2013 The American Mold Builder - Spring

Spring 2013 Spring 2013
The OfciaI PubIication of the

American MoId BuiIders Association
2013 Convention Wrap
Mold Builder of the Year
Medical Mold Technologies
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My brain is on overload. I am truly overwhelmed by
the amount of valuable information and insight I gained
at this years AMBA Annual Convention in Chicago.
We started the convention with a great opening from
Troy Nix, who challenged us to be uncomfortable
because when youre uncomfortable, you take action.
Then, much to my surprise, our rst speaker actually
raised the enthusiasm meter up a notch. Jack Daly
talked about company culture and got us all pumped
up about the opportunities to affect positive change in
our shops with some very simple and proven strategies.
Laurie Harbour gave us great insight into what the very best mold build-
ers are doing based on Harbour Results extensive experience in rating and
assessing mold shops from all over the world on behalf of a major OEM.
She also offered encouraging news to American mold builders following
her most recent trip to China, with the message that the best mold build-
ers in the world must continue to drive throughput because advantages like
currency weakness are always temporary. We heard from our peers in rapid-
re, ve-minute presentations called Ignite Sessions, where some of the top
executives and owners in our industry presented a specic challenge and
then detailed how they resolved the issue. This presented clear, real-world
information that I found extremely benecial.
The breakout session I attended (When OSHA Comes Knocking, Will You
Be Ready?) was a true eye opener and I brought several pieces of informa-
tion right back to the shop that needed to be addressed immediately. Michael
Bohning, AMBA vice president and treasurer, presented the results of this
years Benchmarking Survey. While the results are positive for the industry,
the opportunity to compare our personalized results directly to our peers
and the high prot group as dened by Prot Mastery is the true data shop
owners and executives need to improve. If that wasnt enough, we capped
day two off with another group of plant tour workshops where we had great
discussions about specic issues many of us encounter every day.
On day three, Jon Goldman gave us some insight into the world of market-
ing and how it can be applied to our industry. I attended the Leaders/Owners
and Top Management breakout session, where we discussed issues such as
how to recruit and retain top talent and best practices for customer retention.
Troy closed the meetings with a challenge for all of us to Take Action
with the data and information we received.

Congratulations to Steve Rotman, the Mold Builder of the Year, and the West
Michigan Chapter of the AMBA for winning Chapter of the Year! Special
thanks go out to the staff for putting together and executing a fantastic confer-
ence. We are encouraged and excited about the positive feedback and record
attendance. If you didnt join us in Chicago, you truly missed out on a valu-
able experience, but you can take solace in the fact that next year is likely to
offer another great opportunity for learning that can have a strong impact on
your business.
Keep on building great American molds!
Todd Finley
Commercial Tool & Die, Inc.
The American MoId BuiIder
Published by the
American MoId BuiIders Association
3601 Algonquin Rd., Suite 304
Rolling Meadows, L 60008
p 847.222.9402 f 847.222.9437
info@amba.org www.amba.org
Ofcers and Board of Directors
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AMBA Team
Troy Nix, Executive Director
Kym Conis, Managing Director
Sue Daniels, Web/EMarketing/Member Services

Managing Editor: Kym Conis
Assistant Editor: Sue Daniels
Art Director: Cara Pederson

Advertising/Sales: Kym Conis
Circulation: Sue Daniels
Opinions expressed in this publication may or may
not reect the views of the Association and do not
necessarily represent ofcial positions or policies
of the Association or its members.
6SHDN2XW
Todd Finley
AMBA President
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Five Things to Keep You Up at Night
at Least as Far as the Economy is Concerned
By Chris Kuehl, Managing Director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
and that leaves companies with labor shortages in a time of
consistently high unemployment. Not only is this an issue
for the companies that need to hire, it creates a massive
problem for the economy as a whole as those that are
currently out of work may constitute a permanent under-
class of unemployable people.
Consumer condence
Three factors exist that have the most to do with consumer
condence in general. The rst two make a certain amount
of sense but the last one is often the most inuential, despite
not being nearly as signicant as the other two. The rst
general inuence in establishing condence is the state
of the job market. When the unemployment rate is high,
people worry about losing their jobs and being unable to
nd a new one. That makes them cautious and reluctant to
spend. The second major factor is house prices. For most
Americans, their house is their biggest asset and its value
determines where they sit nancially. When home prices
plummeted, the consumer was rendered insecure and
uneasy. Many were swept away and ended up underwater
on their mortgages. Now that the housing sector is making
a comeback, the consumer is starting to feel a little better. If
you are keeping score at this point it is one for optimism
(housing) and one for pessimism (jobs). Now we come to
the oddball factor that sways the condence index from
month to month. Consumers react strongly to the price of
gasoline at the pump. If the prices go up a few cents, there is
raw panic and spending falls like a rock. By the same token
when prices go down, the consumer gets encouraged and
elects to spend more. This year the prices have risen more
than they have fallen and thus the consumer has tended to
stay more cautious and disengaged. That affects demand for
everything from cars to vacations and the number of times
somebody elects to go out to eat.
1he great unwlnd
Perhaps of most concern to the economist is the fact that
the Federal Reserve has embarked on the loosest mone-
tary policy in the 100+ years of the institutions existence.
The low interest rates have been combined with low
reserve ratio demands and three rounds of quantitative
easing during which the Fed has purchased trillions of dollars
of US treasury bonds, as well as mortgage-backed securities,
The economic situation at the start of 2013 is not exactly
awful, but it is far from good. It is that nicely muddled
period when the watchword is transition the question is
whether we are transitioning from something bad to some-
thing good or from something bad to something worse.
At the moment, there are ve major concerns from the
perspective of the economic analyst.
Government-lnslred aralysls
This has been at the top of the list of concerns for some time
as there have been numerous rounds of political wrangling
that have had a negative inuence on the economy over
the past couple of years. The scal cliff asco at the end of
last year resulted in some substantial tax hikes and some
spending cuts. That was followed by some last-minute
hysterics over the raising of the debt ceiling and most
recently, there has been the sequester process. Given that
this was described by the people that passed it over a year
ago as an especially idiotic way to manage the budget, it
should come as no shock that its implementation has been
damaging. The layoffs at the government level have started
and are expected to accelerate. Companies that do business
with the government are losing contracts, and they have
been forced to implement some layoffs as well. In a bigger
context, there has been precious little strategic direction
from most of those in government, and this has left many
in the business community feeling cautious.
1he emloyment quandary
The job situation in the country is far more complex than
it rst appears. The unemployment rate still is between
7.5 percent and 7.8 percent and there are millions more
people that are considered underemployed or have simply
dropped out of the workforce. Under these circumstances,
it would be assumed that there would be few companies
unable to nd the workers that they need. In fact, that is
exactly the dilemma facing the manufacturing commu-
nity in general. There are precious few skilled workers
in that vast pool of the unemployed, and that has left the
average manufacturer with an aging workforce and no
real condence that replacements are being developed.
The average age of a fully qualied industrial welder is
now over 65 and the average age of a skilled machinist is
57. The people looking for work dont have these skills
7
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in an attempt to boost the economy with the circulation of vast
amounts of cash. The Fed now has a balance sheet of over $4
trillion when it had one of just $800 billion when the reces-
sion started. At some point, the Fed has to pull back and
many argue that this should have been done many months
ago. When the Fed reverses course, the markets will react
and for a while things could be shaky. The fear is that the
Fed has waited too long to execute the pullback and will
be required to be far more aggressive than would be ideal
that risks another dip into recession. The Fed ofcials
assert that this point has not been reached, but many remain
suspicious regarding the Feds ability to deftly manage out
of this loose strategic position.
0utslde lnuences
The US cant muddle through an economic recovery
without the engagement of the rest of the world. Exports
are far too important for that and too many US compa-
nies are deeply engaged in a number of foreign markets.
Europe is in tatters and that already has affected demand
for a great many American products as the EU has been 25
percent of the export and import scene for the US for many
years. That percentage has fallen to less than 15 percent in
the wake of the economic crisis in Europe. The Chinese
were hailed as the worlds potential economic salvation
when the recession started in the US and Europe, but their
ability to ride out a crisis in the nations they sell to has
been called into question. Now China also is slowing down
and that affects the countries that sell to it, as well as the
ones it sells to. The US cant pull its economy out of a rut
all by itself. The rest of the world needs to rebound to some
extent, but the problem is that they all depend on the US to
recover rst.
Dr. Kuehl is the managing director of Armada Corporate
Intelligence. He provides forecasts and strategic guidance
for a wide variety of corporate clients around the world.
He is the chief economist for several national and inter-
national organizations Fabricators and Manufactur-
ers Association, National Association of Credit Manage-
ment, Finance, Credit and International Business and the
Business Information Industry Association. He also is the
economic analyst for several state accounting societies
Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Kansas. Prior to start-
ing Armada in 1999, he was a professor of economics and
nance for 15 years teaching in the US, Hungary, Russia,
Estonia, Singapore and Taiwan. He holds advanced degrees
in economics, Soviet studies and East Asian studies.
)RFXV
I
n recognition of its ongoing promotion of educational/
apprenticeship programs and its efforts to raise
awareness throughout the state of Michigan as to the
opportunities available through the mold building industry,
the AMBA proudly honors the West Michigan Chapter with
the 2013 Chapter of the Year Award. Announced at the
AMBA Annual Convention, April 24-26, in Schaumburg,
IL, the West Michigan Chapter was awarded a $5,000
endowment from Progressive Components to donate to the
educational institution of its choice.
The West Michigan Chapter has worked to promote
education primarily through its scholarship program. In
2012, the chapter awarded almost $8,000 to nine talented
students from money raised at its annual golf outing. The
late summer outing raised funds for the following years
scholarships, and the 2012 outing raised a phenomenal
$15,000 for the 2013 scholarship fund. According to West
Michigan Chapter President Andy Baker with Byrne Tool
& Die, Inc., We had 96 golfers and numerous vendor
donations to this event. The outpouring of support was
record-breaking and absolutely amazing to witness. The
scholarships are available to dependents of employees of
the companies that are members of the West Michigan
Chapter of the AMBA.
Individually, chapter members continue to hire numerous
apprentices and improve their apprenticeship programs.
For example, Franchino Mold has hired over 15 apprentices
in 18 months, with plans to add more. Other members
support local high school career days. Byrne Tool &
Die, Commercial Tool & Die and CS Tool Engineering
also participated in giving shop tours for the Kent Career
Technical Centers students participating in the Discover
Manufacturing Video Challenge.
Other chapter members, not content with the perception
some have of the mold building industry, decided to take
action. Viking Tool and neighboring xture shop Erdman
Machine invited a group of machine trade students from
the Muskegon Career Tech Center out for a eld trip
through both of their shops. Upon learning that funding
for such a eld trip was not in the Tech Centers budget,
Viking and Erdman paid for the bus, driver and lunch, as
well as provided a very informative tour for the students.
Another West Michigan Chapter member, Action Mold,
currently is working with a group of students at Western
Michigan University in Kalamazoo (who are enrolled in
the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering program) to
design and build a Frisbee mold for their senior project.
Action also is helping the students get donations of mold
components and steel to complete the project.
To educate members, the chapters 2012 quarterly meetings
offered chapter members some valuable take-aways. In
February, AMBA Executive Director Troy Nix discussed
developing the future skills and knowledge bases of current
employees and becoming a work place of choice for new
talent. For the November meeting, David Lefere, an attorney
with Bolhouse Law, gave a thought-provoking presentation
on employment law.
The West Michigan Chapter continually supports efforts to
promote the trade within the state of Michigan. Because the
state has the highest concentration of tool and die companies
in the country, it is of great importance that career centers,
educational facilities and the Michigan government be
informed of the need for skilled talent. Many West Michigan
Chapter members meet with Congress and representatives to
keep them informed of the needs of the industry. Members
also work with educators to inform them of the great working
environments and high-paying careers available within the
technologically advanced industry of mold building.
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AMBA President Todd Finley presents the 2013 Chapter of the
Year Award to West Michigan Chapter President Andy Baker,
Byrne Tool & Die. (photo. Creative Technology Corp.)
9
ZZZDPEDRUJ
On a national level, the West Michigan Chapter was
excited to entertain the 2012 AMBA Convention attend-
ees. Four member companies hosted shop tours during
the convention. The hosting companies, Byrne Tool
& Die, Commercial Tool & Die, CS Tool Engineer-
ing and Die-Tech Engineering, were excited to share
their successes with peers from across the nation.
The feedback and networking that resulted from the
tours was absolutely amazing and the hosting companies
received much from the tours.
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Commenting on West Michigans Chapter of the Year
Award, Andy Baker concluded, The West Michi-
gan Chapter of the AMBA has had a memorable year.
Our overwhelmingly successful golf outing, shop tours
and dedication to the moldmaking industry shows that this
chapter is united. We are proud to be a group that repre-
sents a talented and growing trade. We are very active
in supporting the AMBA nationally and locally, and we
know our passionate members will continue that support
for many years. Q
AMBA West Michigan Chapter members accept the 2013 Chapter
of the Year Award. (photo. Creative Technology Corp.)
)RFXV
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he American Mold Builders Association (AMBA)
proudly awards Steve Rotman, president of Ameri-
tech Die & Mold, Inc., Mooresville, NC, with
the 2013 Mold Builder of the Year Award. Rotman was
honored during the AMBA Annual Convention Awards
Banquet with a $5,000 endowment, sponsored by Progres-
sive Components, for continuing education in moldmaking,
to be presented to the educational institution of his choice.
Steve Rotmans 39-year career (29 years as an owner) began
in his senior year in high school when he realized a college
career path was not in the budget (and in truth, he really
didnt like studying). My father told me to get into a skilled
trade and I would never lack for a job, stated Rotman.
(Rotmans father worked at Rapid Dies and Engineering
in the mid 50s.) He toured General Die and Engineering,
Grand Rapids, MI, and instantly knew this was the place
for him. Rotman started at General on a co-op basis in the
second half of his senior year, going to school until noon and
eating his lunch in the car so he could join Generals after-
noon shift at 12:30. I would work as late as 9:00 10:00pm
on some nights, as the owner would always work late and he
would just let me work as much as I wanted, said Rotman.
A few years later, a down economy forced General to cut
its workforce in half and Rotman was able to secure a job
at HS Die & Engineering an aggressive company that
seemed to be non-phased by the economy at the time. It was
here that Rotman was tutored under more direct moldmaker
leadership. By the third year of his apprenticeship, he was a
mold leader with a crew of people working under his lead.
In all of this, explained Rotman, my total desire was to
work my way into a management or better yet, ownership
positionby the age of 30.
As the investment to buy equipment was substantial,
Rotman continually was on the lookout for potential part-
ners to share the nancial burdenas well as the workload.
After pursuing other opportunities, he turned to a tool and
die company and interviewed with the president of the new
moldmaking division, Ron Wozny, who hired Rotman as a
shop foreman. I realized right away that Ron had the type
of experience necessary to make an operation successful.
After establishing a great business relationship with Wozny,
discussions turned to dreams of owning their own company
and North Carolina seemed to t the bill due to Woznys
past business ties. Within a year, they formed Ameritech
Die & Mold and in May of 1985, left Grand Rapids to set
up shop in Mooresville, NC. We actually lived in the new
shop in my camper for six weeks while we all looked for
housing to rent and move our families down after that. I had
never been to Morresville before then. I wanted to set up my
own business so badly I didnt care where, joked Rotman.
Rons brother, Rick, joined our dream, said Rothman
and the three of us went into business in a 6,000 sq. ft.
facility with no air conditioningit was hot! Rotman
was just 29 at the time. The other two partners were older,
each ve years older than the other, which helped preserve
their working relationship, according to Rotman. Our age
differences really worked in our favor as we werent all
ready to be president.
Ameritech bought its rst CNC bed mill in December of
1985, which is where Rotman trained to run a CNC prop-
erly, using roll charts and trigonometry to cut shutoffs to
match perfectly with zero spotting of complex geometry
molds. Each year the company added more CNC mills and
phased out its manual equipment. By 1988, Ameritech had
blown away all projections of growth and moved into its
existing location, then only 15,600 sq. ft. We added a
10-ton crane and air conditioning, so this was a huge step
up, Rotman exclaimed! In that same year, the company
bought its rst Makino large EDM, thereby allowing it to
burn on angles while orbiting, which was a huge advantage.
In 1992, Ameritech bought its rst wire EDM machine,
which established the company as a stand-alone entity.
67(9(5270$1
Steve Rotman with Todd Findley, AMBA president.
11
ZZZDPEDRUJ
page 12 X
More machinery was purchased in 1994, including a large
Kuracki boring mill for its mold base manufacturing and a
molding machine, which taught the Ameritech team about
processing. All the while, we continued to machine to no
spotting stock and our reputation for accuracy, as well as long
mold life, was becoming our trademark, recalled Rotman.
In 2000, senior partner Ron Wozny approached Rotman
and said that he wanted to be out of the business within
a year and soon after, Rick Wozny followed suit. So in
2001, Rotman took over sole ownership of Ameritech. He
brought in Keith Fox and together they began to transition
the company from a moldmaking entity to a mold manu-
facturing culture. In April of 2004, Ameritech Die & Mold
South opened in Ormond Beach, FL, utilizing the compa-
nys niche expertise in automotive safety restraint molds.
Today, Ameritech employs 24 team members in North
Carolina and 10 in Florida. With a specialty in complex
tool design and precision mold building, Ameritechs
engineering-driven approach assures its customers low
maintenance requirements while delivering high-quality,
Class A parts, thereby giving its customers the best oppor-
tunity for success.
A new buslness cllmate for mold bullders
Back in the height of its success, the AMBA was approxi-
mately 450 members strong, until Free Trade was introduced
into the US economy. According to Rotman, It caused a
catastrophic change to the very heart and core of the member-
ship. What once was a dynasty of industry and companies
was being decimated by the movement to low cost countries
that we now were forced to compete with. This brought a
whole new light to the passion and desire to have the AMBA
and to what the association might accomplish.
It was during this time that AMBAs Carolinas Chapter was
organized and soon after, Rotman attended his rst AMBA
convention in Puerto Rico. It was very exciting and yet
a little intimidating
to come to such a
large event and meet
owners of shops that
until then, we had
only heard of or read
about in trade publi-
cations, Rotman
recalled. The whole
discussion at that
time was the China
expansion and there
was doom and gloom everywhere within the midst. But
Rotman and his wife, Cheryl, agreed they would put their
shoulders down and ght through the adversity.
To that end, Rotman joined the AMBA Board of Directors in
2002 and enjoyed the challenges of reshaping and rebrand-
ing the association to adapt to the new business climate for
moldmaking. Many meetings were held on the survival of
this trade, as well as the viability of the association, said
Rotman. But no one ever gave up; they believed whole-
heartedly that there was never a better time for the associa-
tion to be there, representing US mold shop owners.
During Rotmans tenure on the board from 20022013
(serving as president from 2008-2010), several notable
accomplishments came to fruition, including new chapters
in Pennsylvania and Florida and the development of the
fall conference in Washington DC, which allowed AMBA
membership to meet with local representatives in teams
to discuss issues of importance to mold builders. Rotman
also met with the
Obama adminis-
tration during the
automotive crisis
and represented the
interests of AMBA
members when the
bankruptcy of GM
and Chrysler could
have been devastat-
ing to the moldmak-
ing industry.
Today, Ameritech Die & Mold, Inc. employs 24 team members
at its Mooresville, NC facility.
Groundbreaking ceremony in 1989. (Inset. First day in Mooresville, NC.
l to r, Rick Wozny, Ron Wozny and Steve Rotman.)
info@wi-engraving.com
including the Governors Award for Excellence in Workforce
Development in 2012.
An All-Amerlcan moldmaker, through and through
When the plastics industry was moving a signicant amount
of work offshore and was encouraging American mold build-
ers to set up partnerships and alliances in China, Rotman
stood his ground and refused to participate in sending work
to China. Instead, he worked harder to innovate and be more
competitive in his own shop in the US.
In the mid 90's, Sagittarius Mold burnt to the ground
from an EDM re. Rotman and his two partners opened
Ameritechs doors for its competitor to use its equipment
at night, taking Ameritechs work off the machines and
allowing Sagittarius employees to come in and do their
own work on the same equipment for four to ve months
until the shop got back on its feet in Greenville. (Roger
Klouda bought Sagittarius Mold in 2000 and renamed it
MSI Southeast.)
Always looking to the good of the industry at large, Rotman
has been a mentor and condante to many members of the
AMBA and has been open to discussing business issues
even with his competitors. In November of this year, Amer-
itech will open its doors once again to AMBA members in
a tour workshop event promoting an open exchange with
industry peers.
An All-American moldmaker, through and through is
how colleagues and friends in the industry describe Steve
Rotman. For that, Rotman concluded, I have developed
friendships within this trade that I love across the US and
for that I will forever be thankful. In the end, that is what
the AMBA will continue to do tie the US moldmaking
trade up in one voice representing the needs of the US mold
industry. It is an honor and a privilege to be a member
along with each of you! Q
ducatlng tomorrow's workforce
When Rotman and his partners moved to North Carolina,
they found that very few people understood the tool and
die or moldmaking industries. So training and appren-
ticeships would be imperative for Ameritechs internal
growth. We struggled to nd qualied students, as well
as a system to identify them, said Rotman. In talks with
the NCDOL (North Carolina Department of Labor) and
an up-and-coming Austrian manufacturer that had recent-
ly opened a new facility near Charlotte, a new approach
to apprenticeships was discussed in an effort to attract the
academic level of students needed in the moldmaking trade.
Ameritech became a partner in the venture and the forma-
tion of Apprenticeship 2000 took hold.
The Apprenticeship 2000 program is a four-year technical
training partnership in the Charlotte, NC, region designed to
attract and develop juniors and seniors from local high schools
into a well-trained and highly skilled workforce. In its rst
year, student population totaled 20, with ve partner compa-
nies driving the program. In 2010, the program celebrated its
15th year and had successfully graduated over 100 apprentices.
Today, the partnership has grown to eight partner compa-
nies (including Ameritech), and has won numerous awards
page 11 X
13
ZZZDPEDRUJ
Conventlon take-aways
Troy Nix, executive direc-
tor of AMBA, opened
AMBAs national conven-
tion with an enthusiastic
presentation about the main
characteristic which clearly
separates mold shops from
one another. When all of
the data is tallied, the one
true differentiator between
those who continually make
gains in their protability
and those who dont is lead-
ership of the management team, Nix explained. He contin-
ued with the following points:
Leaders who lead with the end-game in clear view, who
work daily to leave a positive legacy behind, are ones
that will ultimately have better long-term gains.
Leaders who set their needs aside and work to meet the
needs of their employee base generally gain the respect,
devotion and loyalty of their workforce.
Great leaders work to extract the additional capability,
productivity and intellectual resources from the employ-
ees they have; its not a do more with less mentalityits
a do more with what you have mentality. Leaders of The
Wiseman Group, a leadership consultation company,
indicated that leaders who act as multipliers can extract
1.97 times more from their employee base than those
that act as diminishe's. (Source: Multipliers)
Nix summarized his presentation with examples of strong
military leaders that helped to inuence his lifes path, It
should be the goal of all leaders to be the subject of positive
conversation between those they served years after theyre
gone the true testimony of outstanding leadership.
Jack Daly jolted
attendees with high
energy and edgy
points during his
dynamic sales and
marketing address-
es. Eager listeners
logged the follow-
ing key take-aways:
Many moldmaking executives who function as owner,
president or general manager are doing themselves
and their companies a large disservice if they also are
acting as sales representatives. Daly pointed out that
most moldmakers truly want to growth their revenue
and diversity yet many refuse to invest in a full func-
tioning sales department. According to Daly, if you
want to grow your sales, Stop part time selling!
Contact management systems (CRMs) are as good as
the worst person who inputs the data, according to Daly.
Thousands of dollars of waste and hundreds of thousands
Near|y 200 mo|d bu|dng professona|s from
across the Unted 5tates gathered n record
attendance n 5chaumburg, IL, ths past Apr|
to dscover new ways to push the boundares
wthn ther own operatons. 5pearheaded by an
nsurmountab|e amount of data on operatona|
and nanca| benchmarks, AMA's conventon
uncovered prmary dfferences n executon
and the ab|ty to de|ver. Irom both g|oba| and
domestc vewponts, attendees were treated
to a better understandng of ndustry norms
and best practce nformaton he|png senor
mo|dmakng executves eva|uate ther own
compettve postons n the marketp|ace.
15
ZZZDPEDRUJ
of dollars in potential business escape daily as employee
turnover leaves enormous voids in the selling process. If
all employees were educated to use a CRM and individual
prospects in that system were labeled according to their
personality types, signicant progress could be made by
newcomers in the system to reduce the sales process.
Truth trumps price all day long, according to Daly.
In fact, if a sales professional examines the process of
getting somebody to buy his product or service, it all
comes down to the fact that selling is the transfer of
trust. Once the sales professional has become successful
at building credibility and perceived value with his pros-
pect, the selling process usually works out in his favor.
Building credibility and the perceived value platform
depends on the sales professionals ability to establish
rapport with his prospects. As stated by Daly, Great
sales people are like chameleons because people do
business with people they like, and they like those who
most resemble them.
Dr. Chris Kuehl,
Armada Corpora-
tion, captivated
attendees with
his overview of
the current state
of the economy.
His smart use
of humor drove
home several key
points of concern.
Number one on
the list of concerns
was the numerous rounds of political wrangling that
have had a negative inuence on the economy over the
past couple of years. Dr. Kuehls second concern was the
true complexity of the current job situation followed by
faltering consumer condence. Fourth, but certainly not of
least importance, was the Federal Reserve balance sheet of
over $4 trillion when it had one of just $800 billion when
the recession started. And nally, Dr. Kuehl cited outside
inuences as a fth concern, the US cant muddle through
an economic recovery without the engagement of the rest of
the world. (See Dr. Kuehls article in Market Trends, p. 6.)
Laurie Harbour, Harbour Results, stressed that oppor-
tunity today for mold builders in the US is signicant:
Costs in China continue to rise making it less of an
automatic option to get tools for less cost compared to
North America.
Europes economic instability is making the US more
of a low-cost country option for many companies.
Canada is struggling with higher costs and an exodus of
manufacturing from the Toronto region.
Mexico is a much stronger option for low-cost country
support to the US and many tool shops are considering
opening operations in this area because of the availabil-
ity of skilled workers, low-cost structure, language capa-
bility and signicant growth in manufacturing.
With all these challenges around the globe, the US is a
much more attractive option for manufacturing tools
than ever before. However, data from Harbour Results'
research shows that US mold builders have increased
revenue dramatically and have had modest improvements
in protability but their actual throughput or efciency has
declined. If companies could improve their throughput by
15 percent, they would see their protability double. Those
companies that have been able to accomplish more with
the same and exed their business 20 percent have made
massive improvements in protability, which equates to
sustainable, long-term improvement.
page 16 X
(photos. Creative Technology Corporation)
AMBA Vice President and Treasurer Michael Bohning,
Creative Blow Mold Tooling, revealed highlights from
the AMBAs 2013 nancial and operational benchmark-
ing initiative, unveiling invaluable nancial and opera-
tional data specic to the moldmaking industry. The
information assisted owners and managers in evaluat-
ing and determining where opportunities lie to grow their
companies and create scally stronger, more protable
operations. Bohning cited specic examples of how his
organization utilizes the information in the individualized
report and how it will compare the information from 2012
and 2013 to measure progress and areas of opportunity.
Jon Goldman, Brand Launcher, inspired attendees with
powerful, easy-to-implement promotional strategies that
convey the right sales message. The key to selling is not
commoditization and low prices. Outlining the three Ms
(market, mediums and message), Goldman offered numer-
ous strategies, along with dos and donts, to help attendees
identify their market, reach that market and persuade that
market with the right message.
lnformatlon abound
From rapid-re, ignite session presentations conducted by
industry peers to round table discussions on practical area
functions such as human resources, operations, sales and
marketing and leadership, attendees had countless oppor-
tunities to discuss challenges and solutions with other
moldmaking professionals. Breakout sessions provided
further valuable take-aways for attendees, including OSHA
regulations and inspection preparation from Acrisure and
information on the new AMBA Apprenticeship Program
currently underway.
Chlcago-area lants oen u sho
A-1 Tool Corp., Chicago Mold Engineering Co. and
Industrial Molds Group all hosted top-notch plant
tour workshop events. These three shops graciously
opened up their shops and shared leading-edge tech-
nologies and practices with convention attendees.
Met with resounding praise, these tour workshops provid-
ed attendees with invaluable takeaway and substantial
feedback to the host companies.
W page 15
Ignite session presenter
Don Snow, CS Tool
Engineering Chicago Mold plant tour
Prlde ln Amerlcan manufacturlng
From the Welcome Reception on Wednesday to the supplier
trade fair (with 40 exhibitors), 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 American Manufactur-
ing window clings and car magnets to distribute amongst
their employees.
17
ZZZDPEDRUJ
(photos. Creative Technology Corporation)
AMBA President Todd Finley, Commercial Tool & Die,
emceed for the Awards Banquet on Thursday evening.
Scott Smith, Craftsman Tool & Mold, made a special
iWarriors presentation, and Finley also gave special recog-
nition to AMBAs eight Charter Members who joined
the AMBA when it rst was conceived back in 1973 and
1974. These companies were recognized for their stead-
fast support of the AMBA and of the industry at large: BA
Die Mold, Craftsman Tool & Mold, Elba Tool Co., Janler
Corp., Mako Mold, PM Mold Company, Team Amity and
Tri-Par Die and Mold.
Welcome Reception/Casino Night sponsored by PCS Company
Progressive Components presents $5,000 endowments to Mold Builder and Chapter of the
Year recipients. l to r. Glenn Starkey, Progressive Components, Steve Rotman, Ameritech
Die & Mold, Andy Baker, Bryne Tool & Die, and Cyndi Kustush, Progressive Components.
Rounding out the evening, the West Michigan Chapter
took the Chapter of the Year and Steve Rotman with
Ameritech Die & Mold was presented with the Mold
Builder of the Year Award (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.
AMBA would like to thank all of the 2013 convention
sponsors for helping to make this years convention an
overwhelming success! Q
AMBA Charter members l to r. Wayne Sikorcin, Craftsman Tool & Mold, Erich Elendt and
Horst Elendt, Elba Tool, Ole Bradley, PM Mold Company, Alan Petrucci, BA Die Mold, Phil
Dennmark, Mako Mold, and Bill Plocinski, Tri-Par Die & Mold.
7HFKQRORJ\
DVANCED4ECHNOLOGIESFOR
-EDICAL-OLD"UILDINGAND0ROCESSING
Plastic materials are widely used in the medical device
industry. The applications for plastic injection molded
products range from surgical, diagnostic testing, drug
delivery and geriatric care to self-treatment and preven-
tative medicine, etc. In recent years, the development of
a plastic application in prosthetic devices and invasive
surgical instruments has drawn much attention due to its
cost effectiveness and better antiseptic qualities. Due to
delicacy and defect-free requirements for medical devices,
quality control is the key for manufacturing procedures.
Medlcal lndustry challenges
Medical molds generally require greater accuracy and
detail than molds for other markets such as the appli-
ance or automotive markets. The following information
details some uniquely specic technologies and products
that allow mold manufacturers in the medical market to
achieve high levels of intricacy and accuracy.
Because of the need for higher detail and precision in
medical molds, medical mold builders face a number of
unique challenges, one of which is long and narrow core
draws that are prevalent in uid containers and uid deliv-
ery systems. In addition, plastic tends to shrink tightly onto
long narrow cores. This may result in a difculty to pull
the core and in less than optimal quality along the interior
of molded parts when the core is pulled.
One solution to this issue is offered by DMS who has
recently introduced the BZ Hydraulic Locking Cylinder
from HMM Solutions Inc. It provides medical moldmak-
ers solutions to these specic challenges. Incorporating
hydraulic cylinders in the mold allows the molder to pull
the core during the cooling cycle - while the mold is still
closed - before the material has a chance to fully shrink
onto the core. This can provide improved molded part
quality and shorter molding cycles.
Additionally, the locking cylinder feature eliminates the
need for angle pins, heels blocks and other components,
which can save space, machining, design time and mold
maintenance. Smaller mold bases and shorter mold open
strokes, achieved through the elimination of angle pins and
heel blocks, may even permit molders to use smaller injec-
tion molding presses.
As another example of an advancement beneting medical
molds, Roehr Tool was tasked with the challenge of creat-
ing a custom 10mm DT Core, specially designed for the
medical devices industry. The advantages of this smaller
DT Core include the following:
A deeper, full-diameter undercut for reliable t with
a mating part
Ideal for clean room production no hydraulics or
lubrication needed
Faster cycle time with better part quality
With the DT Core, the maintenance advantage is dramatic
due to a patented quick-lock feature that allows removal
and servicing of the core unit while the mold is still in
the press. In addition, this patent-pending DT core reten-
tion sleeve is designed to ensure reliable ejection, which is
particularly important in the medical market to avoid any
part damage that could lead to contamination.
Rlgh-reclslon technologles
Medical molders require sophisticated molds and equip-
ment to deliver precise products, and as a way to deliver
these results, SISE recently launched its newest edition of
multi-zone hot runner controllers. The MV2 was designed
for applications in both the medical and pharmaceuti-
cal industries. It was designed specically to control
a high number of zones with low power (nozzles) and
also for surveillance of zones with varying congura-
tions and characteristics. With its permanent self-tuning
and advanced alarm system, the M-Series can accurately
control from 8 to 120 zones and has a 16-mold memory.
The proprietary Moldscan system performs an electrical
analysis of all zones and can save electrical resistance,
temperature rise time and power, etc. Subsequent Mold-
scans will detect uctuations in power and resistance in
the mold and locate thermocouple problems, alerting the
operator to potential leaks and heater breakdown.
BZ Hydraulic Locking Cylinders from HMM Solutions
assist medical moldmakers and molders.
19
ZZZDPEDRUJ
To provide the ne-detail
machining and ultra-
precise accuracies neces-
sary for rising demands
in micro-feature medical
components and device
molds, Makino is offer-
ing the new iQ300 micro-
machining center. With
its latest advancements in
thermal stability, vibra-
tion damping, high-speed
spindle technology and
0.005-micron scale feedback, the iQ300 can control
minimum increments of movement to 10nm and provide
positioning repeatability less than 100nm and positioning
accuracy less than 500nm.
To ensure microscopic blending and matching of surfaces
when machining with different tools, the iQ300 also inte-
grates the proprietary Makino Hybrid Automatic Tool
Length Measurement (ATLM) system, capable of produc-
ing 0.8 m tool blends and can be used with tools as small
as 0.3 mm in diameter. Repeatability over the full machine
travels is +/- 0.5 m. With a guaranteed positioning accu-
racy of +/- 1.0 m, the iQ300 is ideal for machining ultra-
precise features in complex medical molds.
Because of the smaller part size, many medical devices are
manufactured in multi-cavity injection molds to increase
productivity. It is critical to have all cavities ll uniformly to
ensure even product quality and high yield rate. Tradition-
ally, a trial-and-error method is employed to test and verify
design. However, this method results in long product manu-
facturing cycle time and high production costs. Moreover,
many medical devices are made of fabricated components.
To be fabricated seamlessly, warpage of each molded part
should be controlled precisely. To overcome all the design
problems within time and cost constraints is a great chal-
lenge for the medical device industry. During the pre-devel-
opment stage when the mold has not yet been manufactured,
engineers can use a simulation tool to verify their designs for
potential short shots, weld line locations and more. Products
such as Moldex3D professional CAE simulation software
can be utilized in different product development stages. In
addition to detecting problems in advance, the software can
help verify and optimize designs.
Users can use the simulation tool to compare many differ-
ent design options such as number of gates, runner system
and cooling system layouts by generating iterated simula-
tion runs to achieve the optimized design without wasting
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
North America | Europe | Asia | South America
Hot Runner
Systems
For Medical
Parts
I Precision Built
I Clean Room Compatible
I Micro to Large Part
Systems
INCOE
Hot Runner Systems

Medical part experience supported by unmatched
applications know-how.
That's INCOE
Hot Runner Performance.

page 20 X
Makino iQ300 VMC offers ultra-
precision machining for micro
medical molds.
W page 19
time and money on trial-and-error experimental methods.
Moldex3D provides simulation software for ll, pack,
cool and warpage, which is a complete simulation solu-
tion for the injection molding process of medical and
pharmaceutical products.
With the medical industry in mind, there are multitudes
of hot runner products which are specically engineered
to meet the needs of the moldmaker and molder. Incoe
offers two specic solutions to t the needs of mold
builders in the medical market. The most commonly used
hot runner solution it offers is the close-center, pneumati-
cally actuated, multi-pin valve-gate solution. This engi-
neered approach is used for nearly all grades of material
for medical parts where gate vestige must be minimal and
close centers and small mold footprints are required. This
product also is used on direct-gated parts such as round,
center-hollowed, cylinders requiring tight concentricity
that is best achieved using three injection points. The
system has a leak-proof manifold to nozzle transition and
simplies mold installation and service.
Additionally, Incoe offers thermal edge-gate system
solutions for pipettes and similar medical applications
molding olen materials. These
systems include Opti-Flo

tech-
nology for uniform melt deliv-
ery into the cavities. A hot-
edge gating approach is unique
to common hot runner gates
and requires split gate inserts
mounted at the parting line. The
benet is that it delivers the melt
into the side of the part, therefore
eliminating the cold runner side
gates and leaving minimal gate
vestige. By using this technol-
ogy, the parts can be designed
in small bolt circle clusters that
accommodate high cavitations
within a small mold footprint.
When exploring CAD/CAM software for the medical
device market, considerable savings in dollars and hours
can be realized in the machining process. CAM-TOOLs
tool paths are created directly from the surfaces of the part
model, not from a triangulation mesh. This allows for a highly
accurate mold, including a high-quality surface nish.

INCOE offers thermal edge-
gate system solutions for
pipettes and similar medical
applications molding Olen
materials.
21
ZZZDPEDRUJ
The special CAM engine inside of CAM-TOOL outputs a
mathematically perfect result. Savings can be realized in
the following areas:
Less spotting
Less hand work
More tool life resulting in less machine stoppage for
changing inserts and tools
More unattended machining (no wage at the machine
holding onto the feed rate control)
Less EDM
More efcient machining
More efcient programming
Less wear and tear on the machine
A product that features breakthrough technology target-
ed for the unique requirements of the medical market is
Synventives patented eGATE electric valve gate. Unlike
pneumatic or hydraulic valve gates, eGATE precisely
controls each valve pins position, acceleration, velocity
and stroke. The exact position of all valve pins is moni-
tored through the use of encoders and the data recorded
for authentication. eGATE is well suited for medical appli-
cations that require a higher degree of precision, process
monitoring, dimensional stability and premium cosmetic
surfaces. eGate provides numerous advantages over tradi-
tional valve gates.
The medical mold industry uses a signicant amount of
stainless steel, and a new product offering from Industeel
USA to the North American market is Superplast Stain-
less
(SPS). Superplast Stainless is a free machining

stainless steel delivered in pre-hardened condition and is
designed for mold bases, inserts and holders where a high-
polish nish is not required. Based on its unique chemis-
try and manufacturing process, Superplast Stainless offers
advantages in machinability, welding and thermal conduc-
tivity over standard 420F / W1.2085 or existing stainless
grades. With its low carbon and 12-percent chromium
content, it also offers good corrosion resistance in corro-
sive molding processes, high-humidity conditions and
harsh environments. Q
For more information on the advanced technologies for
the medical device market mentioned in this article, please
visit the following company websites.
CAM-TOOL, www.camtool.com
DMS, www.dmscomponents.com
Incoe, www.incoe.com
Industeel USA, www.industeel.info
Makino, www.makino.com
Moldex3D, www.moldex3D.com
Roehr Tool, www.roehrtool.com
S.I.S.E, www.sise.fr
Synventive, www.synventive.com
6SHFLDO5HSRUW
For the rst day of their visit on March 21, 2013, iWarriors
representatives set out for Balboa Naval hospital in San
Diego, CA, with 16 iPads in tow. The team of people that
volunteered to present the donated iPads this year included
Tim and Kim Bartz of Mold Craft (Willernie, MN), Scott
and Julie Smith of Craftsman Tool & Mold (Aurora, IL)
and Rick Finnie and Geralyn Anderson of M.R. Mold and
Engineering (Brea, CA).
Arriving early at the hospital gave them the opportunity to
engage one-on-one with the Marines. They got to talk to
each of them individually and hear their stories of injuries,
how they are dealing with their rehabilitation and recovery
and what plans lie in their future. Each year, the volunteers
learn a little more about the needs of the Marines and are
impressed by how many of them are in the beginning
stages of living out their lifelong dream of going to college
and entering the civilian workforce.
Some of the Marines desire to start their own business while
others choose to continue on with a military career. They
are an inspiration to us all with their upbeat and positive
attitudes, stating that their injuries are only temporary
setbacks.
Several other Marines that the team met at the hospital
suffer from TBI (traumatic brain injuries), which are
caused by repeated IED explosions during deployment. It
is difcult to detect until they are engaged in conversation
with them and see how they struggle to nish a sentence or
tell stories of how they are constantly misplacing items due
to memory loss. These Marines miss doctor appointments
and forget to take medication all due to effects of TBI.
Nearly all suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress
disorder) to some degree. Most have experienced the death
of fellow Marines, civilians and quite possibly the fact they
have taken the life of another. The iPads that are gifted to
them allow them to download apps that can help improve
cognitive and memory skills.
These Marines are thrilled to have access to mobile calendars
allowing them to schedule appointments, medications and
receive reminder alerts, No more sticky notes posted around
the house, one Marine commented with a smile. One other
young Marine was thrilled that he will be able to use the iPad
to keep in touch better with his family in the Chicago-area
during his rehabilitation. He is a leg amputee and has many
months of rehab ahead of him.
The second stop that day for the iWarriors team was at the
Workshop for Warriors - a non-prot vocational training
center for veterans run by its founder, Hernan Luis y Prado.
This organization provides manufacturing trade education
and hands-on training to prepare graduates for a career in
CNC plasma cutting, welding, CAD/Solidworks/Master-
cam software, milling, machining, machinery repair, wood-
working, diesel and gasoline engine repair and fabrication.
Workshop for Warriors is funded through generous dona-
tions by organizations committed to supporting veter-
ans. The iWarriors team has hope that the AMBA and its
members will be able in some capacity to support the training
of the students and possibly hire some of the Workshop for
lWarrlors and AMBA Glve Back to U5 Marlnes
Wounded warriors at Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, CA.
Wounded warriors at Wounded Warriors Battalion
West Detachment, Hawaii.
23
ZZZDPEDRUJ
Warriors graduates. After graduation and certication, the
workshop also offers job placement. For more information
on the workshop, email info@workshopsforwarriors.org.
The iWarriors group learned of three additional combat
wounded soldiers and sailors to which they gladly presented
iPads as well.
On day two of the visit, the iWarriors representatives
presented iPads to 19 Marines at Wounded Warrior
Battalion West located at Camp Pendleton. They were able
to chat individually with the Marines and learn of their
struggles and dreams for their future. One young Marine
in particular attended a woodworking course offered
through the Wounded Warrior Battalion. Since then he has
started his own turkey call business in which he hand crafts
and sells the calls. He is very active in the National Wild
Turkey Federation and also arranges and accompanies
wounded warriors on hunting trips.
Following the presentation of iPads, the volunteers received a
tour of the facility. The Wounded Warrior Battalion site was
constructed only one year ago and is a remarkable facility
for the wounded to come to work on their rehabilitation
with state-of-the-art equipment along with their family
members. Doctors, physical therapists and even Olympic
athletes help these warriors in their rehab. They also learned
of an internship program approved the day prior to their
visit. Details of the program will be passed along when they
become available. Since the trip in March, iWarriors has
supported nine additional Marines with iPad gifts. To date,
over 110 iPads and accessories have been distributed to the
wounded.
iWarriors thanks all AMBA Members for their continued
support! Visiting personally with wounded warriors
is an honor that is looked forward to every year. To
participate in a future trip or to view additional photos,
go to www.iWarriors.org. Be sure to visit the iWarriors
Facebook page for photos, stories and fundraising updates.
WORLD HEADQUARTERS
4930 South Lapeer Road
Orion Twp, M 48359 U.S.A.
Tel: (586) 573-9450
Toll Free: 877-645-5782
877-MLLSTAR
Fax: (586) 573-9451
info@millstar.com
www.millstar.com
Insert & solid carbide tools for conventional,
high speed & hard milling. Inch and
metric sizes 0.020 to 1
& 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
Wounded warriors at Wounded Warrior Battalion
Camp Pendleton, CA, with AMBA team.
3URGXFW
RownIucInnarg LX1 and LXB PLD
DrIII
Seco, Troy, MI,
recently introduced
the company's new
CX1 and CX2 poly-
crystalline diamond
(PCD) drills for
composite hole-
making. The new
diamond-tip technology eliminates issues with uncut bers
or delamination in composite machining, and has allowed
the company to successfully develop the industry's rst
PCD three-ute geometry (CX1) for composite drilling.
Designed to offer the sharpest and strongest cutting edges
currently available, the new CX1 and CX2 PCD drills
use solid PCD tips. These tips can be much sharper than
PCD-coated drills as the coating, when applied, wraps
around the cutting edge and creates a dulling effect. Addi-
tional benets of the new solid PCD-tipped drills include
high cutting speeds, long tool life, low friction, superior
thermal conductivity, multiple re-sharpening capacity
and high-process reliability. For more information, visit
www.secotools.com.

Z-SorIo LncR: B MIIIInn LgcIo
and LnuncIng
P r o g r e s s i v e
Compone nt s
(Wauconda, IL)
new Z-series
alignment locks
have been engi-
neered to outper-
form other styles
using indepen-
dent testing.
Prior to their
introduction at
NPE 2012, they had been tested and proven to show no
wear even after two million cycles. This is signicant,
since others would fail often after only 40,000 cycles, lead-
ing to mold damage and downtime. Progressive credits
this new level of performance to a combination of engage-
ment geometry, particulate capturing and lubrication
distribution, as well as materials and treatments. Because
the Z-Series Locks accomplished an industry-leading,
proven performance level, Progressive announced that as
of March 2013, all inventory is now the new Z-Series. For
more information, visit www.procomps.com.
LhIIIor Tomp Rango pandod
Mokons (Buffalo, NY)
line of Iceman Low
Temperature chillers
is now available with
operating temperatures
from -20F to +20F
(-29C to -7C) and in
nominal capacities up to
12 tons in both air- and
water-cooled condensing.
Iceman LT Series portable
chillers feature a semi-hermetic discus compressor
providing superior energy efciency, robust operation
and easy maintenance. The LT Series comes standard
with cylinder unloading/hot gas bypass used for capacity
control, increasing the longevity of the compressor. The
chillers are green friendly, utilizing R-507 refrigerant and
come with a microprocessor-based controller that ensures
stable, straight-line control for extreme accuracy. For more
information, visit www.mokon.com.
Incogracod SnIucInn tnr
AucnmacIng 3D ScannIng and
InpoccInn
Capture 3D, Costa Mesa, CA, announces that the ATOS
ScanBox 6130 is the newest addition to GOMs product
line of advanced automated solutions with the capability
of scanning parts larger than 6.5 ft and/or up to 4,400 lbs
in weight. The ATOS ScanBox series is a turnkey solution
for automating 3D scanning and inspection applications.
It is designed to industrial standards and engineered with
high-quality components to ensure process optimization,
increased throughput and automation success. Delivery time
is short and setup is plug-and-play. The ATOS ScanBox
is integrated with an ATOS Triple Scan sensor, which is
recognized by the industry for its precise accuracy, high
resolution and speed. When coupled with automation, it
becomes a metrology power house increasing productivity,
repeatability and accelerating ROI. For more information,
visit www.capture3d.com.
25
ZZZDPEDRUJ
WnrId ThInnoc PnoumacIc
DuIcR-Lhango PaIIoc MnduIo
SCHUNK, Morris-
ville, NC, introduces
the VERO-S NSE
mini module with
a height of 20mm.
The mini module
provides ideal condi-
tions for retrotting
existing machinery, making full use of the engine room
and directly clamping small workpieces. The patent-
ed drive concept consists of a fast stroke and a clamp-
ing stroke, ensuring that the mini module has a highly
compact performance. At a module diameter of 90mm,
and a clamping pin diameter of only 20mm, the NSE mini
also has an integrated turbo function and enormous pull-
in forces. Locking is done mechanically via spring force.
The large contact surfaces between clamping slide and pin
minimize the surface pressure in unclamped condition,
and the wear of the module. For more information, visit
www.schunk.com.
While other suppliers turn their
backs to supply other hot markets,
were stocking inventory, investing,
and servicing our customers 110%.
Its been that way for the past 100
years and will continue for the next
100 years. At ESS, we always focus
on our number one priority you.
Its what we do.
United States
Ellwood Specialty Steel
800-932-2188
esssales@elwd.com
Canada
Ellwood Specialty Metals
877-978-2772
esmsales@elwd.com Ellwood Specialty Steel - Ready and Reliable.
Were Focused on You.
page 26 X
3URGXFW
HIgh-Food MIIIIng FamIIg
Incrnducod
Ingersoll Cutting Tools, Rockford, IL, recently introduced
the Hi-QuadF high-feed milling family. This innovative
and highly versatile cutter line is offered with a 13mm and
19mm IC quad-style insert. The insert provides four cutting
edges with a choice of eight different advanced-technology,
cutting-edge geometries. Premium insert grades coupled with
optimal edge preparations ensure long tool life even under
the most demanding applications across the widest range of
materials. The maximum depth of cut ranges from .088" for
the 13mm IC insert to .145" for the 19mm IC insert. For more
information, visit www.ingersoll-imc.com.
pandod LInoup nt Adwancod
WnrRhnIdIng Prnducc
Kurt, Minneapolis, MN, features its expanded lineup of
advanced workholding products for improved machining
productivity. The SideWinder
TM
Vise provides vertical
workholding for second operation machining in the same
setup by easily mounting to the back of all Kurt industry
standard six-inch vises. The SideWinder vise is ideal for
all types of machining operations, including precision
boring, tapping, drilling and nishing with accuracy
on most part congurations. The SideWinder vise has a
robust 80,000-PSI ductile iron body. Additional features
include integral bracket with stabilization feature allowing
mounting to the machine table on the movable end of
the vise, and a workstop to allow vertical positioning of
the part. The elevated position allows for longer reach
machining that does not interfere with the operating
envelope of the host vise. Featuring the original Kurt
Anglock
design for decreasing jaw deection, the new

SideWinder vise distributes clamping force evenly and
precisely across the full jaw surface. For more information,
visit www.kurtworkholding.com.
Scandard AIumInum MnId Bao
PCS Company (Fraser, MI), offers high-quality, standard
aluminum mold bases, machined from 7075 aluminum
in the US. These mold bases are available in 23 standard
frame size and plate thickness combinations. Features
include 4.0" diameter locating ring hole, milled clamp
slots, ground parting line surfaces, three-piece assembled
ejector housing, ejector plate includes milled rest buttons,
beveled corners and edges, parting line pry slots and
3D CAD data available. Non-standard aluminum mold
base sizes also are available. For more information, visit
www.pcs-company.com.
Throadtnrmor^ LncrowIng
DowIco
Superior Die Set, Oak Creak, WI, showcases its
Threadformer family of unscrewing devices. The
Threadformer is a versatile yet simple core unscrewing
system, which utilizes a powerful hydraulic motor and a
xed mechanical dead stop to achieve remarkable core
positioning accuracy in a compact package. These made-
in-the-USA machines are built to last with a rugged
design that facilitates high production runs with minimal
maintenance. Superior also supports its product with full
technical support, providing 3D and 2D models, as well
as design assistance free of charge. The units are capable
of unscrewing thread diameters ranging from 10-32 up to
80mm and thread lengths up to 70mm with the standard
units. The exible range of unscrewing units consists of
three primary models all available in single or twin core
variants, including a unique right angle unit capable
of internal core cooling. For more information, visit
www.superiordieset.com. Q
W page 25
GOT CIMATRON?
More than 40 AMBA member companies are using Cimatron
CAD/CAM software to increase productivity and shorten
delivery times.
Learn more at www.bettermoldmaking.com or
call 248-596-9700 ext. 237 today.
See What AMBA Members That Use Cimatron Say:
"Our effciency has been increasing incredibly. I know it has impacted our
bottom line. We can take on more business, because we are not spending as
much time in design. The fow from design to manufacturing is much smoother,
shortening our delivery dates, making us more effcient and improving quality."
Kent Smith, President, Diamond TooI & Engineering
"Cimatron has really helped us stay ahead of the curve when it comes to
creating more sophisticated molds, such as those required for products with
blended curves. Without Cimatron in place, designing and producing such
goods would be nearly impossible."
Thomas LaMarca, Jr., Owner, L&Z TooI and Engineering
"We believe one of the things that sets LS Mold apart from other shops is our
Cimatron CAD/CAM capabilities. Cimatron really listened to our needs and it
shows in how they implement our requirements in the software. The modeling
package is frst rate. It particularly shines in electrode creation. Customer
support from Cimatron is outstanding."
Jim Dent/David Koning, LS MoId
www.cimatrontech.com
27
ZZZDPEDRUJ
ZERO STOCK CUTTING.
NO HAND FINISHING.
VIRTUALLY NO SPOTTING.
IN DIE/MOLD, ITS
THE DETAILS THAT
MATTER MOST.
Dont wait. Get the whole Makino
die/mold story right now:
MAKINO.COM/DIEMOLD
WHEN YOU MAKE WHAT MATTERS
Youll do anything you can to reduce
delivery times and operating costs.
And Makino is doing everything
possible to help. Makino technologies
enable you to bypass time-consuming
steps to deliver mirror-like nishes on
even the most complex geometries.
All in record time. Because when you
make what matters, making it better
and fasteris what matters most.
6KRZ3UHYLHZ
amerimold returns to suburban Chicagos Donald E. Stephens Center, June 12-13, 2013, with an event that offers solu-
tions for every aspect of the mold business. From product technology to process improvement, business development
to management strategies amerimold 2013 offers something for any part of mold manufacturing. Connecting mold
manufacturing and plastic injection molding, amerimolds show oor will feature exhibitors displaying products used
for designing, machining and repairing molds.
The technical conference will deliver expert insights into the production and management challenges facing die/
mold machining and injection molding businesses. Topics will include 5-axis machining, conformal cooling,
mold maintenance, material selection, injection molding and customer and workforce development. For more
information, visit www.amerimold.com.
Amerlcan Mold Bullders Assoclatlon (AMBA)
Booth #130 www.amba.org
AMBA is the premier trade association for the US mold
manufacturing industry, serving its members with nancial
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 will be available at the AMBA booth.
A51 1echnology GmbR (co-exhlbltlng wlth Progresslve)
Booth #105 www.ast-tech.de
AST Technology will demonstrate the latest edition of
its CVe Monitor System, which now offers users the
opportunity to drive comprehensive mold management in
10 languages, as well as its full array of services, including
Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Standard Tooling and
Engineering, Process Development and Optimization and
Assessment and Training.
Bales Mold 5ervlce
Booth#210 www.balesmold.com
Bales Mold has served the plastics industry for 35 years
with nickel nibore, electroless nickel, passivation chrome,
diamond chrome and polishing all under one roof.
B0Rlb nglneered Abraslves
Booth #401 www.borldeabraslves.com
BORIDE Engineered Abrasives is a leading manufactur-
er of bonded abrasives products including mold/diemak-
er polishing stones, diamond compound, mounted points,
industrial sharpening stones and other specialty abrasives
products. For nearly forty years, BORIDE Engineered
Abrasives has developed and manufactured abrasive
products for industrial and consumer applications.
Crafts 1echnology
Booth #416 www.craftstech.net
Crafts Technology manufactures tooling and components
where the need for rigidity or accelerated heat transfer
in the injection molding process results in reduced cycle
time and signicant productivity improvements.
belcam
Booth #419 www.delcam-electrode.com
Delcam will show its completely integrated solution for
the design, machining and inspection of electrodes for the
rst time in the US at amerimold. The complete solution
combines Delcams PowerSHAPE CAD software, Power-
MILL CAM system and PowerINSPECT inspection soft-
ware to enable electrodes to be produced more efciently
and to higher levels of accuracy.
P5 Flo1ek
Booth #538 www.esotek.com
EPS FloTek provides a full line of plastics ow analysis
engineering services. EPS also is a full line, 12-year, senior
reseller of Moldex3D Flow Analysis Software Products
including injection molding, insert molding, two shot, gas
assist, co-injection and more.
rowa
Booth #214 www.erowatech.com
Erowa Technology, a manufacturer of work holding and
robotics systems for the machining industry, will display
various workholding solutions designed to increase
productivity and reduce set up times. Its self-center-
ing vise will be shown, along with EROWA and FTool
tooling for WEDM. Stop at the Erowa booth to discuss
specic applications.
1he followlng amerlPROG exhlbltors may be of lnterest to 7KH$PHULFDQ0ROG%XLOGHU readers:
29
ZZZDPEDRUJ
GF AgleCharmllles
Booth #205 www.gfac.com,us
GF AgieCharmilles will spotlight its MIKRON HSM 200U
LP (linear performance) milling machine and its FORM 20
sinker EDM. The MIKRON HSM 200U LP brings speed,
efciency, precision and true 5-axis simultaneous milling to
the machining of small, highly complex components. Linear
motor technology in the main machine axes and optimized
direct-drive motors for the B and C axes result in high preci-
sion and superior part surface nishes as ne as Ra 0.05 m.
Furthermore, the machines powerful 50,000-rpm, 11.4-hp
Step-Tec spindle also assists in providing excellent surface
nish and part detail.
CG5 North Amerlca lnc.
Booth #109 www.camtool.com
CGS North America will be showing a number of parts
machined using CAM-TOOL, CAM Software. CAM-
TOOL is an elite CAD/CAM software specically
designed for the machining of molds and dies. The unique
tool path output allows for minimal polishing and spotting,
less EDM, longer tool life and the ability to machine hard
materials.
lndustrlal Molds Grou
Booth #524 www.lndustrlalmolds.com
Industrial Molds Group provides complete design, engi-
neering and manufacturing services for high-tech injec-
tion molds. Industrial Molds state-of-the-art facility along
with its team of 60 designers, engineers, machinists, mold-
makers and quality personnel can perform R&D on new
tooling, re-design and optimize older tooling, perform
mold tryouts/qualications and optimize molds for manu-
facturability for reduced overall costs-to-manufacture.
Kubotek U5A
Booth #418 www.kubotekusa.com
Kubotek is a leading supplier of CAD/CAM software,
CAD viewers and other integrated engineering soft-
ware tools for moldmakers and OEMs worldwide.
KeyCreator Direct CAD allows for easy design creation or
the import and edit of any CAD model, regardless of le
format, to prepare designs for mold, tool and die manu-
facturing. KeyMarkUp CAD viewer likewise opens any
CAD le for viewing, quoting, mark up and collaboration.
The Kubotek Comparison Suite compares and validates
changes to CAD les for better communication and mini-
mizes errors to help reduce costs and speed time to market.
Materlon Brush Performance Alloys
Booth #229 www.materlon.com,BrushAlloys
Materion Brush Performance Alloys is a business of
Materion Corporation. The companys alloy products
can be found in demanding end-use products within the
telecommunications, computer, automotive electronics,
appliance, industrial components, plastics tooling, optical
media, oil and gas, aerospace and defense and off-highway
and mining equipment markets.
0hlo Carbon Blank
Booth #128 www.ohlocarbonblank.com
Ohio Carbon Blanks bonded graphite Elec2rode blanks
now can be supplied with or without 3R or Erowa quick-
change hole patterns. Elec2rodes minimize material use,
eliminate milling of blanks for work holding and reduce
overall graphite costs. They increase productivity because
they are out-of-the-box ready. Order 24/7 using the Graphi-
mator on Ohio Carbon Blanks website.
Progresslve Comonents
Booth #105 www.rocoms.com
Progressive will feature its new Z-Series Alignment Locks
(proven to show no wear with independent testing), Lifters,
CamActions and parting line sequence control devices. In
addition, Progressive President Glenn Starkey will moderate
the ENGINEER block of amerimold on Wednesday, June 12.
He will lead panel discussions aimed at bringing to the
forefront the technologies and best practices necessary
for critical decision-making on such topics as part/mold
design, simulation, putting intelligence in the mold and a
look at innovative ways OEMs, molders and moldmakers
are working together.
Roehr 1ool Cororatlon
Booth #101 www.roehrtool.com
Roehr will feature its DT Collapsible Core, as well as its
new, patent-pending DT Core Retention Sleeve, which
ensures reliable ejection and faster cycle times. Roehr also
will highlight its ProtoBridge System and other products,
including the RT Series Collapsible Cores, Expandable
Cavities and Minicores.
5eco 1ools
Booth #135 www.secotools.com,us
Seco Tools will display its small-diameter Square 6-04
shoulder milling cutter, high-feed 2-line of small diameter
high-feed milling tools and its Double Octomill -05 face
page 30 X
milling cutter for small machines. These recent tooling
innovations signicantly increase productivity and provide
longer tool life for mold machining. Offered in diameters
from 0.75" to 2.5" and with a maximum cutting depth of
0.157", Square 6 -04 cutters are a reliable, cost-effective
solution for general machining operations that include
square shoulder milling, face milling, slotting, plunging
and slotting by plunging. The cutters are ideal for small
and medium milling machines.
5elfLube
Booth #225 www.selube.com
More and more shops looking to standardize and get out of
making low margin components are turning to SelfLube,
the leading US manufacturer of mold and die components.
With its broad range of standard componentry, ability to
do customization and unmatched record for on-time deliv-
ery, SelfLube is a reliable partner.
5uerlor ble 5et
Booth #223 www.suerlordleset.com
Superior Die Set is a manufacturer of standard and special
mold bases including the be fast style in P-20 steel,
Fortal
aluminum or Toolox 44 and Superplast Stainless.

Superior also provides Glide-Rite components, Slide-
Locks, EXAFlow
Tunnel Gates and the Threadformer

unscrewing device. Its subsidiary, FCPK Bytow, manufac-
turers Euro-type mold bases in Poland.
1oollngbocs LLC
Booth #101 (ln malntenance sectlon)
www.toollngdocs.com
ToolingDocs is a leading authority on mold maintenance,
featuring multi-level maintenance certication training in
both English and Spanish at its Mold Maintenance Train-
ing Center in north central Ohio and training capabilities
in Canada and Mexico. Recently, ToolingDocs introduced
its new Hot Runner Maintenance and Repair Certication
Course. Other products include Maintenance Capability
Assessments, On Site Training and Total Systems Imple-
mentation. On June 13, ToolingDocs will host the MAIN-
TAIN block at amerimold, with ToolingDocs Operations
Manager Steve Johnson moderating a panel of industry
leaders. This panel will review some essential processes to
mold maintenance/repair with an emphasis on the leader-
ship and the resulting organized documentation, methodol-
ogy, troubleshooting and training necessary for optimum
performance of one's eet of tooling.
vlsta Metals Cor.
Booth #322 www.vlstametals.com
Vista Metals is the worlds largest producer of specialty
aluminum products. Offering its Duramold-2, Duramold-5
and Duramold-7 aluminum mold plate products along with
its ATP-5 precision aluminum tooling plate. The plate is
produced from " thick up to 38" thick, with plate sizes
available up to 94" wide x 200" long. Stop by Vista Metals
booth and take advantage of its high level of expertise in
aluminum plate products.
vlsta1ek LLC
Booth #630 www.vlsta1ek.com
VistaTek will display its in-house production and prototype
moldmaking capabilities, injection molding and secondary
operations. VistaTek makes complex prototype tools in 1-3
weeks and production P-20 steel tools fast. Q
W page 29
M&M Tooling nc., is a complete Custom

MoId 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 nc's mission is and always
will be, to provide follow-through on commit-
ments to our customers, with personal
attention that exceeds expectations.

"Where Your Success is Our Business
395 E. Potter St.
Wood Dale, llinois 60191
Phone: 630-595-8834
Fax: 630-595-6806
Web: www.MMTOOLNG.com
Email: MMTOOLNG@aol.com
M & M TooIing Inc.
CNC Machining Specialist
Specializing in Mold Shop Overflow work
Custom MoId Bases
Wi th a personal touch
Ieur 5eurtel
At Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, we will.
We defne performance. Our engineering team is Expert Gold
certifed and the recognized industry leader in the use of leading-edge
analytical tools. We bring more than 25 years of hot runner design,
manufacturing and plastic processing experience into every analysis
we do. No one else in the industry has the tools in their arsenal that
we have. We ofer mold flling, mold cooling, shrink & warp analysis,
gas assist analysis, injection compression, co-injection and more.
Once the frst analysis is completed, we re-analyze it, utilizing
a diferent sofware to cross check the results, to ensure accuracy.
We help you increase your efciency, reduce costs and improve
product integrity.
We deliver value. We were the frst hot runner manufacturer to use
Mold flling sofware as part of our daily business and more than ever,
were committed to your success. Contact us for your mold flling analysis
and your manifold build, and we will do whatever it takes to make sure
our hot runner/manifold system works to your complete satisfaction,
and stand behind its performance.
Call us today at 248.373.0800 or visit us at www.petsinc.net.
WHO STANDS BEHIND THE PERFORMANCE
OF YOUR HOT RUNNER/MANIFOLD SYSTEM?
$VVRFLDWLRQ
AMBA Mombor DIcnunc GraphIco Ottor
Ohio Carbon Blank is pleased to announce
that as an AMBA Premier Partner, it is
offering its AR-12 medium-grade graphite
(comparable to EDM-200) at a substan-
tially reduced price to AMBA members
through April 2014. Please phone Ohio
Carbon Blank today at 800.448.8887 and identify yourself
as an AMBA member for more details.
Now AMBA ApproncIcohIp Prngram
The AMBA Board of Directors has approved the develop-
ment of a modern Apprenticeship template for CNC machin-
ists and moldmakers. The template will be developed in
conjunction with standardized testing for CNC machinists
and moldmakers. The apprenticeship template and standard-
ized tests will be invaluable tools that will be needed to safe-
guard the integrity of the knowledge and skills necessary to
work in the moldmaking industry.
To develop the template and tests, the AMBA has hired
a consultant, Dr. Katherine Manley from Ferris State
University in Big Rapids, MI, to perform a process called
a DACUM. This process requires 6-10 industry experts
from both CNC machining and moldmaking to work with
Dr. Manley in establishing the core knowledge and skills.
This will be a six-day process split over two separate
weeks (dates to be announced).
The AMBA needs 6-10 expert CNC machinists and mold-
makers from regionally and industrially diverse mold-
making companies to go to Grand Rapids, MI, for all six
of the dates listed above (both sessions) to contribute to
the development of this standard. If you have questions
regarding this new apprenticeship program, please contact
the AMBA ofces at 847.222.9402 or one of the following
committee members:
Robbie Earnhardt, Superior Tooling,
rearnhardt@sti-nc.com
Ryan Pohl, Expert Tech,
ryan.pohl@expert-technical.com
Andy Baker, Byrne Tool & Design,
bakera@byrne-tool.com
AMBA ShIppIng Prngram RnII-Ouc
AMBA is pleased and excited to announce a new endorsed
member benet the AMBA Shipping Program. Through
AMBAs agreement with PartnerShip
, the company that

developed and manages the program, AMBA members
who enroll in this free program save substantial dollars
on every shipment inbound, outbound, small, large, and
tradeshow. Enroll in the AMBA Shipping Program and
save on select FedEx
services for all express packages,

ground packages and small-package residential delivery
services:
Save up to 29%* on select FedEx Express
services
Save up to 20% on select FedEx Ground
services
Save up to 10% on select FedEx Home Delivery

services
Existing FedEx accounts automatically will be linked to the
new discount program. In addition, all AMBA members can
benet from the PartnerShip Inbound Shipping Manage-
ment tools, which help members save on every shipment
received from suppliers. Visit PartnerShip.com/12AMBA
for complete information and to enroll in the AMBA Ship-
ping Program. This program is free with no obligations and
no minimum shipping requirements.
Questions? Call PartnerShip directly at 800.599.2902,
or email sales@PartnerShip.com. (*Includes a bonus
ve-percent online processing discount. Full details are
available at www.PartnerShip.com/12AMBA/FedExdis-
counts.)
33
ZZZDPEDRUJ
AMBA welcomes four AMBA members who recently were elected to serve a three-year term on the AMBA Board of
Directors:
bAvlb M. B0WR5, C0,
JMM5, lNC.
David M. Bowers II is CEO of JMMS,
Inc. in Easley, SC. He has served several
roles with JMMS since his start in the
fall of 1994, including ofce manager,
project manager and sales/engineering
manager. Bowers took over executive
management responsibilities from his
father (company founder) in 2008. JMMS is a 35-associ-
ate operation engaged in both servicing and building new
tooling for die casting, thermoset and thermoplastic injec-
tion markets. Bowers currently serves as a member for the
SC Workforce Investment Board, Pickens County Career
Center Machine Tool Technology Advisory Board and the
Pickens County Work Ready Communities Board. He also
was past president for the SC chapter of NTMA. Bowers
is married with three children and lives in Pickens, SC. He
is committed to the mold manufacturing industry and looks
forward to an opportunity to serve his fellow members on
the AMBA National Board of Directors.
10B BRAL, GNRAL MANAGR,
M5l M0Lb BUlLbR5
Toby Bral is the General Manager of
MSI Mold Builders in Cedar Rapids,
IA. He has worked in the industry for 10
years, with experience in both the mold-
making industry and injection molding.
As a member of MSIs senior manage-
ment staff, he has been involved with
all aspects of the business. Brals educational background
includes a Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering and
a Masters degree in Business Administration, both from the
University of Iowa. He recently was named as a 40 under
40 award recipient for the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City corridor
area. This award recognizes individuals under 40 years old
that have made signicant contributions to their businesses
and community. Bral feels that being on the AMBA Board of
Directors is the best way to get actively involved in shaping
the future of the industry that he will personally rely on for
many years to come. He wants to play a vital, active role in
the AMBA as it works to move the industry forward and to
assist all American mold builders to excel at what they do.
He is the vice-chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing
Industry Sector Board in the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City area.
Bral sees AMBA Board service as a large scale effort to
develop future workforce needs, with a specic focus on
mold building, and he wishes to support this mission.
Now AMBA Bnard Mombor Annnuncod
PAUL N0vAK, PR5lbN1,
50U1R C0A51 M0Lb
South Coast Mold, Irvine, CA, was estab-
lished by Paul Novaks father, Peter
Novak, in 1973. South Coast Mold is
a small tool room, making tools for the
investment (precision) casting indus-
try. Novak has been directly involved in
operations since 1990. Since that time, he
has worked as a toolmaker, CAD/CAM programmer, job
estimator, sales, customer support and now president of the
company. He has a bachelors degree in business/nance
and a masters degree in business administration. He also
has been an expert witness in patent litigation involving
toolmaking. Novak wants to serve on the AMBA Board
of Directors because he believes in the AMBA mission: to
keep the toolmaking trade in America, to educate and train
a future shop workforce and to improve shop productivity,
efciency, quality, safety and protability. The AMBA has
accomplished a lot over the past 40 years and he applauds
that effort and success. Novak would seek to contribute in a
small way to the AMBAs future success.
JlM 5PRBR, PR5lbN1,
MA51R 100L & M0Lb
Jim Sperber is the owner of Master
Tool & Mold, Grafton, WI. He is a
second-generation journeymen tool
and diemaker and business owner. He
graduated from Moraine Park Tech
in 1986 with an Associates degree in
Tool & Die and served in a state-inden-
tured apprenticeship program and became a journeymen
tool diemaker in 1990. In 1992, he became the shop
foremen and then bought the business in 2005. In 2005,
he became more involved with AMBA by attending the
spring convention and fall conferences and learned things
that helped his business move from just serving to thriv-
ing. He wants to serve on the board so he can help the
AMBA stay focused on its mission so other shop owners
can share in his experience. Master Tool & Mold has been
a proud member of the AMBA since 1978 (35 years).
9KVJQWT#WVQOCVKQPCPF%GNN/CPCIGOGPV5QNWVKQPU
Wilh LPOWA, lhe machine operalor has lhe produclion cell under conlrol al all limes.
:HLQFUHDVH3URILWDELOLW\
More inlo. www.erowa.com
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AMBA Prnmnco cho LS MnId Inducrg
ac amorIPROG BD13
AMBA will exhibit at amerimold 2013, June 12-13, at the
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.
The AMBA will distribute the 2013 AMBA Sourcebook,
The American Mold Builder Magazine, AMBA Member-
ship and Partner information and more. Stop by Booth
#730 to learn about all current AMBA initiatives, includ-
ing the AMBA Apprenticeship Program and the next Plant
Tour Workshop location.
WoIcnmo Now Mombor and Parcnor
Mombor
Grand ble ngravers, Grand Ralds, Ml
Dan Reck, President
616.459.0404 www.granddie.com
For the last 40 years, Grand Die Engravers has been
designing and manufacturing plastic injection molds and
zinc and aluminum die cast molds for the automotive,
medical and furniture industries to the highest standards.
Grand Die Engravers is committed to keeping pace with
the latest advances in machine tool technology and CAD/
CAM software. Its design and engineering department
is linked directly to the shop oor for instant database
access. Grand Die Engravers is able to make changes on
parts and tooling and transfer those changes immediately
to its machining centers, which allows the operation to
manufacture molds more efciently and cost effectively
for its customers.
Actlon Mold & Machlnlng, lnc., Grand Ralds, Ml
Mike Fassbender, President
616.452.1580 www.actionmold.net
Action Mold & Machining, Inc. designs, builds, repairs and
modies plastic injection molds and die cast dies. Some addi-
tional services include blow mold repair, tool repair, engi-
neering changes, new tooling and laser welding.
Preclse Mold and Plate, Columbus, lN
Don Domoulin, CEO / President
812.378.0247 www.precisemold.com
Precise Mold redenes the standards for the specica-
tion, design and manufacture of precision injection molds.
The company continuously strives to reduce lead times,
improve mold performance and help customers reduce the
total cost of product development. From computer-aided
design and mold manufacturing technologies to high-quality
35
ZZZDPEDRUJ
mold nishing techniques, Precise Mold delivers the best
value in high-quality injection molds.
Prlme Manufacturlng 1echnologles, lnc.,
5avage, Mb
Luke Chow, President
304.370.6075 www.primemfgtech.com
Prime Manufacturing Technologies provides CNC machin-
ing, mold building and injection molding of custom and
proprietary parts and products. It also does MIM (metal injec-
tion molding), silicone molding and composite parts.
Parcnor
CG5 North Amerlca lnc., 0ldcastle, 0N
Randy Nash, President
519.737.6009 www.camtool.com
CGS North America provides CAM-TOOL CAD/CAM
software for polish-free mold machining and CG Cam-
Tool for Solidworks.
Clmatron 1echnologles, lnc., Novl, Ml
Ralph Picklo, VP of Sales
248.596.9700 www.cimatrontech.com
With 30 years of experience and more than 40,000 instal-
lations worldwide, Cimatron is a leading provider of inte-
grated, CAD/CAM software solutions for mold, tool and
diemakers, as well as manufacturers of discrete parts.
Rlrschmann nglneerlng U5A, lnc.,
5chaumburg, lL
Peter Knowles, President and COO
847.468.9700 www.hirschmannusa.com
Hirschmann Engineering provides workholding xtures,
EDM tooling, submersible rotary axis for EDM and lono-
Plus dielectric uid.
SeIfLube, CoopersviIIe, MI
Greg Kirchhoff, Sales & Marketing Manager
800.690.3600 www.selube.com
SelfLube is an American stocking manufacturer of mold
and die components.
Superior Die Set Corp., Oak Creek, WI
Mark Ullstrup, VP Sales & Marketing
800.558.6040 www.superiordieset.com
Superior Die Set Corp. is a manufacturer of standard
and special mold bases including "Be Fast" style in
P20 steel, Fortal
aluminum or Toolox 44 and Super-

Plast stainless. Superior also provides Glide-Rite
components, Slide-Locks, EXAFlow
tunnel gates and

the Threadformer Unscrewing Device.
Lhapcor Now
Chlcago
The chapter hosted a general membership meeting on
Tuesday, May 21. Harry Moser, the founder of the Reshor-
ing Initiative, addressed the group.
5outhwest Mlchlgan
The chapter hosted its Scholarship Presentation Meeting on
May 16th. It presented scholarship awards to two students.
West Mlchlgan
The chapter hosted its annual Scholarship Dinner Meeting on
May 14. The annual chapter Golf Event will be held at the
Boulder Creek Golf Club on August 16th. Watch for details to
arrive in the email. Save the date for the fall general member-
ship meeting scheduled for November 12.
Wlsconsln
AMBA Members were invited to participate in the
TDMAW May 7th dinner meeting to hear presentations on
A Risk Management Culture A Vision for the Future
and on the lighter side, Comedian Rex Haven. Q
There is a lot of talk lately in the Health and Safety arena
about Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what it is
and what does a company need to do to comply with it.
This article attempts to summarize the numerous OSHA
and other US Agency documents pertaining to this new
standard.
First of aII, what is GHS?
The Globally Harmonized System is an international
approach to hazard communication, providing agreed
upon criteria for classication of chemical hazards, and a
standardized approach to label elements and safety data
sheets (SDS). It is based on major existing systems around
the world, including OSHAs Hazard Communication
Standard and the chemical classication and labeling
systems of other US agencies.
Why the change to GHS from the existing OSHA
Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)?
OSHA has modied the Hazard Communication Standard
(HCS) and adopted the GHS to improve safety and health
of workers through more effective communications on
chemical hazards. While the HCS has been helpful in
improving employee safety and health, a more standardized
approach to classifying the hazards and conveying the
information will be more effective, and provide further
improvements in American workplaces.
Plus the adoption of the GHS in the US and around the
world also will help to improve information received from
other countries. Since the US is both a major importer and
exporter of chemicals, American workers often see labels
and safety data sheets from other countries. The diverse
and sometimes conicting national and international
requirements can create confusion among those who
seek to use hazard information effectively. If countries
around the world adopt the GHS, these problems will
be minimized and chemicals crossing borders will have
consistent information, thus improving communication
globally.
What are the important dates to be aware of in
reference to GHS?
An important point to remember is that during the phase-in
period, employers would be required to be in compliance
with either their existing HCS program or their revised
HCS program, or both. OSHA recognizes that hazard
communication programs will go through a period of time
where labels and the SDSs under both standards will be
present in the workplace. This will be considered acceptable,
and employers are not required to maintain two sets of labels
and SDSs for compliance purposes.
OSHA is requiring that employees are trained on the
new label elements (i.e., pictograms, hazard statements,
December 1, 2013
Train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet
(SDS) format.
Employers
June 1, 2015*
December 1, 2015
Compliance with all modied provisions of this nal rule, except:
The Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical
manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS label
Chemical manufacturers,
importers, distributors and
employers
June 1, 2016
Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication
program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly
identied physical or health hazards.
Employers
Transition Period to the effective
completion dates noted above
May comply with either 29 CFR 1910.1200 (the nal standard),
or the current standard, or both
Chemical manufacturers,
importers, distributors, and
employers
*OREDOO\+DUPRQL]HG6\VWHP$UH<RX5HDG\"
By Steve Vander Hill, Senior Safety & Loss Control Consultant, Acrisure
6WUDWHJLHV
37
ZZZDPEDRUJ
page 38 X
precautionary statements, and signal words) and SDS
format by December 1, 2013, while full compliance with
the nal rule will begin in 2015. American workplaces will
soon begin to receive labels and SDSs that are consistent
with the GHS, since many American and foreign
chemical manufacturers have already begun to produce
GHS-compliant labels and SDSs. It is important to ensure
that when employees begin to see the new labels and
SDSs in their workplaces, they will be familiar with them,
understand how to use them and access the information
effectively. The table on page 36 summarizes the phase-in
dates required under the new GHS Standard.
What are the major changes between the two
standards?
There are three major areas of change: hazard classica-
tion, labels and safety data sheets (SDS).
Hazard classication. The denitions of hazard have been
changed to provide specic criteria for classication of
health and physical hazards, as well as classication of
mixtures. These specic criteria will help to ensure that
evaluations of hazardous effects are consistent across
manufacturers, and that labels and safety data sheets are
more accurate as a result.
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Labels. Chemical manufacturers and importers will be
required to provide a label that includes a harmonized
signal word, pictogram and hazard statement for each
hazard class and category. Precautionary statements also
must be provided.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These sheets will now have a
specied 16-section format.
How wiII IabeIs change under the new GHS
Standard?
Under the new GHS, once the hazard classication is
completed, the standard species what information is to be
provided for each hazard class and category. Labels will
require the following elements:
Pictogram. a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as
a border, background pattern or color that is intended to
convey specic information about the hazards of a chemical.
Each pictogram consists of a different symbol on a white
background within a red square frame set on a point (i.e.,
a red diamond).
W page 37
There are nine pictograms under the GHS. For a complete
chart of pictograms along with their corresponding
hazards, visit www.osha.gov/Publications/HazComm_
QuickCard_Pictogram.html.
Signal words. a single word used to indicate the relative
level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential
hazard on the label. The signal words used are danger
and warning. Danger is used for the more severe
hazards, while warning is used for less severe hazards.
Hazard statement. a statement assigned to a hazard class
and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a
chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard.
Precautionary statement. a phrase that describes recom-
mended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse
effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or
improper storage or handling of a hazardous chemical.
What wiII be the differences between the oId MSDS
and the new SDS under GHS?
The information required on the new safety data sheet
(SDS) will remain essentially the same as that of the
current MSDS. The new SDS standard requires that
the information on the SDS be presented using specic
headings in a specied sequence.
The format of the 16-section SDS should include the
following sections:
Section 1. Identication
Section 2. Hazard(s) identication
Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients
Section 4. First-Aid measures
Section 5. Fire-ghting measures
Section 6. Accidental release measures
Section 7. Handling and storage
Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection
39
ZZZDPEDRUJ
Section 9. Physical and chemical properties
Section 10. Stability and reactivity
Section 11. Toxicological information
Section 12. Ecological information
Section 13. Disposal considerations
Section 14. Transport information
Section 15. Regulatory information
Section 16. Other information, including date
of preparation or last revision
The SDS also must contain Sections 12-15, to be consistent
with the new GHS Standard. Although the headings for
Sections 12-15 are mandatory, OSHA will not enforce the
content of these four sections because these sections are
within other agencies jurisdictions.
What are the estimated benets to switching to
the new GHS Standard?
OSHA expects that the new GHS Standard (GCS) will result
in increased safety and health for the affected employees
and reduce the numbers of accidents, fatalities, injuries
and illnesses associated with exposures to hazardous
chemicals. The GHS revisions to the HCS standard for
labeling and safety data sheets would enable employees
exposed to workplace chemicals to more quickly obtain
and to more easily understand information about the
hazards associated with those chemicals. In addition, GHS
is expected to improve the use of appropriate exposure
controls and work practices that can reduce the safety
and health risks associated with exposure to hazardous
chemicals.
OSHA estimates that the new GHS Standard will result
in the prevention of 43 fatalities and 585 injuries and
illnesses (318 non-lost-workday injuries and illnesses,
203 lost-workday injuries and illnesses, and 64 chronic
illnesses) annually. The monetized value of this reduction
in occupational risks is an estimated $250 million a year on
an annualized basis.
OSHA estimates that the new GHS Standard will result in
savings of $475.2 million from productivity improvements
for health and safety managers and logistics personnel,
$32.2 million during periodic updating of SDSs and
labels, and $285.3 million from simplied hazard
communication training.
OSHA anticipates that in addition to safety and health
benets, the new GHS Standard will result in three types
of productivity benets: (1) for chemical manufacturers,
because they will need to produce fewer SDSs in future
years; (2) for employers, in providing training to new
employees as required by the existing OSHA HCS
through the improved consistency of the labels and SDSs
and (3) for rms engaging in, or considering engaging in,
international trade.
In summary, if your company has an existing updated
Hazard Communication (HCS) program, the adaptation to
the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) will not be that
big of a deal. The rst step is to ensure your staff is trained
on the new GHS specics by December 1, 2013. If your
company does not currently have an existing updated Hazard
Communication (HCS) program, your company will have a
lot to accomplish before December 1, 2013.
OSHA has created and made available many resources to
assist companies in migrating to the new GHS Standard
along with providing sample written plans for those without
existing programs. Below are links to a few favorites:
Sample Written Plans/Programs:
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/solutions.html
OSHA Frequently Questions & Answers:
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/hazcom-faq.html
OSHA 61 Slide PowerPoint:
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/schc_alliance_
webinar_20120809/schc_alliance_webinar_20120809.pptx
Downloadable Pictograms:
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/pictograms/index.html
Quick Cards:
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghsquickcards.html Q
Steve Vander Hill has been involved in safety and loss
control as an operational, customer service, sales and
marketing leader on a domestic and international level
for 30 years. He is an OSHA- and MIOSHA-Certied
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and recipient
of numerous certications from the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security and FEMA. His broad background
and experience include education and training in loss
control categories such as emergency management,
hazardous materials, industrial hygiene, ergonomics,
blood borne pathogens, rst aid, CPR and AED, risk
control assessments, development of corporate safety
committees and initiatives, as well as executive protection
and global security.
,QGXVWU\
Amerltech ble & Mold xands Caabllltles
Mooresville, NC-based Ameritech Die & Mold has
expanded its mold building capabilities with the recent
addition of new machinery: a 2013 DMG 75 Linear 5+1
axis with an EROWA Robot Dynamic that is capable of
lifting 250 pounds. The company also has unveiled a new
website. Ameritech President Steven J. Rotman explained,
We have seen a steady increase in our lights out manu-
facturing process, and feel that these two machines will
continue to foster that mind set and culture, yet add more
condence to the operators to be able to trust the accu-
racies and machining to Net 0 stock. With the upgraded
performance and accuracy, throughput for each spindle
should increase substantially. The EROWA Robot
Dynamic can attend up to seven machines as the company
continues to grow the lights out culture/strategy. We
also have added FCS quick-change tooling for larger
plates, including mold bases, and are seeing a 66-percent
reduction in setup time every time a piece is moved into
another process/machine, said Rotman. Ameritech also
took delivery of a 2013 Mikron 1350U 5 axis machining
center in March. Learn more by visiting the new website
at www.amdiemold.com.
Carol bel Named 0utstandlng Woman
ln Manufacturlng
Carol Ebel, president and CEO at Janler Corporation,
Chicago, IL, was honored by the TMA through its Rose
Mottl Award on March 23rd at TMAs 87th Annual
Meeting at Buttereld Country Club, Oak Brook, IL. The
award recognizes women who have made signicant contri-
butions to manufacturing. Since 1989, Ebel has been at the
helm of Janler Corporation. Janler was founded in 1952 by
her father, Josef F. Klingler, a pioneer in the eld of plastic
moldmaking who developed the worlds rst unscrewing
stack mold in 1988. Under Ebels direction, Janler contin-
ues to operate at the forefront of high-precision mold manu-
facturing and molding. Ebel is the rst woman to serve
as board chair of the Tooling & Manufacturing Associa-
tion. This award, created in 2010 by the Women in TMA
Committee, was named after Rose Mottl, who was the
co-owner and vice president of Atlas Tool and Die Works
Inc., in Lyons, IL, and was the rst female member of the
TMA Board of Directors. Mottl was the rst-ever recipi-
ent of the award, which is presented annually to outstand-
ing women who have worked to advance the manufacturing
industry and whose efforts serve as an inspiration to current
and future generations of women in manufacturing.
lndustrlal Molds Grou to 0en lnjectlon
Moldlng Faclllty
Industrial Molds Group, Rockford, IL, a leading designer
and manufacturer of complex, high-tech injection molds
for the transportation, industrial, packaging and consum-
er markets, held the Grand Opening of its new injection
molding plant in San Antonio, Texas, this past February.
The San Antonio plant is an extension of Industrial Molds
Groups sister company, Pyramid Plastics, a custom injec-
tion molder of medium to large parts. The company will
be called Pyramid Plastics San Antonio and is located in
a free trade zone. The facility, opened in partnership with
one of the companys premier Tier 1 suppliers of assem-
blies for the transportation industry, will give Industrial
Molds Group an opportunity to expand its business as
well as its geographic reach. The new facility comprises
21,000 square feet of production and ofce space, however
Industrial Molds Group has a commitment to expand
into 30,000-square feet over the next few years as busi-
ness in the region grows. It currently houses ve injec-
tion molding machines with 500- to 800-ton capacity to
accommodate large-part molding. Industrial Molds Group
Vice President Tim Peterson commented, This opportu-
nity came to us because we have grown the company into
a full-service supplier for mold design and engineering,
molding process development and production molding
through our sister rm, Pyramid Plastics. Being a full-
service provider has given us a lot of new business over
the past few years, and we always strive to meet the value
added requirements of our customers. For more informa-
tion, visit www.industrialmolds.com.
rlc Rlck 5eres Passes,rlc 5eres Jr.
named C0 of lNC0 Cororatlon
INCOE Corporation, Troy, MI,
recently announced the death
of Eric Rick Seres on April
22, 2013, at age 69. Seres was
the owner of INCOE, dedicat-
ing nearly fty years toward the
management, development and
growth of the hot runner system
manufacturer. During his tenure,
Seres oversaw the advancement
of hot runner technologies and was
instrumental in expanding INCOE
beyond the United States into international markets. In
March 2013, Eric Seres Jr. was appointed his successor as
Eric Seres Jr.
41
ZZZDPEDRUJ
HEAVYWEIGHT
SHIPPING
STARTS
HERE
YRC is the leader in 2-5 day cross-country and cross-border LTL (less-than-
truckload) service with the most comprehensive network in North America.
American Mold Builders Association members can receive signicant
savings with YRC, simply go to www.enrollhere.net or call 800.647.3061.
CEO of INCOE. Seres Jr. has played a central role in the
growth of INCOE and brings a wealth of business knowledge
and engineering experience to his new position. His proven
passion for the plastics injection molding industry and hands-
on approach delivers the necessary innovation and leader-
ship required to further the success and growth of INCOE.
For more information, visit www.incoe.com.
Acqulsltlon Comlete for Mllacron and
Mold-Masters
Milacron LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Georgetown, Ontario,
a global plastics industry leader and provider of premium
metalworking uids, recently announced the acquisition
of Mold-Masters, Romeo, MI, a leading manufacturer of
premier hot runner systems. The transaction forms a leading
plastics processing solutions provider committed to bring-
ing the most advanced technologies, products and services
to customers across the globe. The combined entity now
consists of ve world-class businesses: Milacron Plas-
tics Machinery (injection, extrusion and blow-molding),
Mold-Masters (hot runners), DME Company (mold tech-
nologies), Aftermarket (parts and service) and CIMCOOL
Fluid Technology (metalworking uids and services).
page 42 X
W page 41
Each business will continue to focus on the unique, value-
added solutions it brings to its respective customers while
leveraging the tremendous synergies that exist among all the
businesses. Milacron has named Ron Krisanda to the newly
created position of COO. In this position, Krisanda will be
responsible for manufacturing, engineering, technology,
research and development, quality, continuous improve-
ment and environmental health and safety for Milacrons
global businesses. Today marks a very important and excit-
ing transformation for our companies," said Tom Goeke,
CEO of Milacron LLC. "We now have the widest range of
exceptional plastics processing equipment, technologies and
services in the world, supported by a team of experts with the
engineering, product development and application-specic
expertise that our customers need to succeed." For further
details on the new Milacron LLC, visit www.milacron.com.
vero 5oftware - New General Manager for 5escol
Vero Software has appointed Mr. Simon Lee as the general
manager of the recently acquired Sescoi business. Sescoi
develops and sells the premium brands WorkNC, WorkNC
Dental, WorkPLAN and WorkXPLORE 3D. Richard
Smith, CEO of Vero Software, commented, Simon has
very relevant and deep experience of CAM software. He
will bring huge benets to this business. As a user, custom-
er and reseller and through many years of developing
international business, Simon will bring new energy and
direction to the high-quality team headquartered in Macon,
France, and represented globally via a comprehensive
network of subsidiaries and resellers. Simon Lee added,
I feel very privileged to be the new general manager of
Sescoi. Over the last few months since the acquisition, I
have been working closely with the Sescoi team and have
been greatly impressed both with the quality of the product
range and the ability and commitment of the Sescoi teams
around the World. I look forward to working with all of
the stakeholders to build an even stronger business in the
future. For more information, visit www.sescoi.com.
New Presldent and C0 of 5uerlor ble 5et
Superior Die Set, Oak Creek, WI, is thrilled to announce
the election of new president and COO Frank Janiszews-
ki. As a graduate of Marquette University in Mechanical
Engineering, Janiszewski began his career at Superior as
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responsibilities. He later was named executive vice presi-
dent and brings over 30 years of strong manufacturing and
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this year. The family owned business operates four plants:
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By Ryan Pohl, Expert Technical Training
It sounds almost clich, but we know it is the truth: your
employees are your most valuable asset. There are no
mold designs without a designer. There are no metal chips
without a machinist running the CNC machines. There are
no molds to sell without a moldmaker building them. Every
company has access to the same technology and machines,
but it is your employees that make your investments work.
It is your employees that give you your unique competitive
advantage in the marketplace. With that in mind, nding
the right employees is critical. Lets explore some strate-
gies that you can utilize to recruit the right people to work
at your company.
xerlenced candldates
If you have placed an advertisement in your local paper
seeking experienced designers, moldmakers or machin-
ists and are disappointed in the quantity and quality of the
candidates that have applied you are not alone. Mold-
making company executives across the country rate this
problem as the number one threat to their long-term viabil-
ity. The scope of the current skills crisis has become appar-
ent as business opportunities have presented and compa-
nies have begun to grow. With the reality and magnitude
of this issue being so obvious, we need to explore some
unconventional strategies to attract potential experienced
candidates to apply at our companies.
In the current business climate, the vast majority of people
that have the needed skills are already working and are
usually being paid a sufcient wage to keep them from
seeking a different job in hopes for more money. There-
fore, if you are going to get their attention, it will have to
be reasons beyond the nancials. For instance, people enjoy
working for a company that has a strong community pres-
ence and a reputation for being a good place to work. How
involved is your company in the community? Do not be
afraid to sponsor a local youth sports team. Get a group from
your shop to volunteer at the local food pantry. Then invite
the local newspaper to write a story about it. A positive media
presence could be all it takes to get that moldmaker interested
enough to submit an application because he wants to be part
of a company that gives back the way yours does.
Often times, a companys existing employees represent
their best chance at attracting new talent. Institute a strong
referral program. Offer gift cards and small bonuses if
one of your employees is able to recommend a person
that gets hired at your company. Make sure the person
they referred makes it beyond their probationary period
before you pay-out. If you are hesitant to do this, just
think about how much it costs you in lost productivity or
work that you have turned down because you didnt have
the people to do it.
Social media can be a major asset as well. Start a company
Facebook page and put company news and accomplish-
ments on it. Use it as a company newsletter and encourage
your employees to use it. Talk about career achievements,
birth announcements and special events that your employ-
ees care about. Hundreds, maybe thousands of people will
see your companys page. There is a good chance someone
with the skills you are looking for will like what they see
and decide they want to be a part of it. Finding experienced
candidates nowadays often times is more about appealing
to a persons values than their pocketbook. Be a company
where people can envision themselves retiring. This will
help tremendously in attracting people with the right skills.
ntry-level eole
Finding quality entry-level candidates is about changing
peoples understanding of the industry and using sound
processes for recruiting. Aside from specialized programs
that are designed to attract and train people specically for
this industry, many shops report very low retention rates
of entry-level candidates some as low as 30 percent. This
makes recruiting efforts very important. Every failed hire
can cost a company thousands of dollars and countless
hours of productivity.

It is essential that your company develop strong relation-
ships with schools. Local high schools, technical schools,
community colleges and universities are all important places
to develop relationships with potential future employees.
Someone at your company should be given the task of
being the liaison between your company and the schools.
,QVLGH7UDFN
45
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Make sure this person is known by counselors, administra-
tors and teachers. He should be at all job fairs and open
houses at the schools. If your company has openings for
entry-level people, make sure you have yers posted
around the school explaining the opportunity.
One of the most important things you can do is host tours
of your company. Invite specic groups in to see what
working in advanced manufacturing is all about. Show
them the technology and the computers. Tours of your
high-tech facility will debunk any negative ideas they have
been given about manufacturing by using rst-hand expe-
rience. Giving tours like this will give you the chance to
evaluate sometimes 30 potential employees all at one time.
You will see who has interest in what you do and who
doesnt, simply by their reaction and the questions they
ask. Before they leave the building, make sure they know
about career opportunities at your company. Invite them to
sign-up for the chance to do a job-shadow with one of your
employees for a day.
One of my favorite groups to target is the group of people
I like to call legacy employees. These are the children
of our current workers. Potential legacy employees can be
a great asset because they often know a lot about what to
expect before getting into the industry. They have watched
their parents for years as an example of what it is like
working in the trade. Often times, if your key employees
are intelligent and hard-working people, they are going to
raise intelligent and hard-working children not all the
time, but often times. If you are concerned about personnel
issues between parents and children in the same building,
this is where working in collaboration with organizations
like the AMBA can be a real asset. Develop partnerships
with other companies in your area and have them send you
their potential legacy employees and you send them yours.
This is a great way to get these valuable people in the trade
without the potential conicts of having too many parent/
child dynamics under the same roof.
5ummary
Obviously, there are many other ways to bring poten-
tial talent to your company. The point is to not leave
the process to chance or panic. Bad decisions are made
when we are desperate. By having a well developed
talent pipeline we will avoid hiring many of the people
that dont work out saving us a great deal of money.
By utilizing some of the strategies above (and your own
unique plans), you will position your company in a good
place for nding your next generation of skilled workers. Q
Ryan Pohl is president and co-founder of Expert Technical
Training LLC a company devoted to the enhancement of
the knowledge, skills and attitudes of shop oor workers
in the tool and die industry. He is a journeyman CNC
machinist with experience in high-speed and multi-axis
machining. Pohl also is a state-certied manufacturing
teacher, with teaching experience at both the high school
and college levels. He also holds an Associates degree in
Manufacturing Tooling, a Bachelors degree in Technical
Education and a Masters degree in Industrial Training
and Development.
-81(
amerimold 2013, June 12-13, Rosemont, IL,
513.527.8800, www.amerimoldexpo.com
MD&M East. June 18-20, Philadelphia, PA,
310.445.4200, www.canontradeshows.com
DACUM for Apprenticeship Testing Standard-
ization (Part 1), June 25-27, Grand Rapids, MI,
847.222.9402, www.amba.org
-8/<
DACUM for Apprenticeship Testing Standard-
ization (Part 2), July 30-31 and August 1, Grand
Rapids, MI, 847.222.9402, www.amba.org
$G,QGH[
A. Finkl & Sons Co. .................................................... www.nkl.com .........................................................................38
Alliance Laser Sales .................................................... www.thenewonesource.com ......................................................13
Alliance Specialites ..................................................... www.thenewonesource.com ............................ Inside Back Cover
amerimold ................................................................... www.amerimoldexpo.com .........................................................43
BORIDE ...................................................................... www.borideadrasives.com ........................................................32
CAE............................................................................. www.caeservices.com ...............................................................20
CGS North America, Inc. ............................................ www.camtool.com .....................................................................21
Cimatron Technologies ............................................... www.cimatrontech.com .............................................................26
Crystallume Engineered Diamond .............................. www.crystallume.com ...............................................................21
Delcam ........................................................................ www.delcam.com ......................................................................25
DME ............................................................................ www.DME.net ...........................................................................37
Dynamic Surface Technologies .................................. www.dynablue.com ........................................ Inside Front Cover
Ellwood Specialty Steel .............................................. www.ess.elwd.com ....................................................................25
Erowa Technology, Inc. .............................................. www.erowa.com ........................................................................34
Gesswein ..................................................................... www.gesswein.com .....................................................................9
Incoe Corporation ....................................................... www.incoe.com .........................................................................19
M & M Tooling, Inc. ................................................... www.mmtooling.com ................................................................30
Makino ........................................................................ www.makino.com/diemold .......................................................27
Meusburger ................................................................. www.meusburger.com .................................................................5
Millstar, LLC .............................................................. www.millstar.com .....................................................................23
Mold-Masters Limited ................................................ www.moldmasters.com ...............................................................7
Mold-Tech ................................................................... www.mold-tech.com .................................................................41
Ohio Carbon Blank, Inc. ............................................. www.ohiocarbonblank.com .......................................................42
Plastic Engineering & Technical Services, Inc. .......... www.petsinc.net ........................................................................31
Progressive Components ............................................. www.procomps.com/cve ............................................Back Cover
Rocklin Manufacturing Co. ........................................ www.rocklinmanufacturingco.com ...........................................45
Superior Die Set Corporation ...................................... www.superiordieset.com ...........................................................43
Ultra Polishing Inc. ..................................................... www.ultrapolishing.com ...........................................................35
Wisconsin Engraving Co. Inc. / Unitex ...................... www.wi-engraving.com ............................................................12
Yellow Transportation, Inc. ........................................ wwwYRC.com ..........................................................................41
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AMBA Plant Tour Workshop, Strohwig Industries,
August 1, Richeld, WI, 847.222.9402, www.amba.org
Webinar: EDM GRAPHITE Five Tools for Efciency,
August 8, 847.222.9402, www.amba.org
6(37(0%(5
PLASTEC Midwest 2013, September 10-12, Chicago, IL,
310.445.4200, www.canontradeshows.com/expo/plastm11
2&72%(5
K2013, October 16 23, Dsseldorf, Germany, +49
(0)211/45 60-7611. www.k-tradefair.com
47
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As a nanuaclurer o high precision, conplex looling, Sleve Rolnan
o Anerilech Die & Mold aligns wilh engineeringocused suppliers
lhal drive innovalion and exceed expeclalions.
A nold builder's repulalion could be ruined wilh one |ob.
Cur slalus as a Progressive Key Accounl ensures online
delivery o slandardized conponenls lhal help our nolds
oulperorn olhers lhroughoul lhe world."
Cel lhe Key Accounl advanlage. Speciy Progressive slandards
lo secure a globally conpelilive posilion wilh your cusloners.
DOLJQZLWKSURJUHVVLYH
J\\Gifî\jj`m\:fdgfe\ekjXkk_\]fccfnè^è[ljkip\m\ekj18d\i`dfc[sD;D<XjksB)'(*s<lifDfc[
CALL 1-800-269-6653 TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT OUR KEY ACCOUNT PROGRAM.

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Spring 2013 Spring 2013

The OfciaI PubIication of the

Hot Runner Systems

Hot Runner Performance.

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