc.

Basics of CVD Diamond-Coated Cutting Tools
By Ed Francis and Chris Engdahl, Crystallume

AMBA Awards Grants through American Mold Manufacturing Fund
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Working with Metal in Additive Manufacturing
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Why Training Matters More to Millennials
By Evan Hackel, CEO, Tortal Training

AMBA Unites on Capitol Hill
By Kym Conis, managing director, AMBA

iWarriors Making a Difference for Combat-Wounded Veterans
By Kim Bartz, co-founder, iWarriors

OSHA Under Trump: The Waiting is the Hardest Part
By Rob Medlock, Safety Controls Technology (SCT)

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Spring 2017

2017 US Mold Building Industry Outlook: Optimistic
By Ashley Turrell, industry benchmarking manager, American Mold Builders Association

Finding Efficiencies in Mold Building
By John Hilgendorf, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Outlook: Shifting from Populism to Pragmatism
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence

Rethinking Equipment Maintenance: Transitioning to a Proactive Approach
By Larry Bouvier, CMRP, and Rob Levandoski, president, Fuss & O’Neill Manufacturing Solutions, LLC

Employment Screening Trends and Pitfalls
By Federated Insurance

Genc Honored by AMBA
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Westminster Tool Wins Inaugural Tooling Trailblazer Award
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

amerimold 2017 Comes to Rosemont
The American Mold Builder

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Winter 2017

Assessing the Possibilities at Creative Blow Mold Tooling
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Better Marketing with Video
By Todd Schuett, owner, Creative Technology Corp.

DOL Issues New Final Claims Regulations Regarding Disability-Related Claims
Provided by Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Manufacturing Wellness: Engagement in the Face of National Health Care Reform
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Job Scheduling: Addressing and Circumventing Shop Challenges
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

16 Steps to a Quality Mold Polish
By Casey Gwozdz, president, Ultra Polishing

Increases in Labor Costs for US Moldmakers
By Ashley Turrell, industry benchmarking manager, American Mold Builders Association

9 Surefire Steps to Lock Down Cyber Security
By Clinton Henry, cyber security expert

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Fall 2016

Compumold Tool and Design Wins First Annual Educational Outreach Contest
The American Mold Builder

Take Steps to Prevent Workplace Violence
By Van Harp, partner, Harp & Associates, LLC

Modeling Henry Ford: A-1 Tool’s Assembly Line Production Process
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Lean Manufacturing: Who, What and Why?
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Mold Building Suppliers and Partners to Exhibit at PLASTEC West
The American Mold Builder

Sales and Quoting: Tool Shops Express Positive Sentiment for 2016
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.

Skills Certification Program Intends to be Industry Standard
By Nancy Cates, contributing writer

Mold Builders May Qualify for the Domestic Production Activities Deduction
By Michael J. Devereux II, CPA, CMP, partner, Mueller Prost

Concrete Core Values: The Driving Force to Business Success
By Wayne Schoeneberg, speaker and author

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Summer 2016

Shining a Light on Lights-Out Machining
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer

Beyond Luck: Preparing for a Change in Workplace Culture
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer

OSHA Update: Penalties and Drug Testing
By Joseph N. Gross, Esq., partner, Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Five Years of Supporting the US Military through iWarriors
By Kim Bartz, founder of iWarriors

Preventing Disaster: A Look at Data Backup and Storage
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer

3D-Printed Insert Tooling: Mold Building Threat or Opportunity?
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Now What? Does Brexit Mean What We Thought It Would?
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence

Enhancing Productivity Using CAD/CAM Software
By Naren Suryadevara, technical director, Tebis America, Inc.

Six Myths of Employee Engagement
By Magi Graziano, CEO, Conscious Hiring® and Development

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Spring 2016

Manufacturing Change: Attracting Millennials to Industry
By Brittany Willes, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

The Key to Better Electrode Making
By Hari Sridharan, Cimatron

amerimold 2016 Arrives in Novi
The American Mold Builder

AMBA Annual Conference Triggers Brilliance
The American Mold Builder

Mike Zacharias Recognized as AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Consecutive Honors for Chicago as AMBA Chapter of the Year
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Cell Phone Policies: From Management to Leadership
By Lara Copeland, contributing writer, The American Mold Builder

Steady Business Predicted for 2016 Mold Building Industry
By Ashley Turrell, operations support specialist, American Mold Builders Association

Views from the Other Side: Processor and OEM Perspectives
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Modeling a Best-in-Class Mold Builder
By Laurie Harbour, president and CEO, Harbour Results, Inc.

Are You Sure You’re Training the Right Things?
By Dan Black, chief learning strategist, Tortal Training

Association News
The American Mold Builder

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Winter 2016

Mold Coating Advantages and Developments
By Brenda Clark, engineering manager, HASCO America, Inc.

Laser Texturing Adds Another Level of In-Mold Decoration Possibilities
By Chad Hase, laser project manager, GF Machining Solutions

Optimize Mold Shop Productivity with ERP Systems
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder

Avoiding Part Quality Issues before They Happen
By Jim Bott, business development manager, INCOE

Major Changes to Medical Benefits in AMBA 2016 Wage and Benefits Report
By Ashley Turrell, operations support specialist, American Mold Builders Association

Build a Culture of Volunteered Accountability
By Randy Pennington, principal, Pennington Group

OSHA Recording Requirements and Recordkeeping Requirements
By Alan Rothenbuecher, Pete Wade and Ryan Poor, Ice Miller Partners

Association News
The American Mold Builder