After more than a year apart, AMBA Conference 2021 was the venue for the reunion of the mold building industry. Held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from June 22 to 24, the event theme was Connections Reimagined!, and what better name than that for a group as tight-knit as American mold builders? Attendees traveled from 14 different states, with more than 150 tool builders … [Read more...] about AMBA Conference 2021: A Look Back at the Connections Made and Content Shared
Culture
Ray Coombs is the 2021 AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
By Cienna Sorell, writer, The American Mold Builder At the 2021 AMBA Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Raymond Coombs Jr., founder and president of Westminster Tool, was named AMBA Mold Builder of the Year. A leader within his own company, in his community and in the industry, Coombs has earned the respect and admiration of his peers. Continuous Investment Ray Coombs … [Read more...] about Ray Coombs is the 2021 AMBA Mold Builder of the Year
Wepco Plastics Named Tooling Trailblazer of the Year
By Jewlissa Frickey, writer, The American Mold Builder The AMBA Tooling Trailblazer of the Year Award was established to recognize the accomplishments of an AMBA member company that have resulted in a notable impact in the area of education. This year, the recipient of the award was Wepco Plastics in Middlefield, Connecticut. “Receiving this award reinforces that the work … [Read more...] about Wepco Plastics Named Tooling Trailblazer of the Year
Top 5 Energy/Resource-saving Accomplishments by a 3D Manufacturer and Injection Molder
By Liz Stevens The US Department of Energy's Better Plants Program helps US manufacturers set and achieve ambitious energy reduction goals. By joining Better Plants, partners like HARBEC, Inc. can tap information, tools and resources to improve their plants' energy efficiency. HARBEC, Ontario, New York, is a manufacturer of tight tolerance precision 3D printed metals and … [Read more...] about Top 5 Energy/Resource-saving Accomplishments by a 3D Manufacturer and Injection Molder
Additive Manufacturing Transforms the Tool Shop at Byrne Tool + Design
By Dianna Brodine, managing editor, The American Mold Builder Applications for additive manufacturing grow on a daily basis. From custom shoes to complex aerospace applications to medical interventions, new technologies in both machines and materials are expanding the realm of possibility for a process that’s been around for more than three decades, even as its popularity has … [Read more...] about Additive Manufacturing Transforms the Tool Shop at Byrne Tool + Design
Growing Pains and Intergenerational Business: Three Vignettes
by Lara Copeland, assistant editor, The American Mold Builder Joining the family business always has presented challenges and benefits to both the older and younger generations. And, of course, every one of those situations comes with its own unique set of troubles and blessings. The three stories featured here help to shed some light on the trials, tribulations and triumphs … [Read more...] about Growing Pains and Intergenerational Business: Three Vignettes