moldmaking technology expo die cast introductions rapid

Volume 13, Issue 2
Q2 2002
MOLDMAKING TECHNOLOGY EXPO
Progressive introduced many new product innovations at the fourth annual Mold Making Expo,
April 24th and 25th in Rosemont, Illinois.
For those in the Die Cast industry, Progressive now offers the only
program designed exclusively for Die Casters. Plastic mold builders
were able to see firsthand additions to the product line, including
recently added CamActions, tight tolerance Ejector Pins, and
enhancements to the Rapid Tooling Insert product line.
"Justifying Stack Mold Usage" was presented by Progressive within
the conference program at the MMT Expo. Various approaches to
designing a stack mold were described, along with the pros and cons
which need to be reviewed when considering a multi-parting line tool.
The Progressive Team at MMT Expo 2002.
DIE CAST INTRODUCTIONS
On the heels of the MMT Expo, on April 25th Progressive Components displayed
at the North American Die Cast Association's regional gathering in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
"Die Casters are very receptive to this new program of products," states Progressive's Glenn
Starkey, Director of Engineering & Sales. "Rather than seeing Die Casters left out
of the benefits of standardized components, we are now introducing more
new products than have come their way in decades, with more to follow."
Supporting NADCA and displaying the only
program for Die Casters.
The new product line includes Hex Daters, Support Columns and Backstops,
Vacuum Blocks, and Heat Transfer Components now constructed of steel
(versus brass). In addition, Progressive's Die Cast product line contains standards such as Die
Springs, tight tolerance Ejector Pins, and standardized Mold Actions.
Call 1-800-269-6653 to receive this exclusive new catalog for the Die Casting industry.
RAPID MANUFACTURING EXPOSITION
Cincinnati Ohio was the site of this year's Society of Manufacturing "Rapid
Manufacturing" Exposition, April 29th - May 2nd. Progressive was there,
exhibiting once again products exclusively developed for prototype and
'bridge tooling' applications.
RTI Sales Manager Todd Steinhoff (right)
Rapid Tooling Inserts were originally introduced as an enhancement over
presenting at SME's Cincinatti conference.
older style unit inserts back at NPE 97. Since then, additions to the line have included stainless steel
frames, complete machined RTIs with off-the-shelf Cavity/Core inserts and Pin Plate inserts.
At the Rapid Manufacturing Exposition, Progressive introduced RTIs with a Hot Sprue Bushing
installed… an industry exclusive. In addition, the RTI Sleeve System which eliminates the ear plates
and tapered fit associated with previous standards was also on display.
Progressive continuously develops new RTI innovations to speed mold building, yet compatibility
has been maintained with previous standard frames.
TOOLING FOR TOMORROW
The Tooling for Tomorrow program was created to help develop an increasingly competitive
workforce by providing assistance to educational foundations. Recent actions include:
Progressive is a longtime sponsor of the SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers) Mold Making and
Mold Design Division's "Mold Designer of the Year" award. This year's recipient was Jeffery
Dininger Sr of VISTEON, as announced at the SPE Antec Show in San Francisco on May 6th.
Progressive is leading an SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) direct mail effort to prominent
mold buying individuals, forwarding to them a copy of the AMBA's "Know the True Cost of Your
Molds". This mailing is going to over 1,000 contacts. If you would like to receive a copy or direct
this marketing effort to any contacts, e-mail [email protected].
WEBSITE UPGRADE
Progressive Components has announced the launch of an enhanced website. New navigational tools at procomps.com enable quick
access to important product information, testing data, and component releases. Innovative resource tools such as cross reference
charts and cycle calculators have been added to the site for your convenience.
CAD Geometry is available for all Progressive Components in a total of eight different formats, ready for your 2D or 3D mold design.
Also, PC/MOLD version 4.5 upgrade is available for AutoCAD and Cadkey users which includes the most recent additions to the RTI
product line, plus other new items.
No cumbersome 'sign-in' is required to take advantage of these resources, so visit often!
The new home page.
Download maps to our locations.
Easy access to product info.
Calculators and reference charts.
CONCLUSIONS
Early signs show that processors are overall seeing a rebound, and this will continue
throughout 2002. However, new tooling activity is still relatively quiet, consistent with the
NTMA's projections that 2002 would be a mere 7% over tooling built in the previous year.
Progressive is monitoring and assisting AMBA and SPI initiatives to confront challenges to
North American toolmakers. While we all wait for some tangible benefits from efforts at the
governmental level, Progressive has further prioritized adding real products that result in
real productivity gains and real cost savings, each and every tool.
As the year progresses and you look to stay in touch with trade group meetings and industry events, please feel free
to request a Progressive 2002 Industry Events calendar. E-mail [email protected] and one will be sent to you immediately.
Finally, if we can be of any further assistance or you'd like to contact us with any suggestion or comment, please call 1-800-269-6653, or
e-mail us at [email protected]. Your continued input and support is greatly appreciated. We always appreciate hearing from you!
Entire contents copyright 2002 by Progressive Components International Corporation. All rights reserved.
If you would like to receive this report electronically, please forward your email address to [email protected].