Conference information + registration brochure: April 25-26, 2006 Rock Financial Showplace * Novi, MI.

Welcome to Moldmaking expo 2006: engineer, build, repair

The premier showcase for technologies and strategies used in moldmaking and additive fabrication including 27,000 square feet of exhibits, two full days of technical sessions, networking events, contests, awards and much more.

Meet face-to-face with industry educators, product innovators and fellow moldmakers to:

* exchange information

* visit trusted suppliers

* attend authoritative sessions

* make important purchasing decisions

* examine the industry's latest product offerings

EXHIBITS:

Tuesday, April 25 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 26 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

CONFERENCE:

Tuesday, April 25 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 26 8:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

EXHIBITORS (as press time)

Absolute Machine Tools, Inc.

Acrolab

Alpase, Inc.

Alpha Workholding Solutions

American Mold Builders Association (AMBA)

American Rotary Tools Co. (ARTCO)

Ampco Metal

Bales Mold Service, Inc.

Balzers, Inc.

Beaumont Technologies, Inc.

Belmont Equipment & Technologies

Blue Wave Ultrasonics

Bohler-Uddeholm

Boride Engineered Abrasives

Brush Wellman

CAE Services Corporation

Canadian Association of Mold Makers (CAMM)

CGTech

Charmilles

Choice Mold Components, lnc.

Cimatron Technologies

Copper and Brass Sales

Crafford-LaserStar Technologies

Creative Evolution

CVD Diamond Corporation

D-M-E Co.

Delcam International

DMG

DMS

Duro-Chrome Industries

Dynamic International, Inc.

Dytron Corporation

EDRO Engineering and Specialty Steels, Inc.

Ellwood Specialty Steel

Emuge Corp.

EPS FloTek

EROWA Technology Inc.

Fast Heat

Fisa North America

Gardner Publications Inc. (Show Owner)

GibbsCAM

Greenleaf Corp.

Haas Automation, Inc.

Haimer

Hanser Gardner Publications

Heartech Precision, Inc.

High Tech Laser and Polishing

Hirschmann Engineering USA, Inc.

Horn USA Inc.

Husky Injection Molding Systems

INCOE Corp.

Integris Metals

ISCAR Metals. Inc.

J-Tech HotRunner

JobBOSS Software/Exact

LMT-FETTE

Lyndex-Nikken, Inc.

Machine Tool Bearings & Accessories

Makino

Mastercam/CNC Software

Mastip Technology Ltd.

Missler Software/Clear Cut Solutions Inc.

Mitsubishi EDM

Modern Machine Shop (Show Sponsor)

Mold Base Industries, Inc.

Mold-Masters

Moldmaking Technology (Show Presenter)

Niagara Cutter, Inc.

O.R. Laser Technology Inc.

OMNI Mold Systems

OPEN MIND Technologies USA

OSCO, Inc.

PCS Co.

Pechiney Cast Plate

Performance Alloys & Services Inc.

PFA, Inc.

PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY (Show Sponsor)

Poco Graphite, Inc.

Precision Mold Base

Pro-Fusion Technologies, Inc.

Progressive Components

Progressive Tool & Die, Inc.

Proper Mold & Engineering Inc.

RJG, lnc.

RobbJack Corp./Crystallume

Royal Diversified Products, Inc.

Rud-Chain, Inc.

SelfLube, Inc.

Sescoi USA, Inc.

Single Source Technologies, Inc.

Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., Moldmakers Div.

sp3 Cutting Tools. Inc.

Sturdell Industries Inc.

Superior Die Set Corp.

SURFCAM CAD/CAM Systems by Surfware

System3R USA Inc.

Tebis America lnc,

Techmetals, Inc.

Technoject Machinery Corp.

United States Micro Welding Association (USMWA)

Veto International, Inc.

Yarde Metals, Inc.

YG-1 Tool Company

Conference * Technology

Conference Highlights

* Lean Moldmaking

* Emerging Trends

* Economic and Industry Outlook

* Education/Training

* Additive Fabrication

* Mold Maintenance

* High-Speed Programming, Tooling and Machining Techniques

* High-Speed Machining

* Lights-Out Manufacturing Technologies

* CAD interoperability

* Modular Tool Design

* Supply Chain Issues

* Trade Policy Developments

* Hard Milling with Ceramic Inserts

* Hot Runner Trends

* Design and Validation in One Window

* Mold Design Strategies

* Advanced Toolholding Systems

* Business Transition Planning

* High Conductivity Molds

* Cutting Tools and Techniques

* Simulation and Optimization Software

* Machine Tool and Spindle Service Program

* Surface Aesthetics and Finishing

* Laser Welding

* Micro Molds

* PVD Coating

* CAD/CAM Techniques

* Online Marketplaces

* Simultaneous Product Development and Manufacturing

Technology On Display

* Mold Design and Engineering Equipment

* CAD/CAE/CAM/CIM Systems

* Cleaners

* Cooling Equipment

* Coatings

* EDM Equipment

* Heating Equipment

* Hot Runner Systems

* Machining Equipment, Tools and Accessories

* Mold Bases

* Mold Accessories

* Mold Components

* Mold Handling and Storage Equipment

* Mold Material

* Moldmaking Service Providers

* Machining Tools

* Polishers

* Prototype Equipment

* Quality Control/ Inspection Equipment

* Rapid Tooling Equipment

* Welding Equipment

Schedule of Events

Special Conference Sessions

Early Bird Strategy Sessions

* Tuesday, April 25 * 8:00am-9:00am Lean Moldmaking: The Hitchhiker's Guide

* Wednesday, April 26 * 8:00am-9:00am Emerging Trends from a Re-Tooled Industry

Panel Discussions

* Tuesday, April 25 * 10:30am-Noon Education/Training in Moldmaking

* Wednesday, April 26 * 10:30am-Noon Future Applications of Additive Fabrication for Toolmakers

Lunchtime Lessons

* Tuesday, April 25 * Noon-1:00pm

Economic and Industry Outlook for Moldmakers

* Wednesday, April 26 * Noon-1:00pm 2006 Leadtime Leader Panel Discussion

Full-Day Workshop

* Tuesday, April 25 * 9:00am- 5:00pm How to Establish a Systematic Approach to Mold Maintenance

AMBA-Sponsored Clinic

* Tuesday, April 25 * 1:00pm-5:00pm

How the Latest High-Speed Programming, Tooling and Machining Techniques Combine to Change Mold Manufacturing

Conference Sesisons

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Session 1 8:00am-9:00am

EARLY BIRD STRATEGY SESSION Lean Moldmaking: The Hitchhiker's Guide Jamie Flinchbaugh, Lean Learning Center

Lean in the moldmaking industry can be described as immature, and at best there are only pockets of success. Many barriers have been raised. Some are based on perceptions and myth, and others are based on very real and tough challenges. This program will dispel some of these myths and provide some guideposts, some direction, for moving forward through the challenges. Lean in moldmaking must be guided not by lean tools, kaizen events or even a shop floor focus but instead by three key guideposts. First, a true understanding of the customers' problem, and not just the customers' request, must be central to understanding value. Second, lean is about principles, not tools, and these principles can work anywhere and must be applied everywhere. And third, lean is a journey, not a target or a checklist. Learn this, apply it, and see the results of lean in moldmaking.

Session 2

9:00am- 5:00pm

FULL-DAY WORKSHOP How to Establish a Systematic Approach to Mold Maintenance Steve Johnson, MoldTrax

Multicavity, injection molds are expensive, complex tools that demand skilled craftsmanship, close monitoring and timely maintenance. In this session Steve Johnson returns by popular demand with his full-day presentation covering mold maintenance. Methods for tracking critical areas of mold repair, increasing efficiency in mold repair personnel, quickly identifying mold frame problems, tracking mold wear, developing a documentation training manual for repair personnel and collecting important information from the molding floor will be discussed. With an emphasis on improving efficiency in standard toolroom operations, this session will be divided into several areas of study including how to achieve total mold control, understanding how shop pace dictates maintenance style, understanding and acquiring the necessary elements of a proactive system, how to troubleshoot defects and manage mold repair through specialized reports and data evaluation, how to promote craftsmanship in a hectic maintenance environment and why documentation is the most important tool and what to look for when shopping for mold maintenance systems.

Session 3 9:15am-10:15am

Three Keys to Successful High-Speed Machining Steve Ortner, Absolute Machine Tools, Inc.

How are successful mold shops competing in a tough global environment? They're optimizing their HSM operations with the right mix of machine tools, tooling and programming. Learn what every moldmaker should know about machine tool structure (and how to get the most bang for your buck), why HSK will save you money in the long run, and how the wrong CAD/CAM programming can wreck your HSM results. Discover how moldmakers can push the limits of their design and manufacturing capabilities to eliminate benchwork, create more complex molds and significantly reduce cycle times. This seminar will include real-world examples from the shop floor as well as lessons learned from in-house testing. In addition, attendees will hear about the latest trends in high-spead machining technologies, including advances in machine controls and motion systems.

Session 4 9:15am-10:15am

Automated Moldmaking: Lights Out Manufacturing Technologies John Berg, MGS Mfg. Group

An explanation of the benefits of automation techniques and technologies currently at work within the tool and die operations of MGS: multiple EDM station cells (wire and sinker), high-speed machining cells (graphite and steel), and incorporating automated qualify verification.

Session 5 9:15am-10:15am

The Search for CAD Interoperability Robert Bean, Kubotek USA Ken Versprille, CPD Associates Evan Yares, The Open Design Alliance

One of the most pervasive problems of the modern-day manufacturing industry is the lack of compatibility between various vendors' CAD tools. Engineers and designers need to be able to efficiently share their digital product files. Industrial engineers need access to the files for in-process assembly and fabrication drawings. Manufacturing engineers need to be able to modify designs based on what machine tools are available at the time. They need to modify designs to align with different manufacturing techniques or if the part is designed in a way that does not allow cost-effective assembly practices. CAD software vendors often describe this sharing as "interoperability" and claim to support the process through industry standards like STEP and IGES or direct translators. The reality is that imported designs are difficult or impossible to modify. In addition, simply converting a CAD file to a different format doesn't capture all the information that an engineer needs to do the job. This panel of experts will discuss this significant industry roadblock, including its origins; currently available tools; and, potential future solutions, including legislative and regulatory actions.

Session 6 10:30am-Noon

PANEL DISCUSSION: Education/Training in Moldmaking Chuck Arnold, Battlebots IQ Paul Koontz, Formula 1 James A. Wall, National Institute for Metalworking Skills Moderator: Harry Moser, Charmilles Mikron

Panelists will cover strategies and trends concerning incumbent worker training (ROI, methodologies, Tooling U); NIMS credentials; the current skilled workforce shortage (data on national job openings); future workforce (retirement trends, recruiting and training; shops working with-local educational institutions); and, best practices for recruiting (examples Battlebots, F1 cars, joint employer/school ads, etc.).

Session 7 10:30am-Noon Advantages of Using Modular Tool Design Randy Winton, Progressive Components

As injection molding evolves there seems to be no end to the ways in which tool builders and processors can save their customers both time and money while producing first qualify products. Discussed will be the latest in innovative multi-component molding systems; which incorporate secondary operations, such as in-mold labeling, in-mold painting and in-mold assembly. The advantages of using modular tool designs including shorter time-to-market cycles, more robust tool design and higher quality molded components also will be addressed.

Session 8 10:30am-Noon Strategic and Tactical Supply Chain Issues for the Toolmaker Don Tijunelis, DKT Engineering, Ltd. Richard W. Hammond, P.E. RWH Partners

Today toolmaking jobs--as many other manufacturing jobs--are going overseas. Is it just a search for low-cost labor, a lack of local skills or some part of reasonable new supply chain management strategy?. For sure it is, at least in part, a response to global competitive pressures. In managing the tools that are at the base of competitive advantage it is worth examining the elements that make up the core competency and how these need to be deployed. In the case of toolmaking the core competency is made up of: (1) resources--facilities, machining centers, instruments for design (CAD/ CAM), prototyping and testing capability, materials source, etc. and (2) capabilities--skills, knowledge, intellectual property (IP), customer response system, support staff, etc. The most successful tooling program uses a combination of all capabilities from design to first piece qualification, from whatever source provides the best long-term value.

Session 9 Noon-1:00pm

LUNCHTIME LESSON Economic and Industry Outlook for Moldmakers Bill Wood, Mountaintop Economics and Research, Inc.

This special lunchtime session will present the Mold Business Index (MBI), which is published in each issue of MoldMaking Technology magazine and is based on a monthly survey of North American moldmakers, from which a diffusion index is calculated based on 50.0. A value above 50.0 for the MBI indicates that business activity expanded in the previous month, while a value below 50.0 means that business levels declined. The total MBI is a weighted average of the sub-indices for new orders, production, employees, backlog, exports and supplier deliveries. This seminar reviews the details of the Index and will teach shops how paying attention to the direction of activity levels in moldmaking from month to month will serve as an indicator of what's to come before it becomes an issue in your shop. This information serves as validation of what you are experiencing in your shop and can give you the business perspective you need to help you make informed business decisions.

Session 10 1:00pm-5:00pm

AMBA-SPONSORED CLINIC How the Latest High-Speed Programming, Tooling and Machining Techniques Combine to Change Mold Manufacturing

Roger Goble, OSG Tap & Die, Inc. Doug Noxell, Graphic Products North America Todd Schuett, Creative Evolution

This association's traveling seminar series is appearing at MoldMaking Expo 2006 and provides an intense, four-hour clinic for those moldmakers who want to learn to compete in today's global marketplace. Experts on the three key aspects--toolpath, tooling and machine technology--will explain the cutting-edge techniques to use to maximize your equipment's productivity. Real-world applications will be used. You are encouraged to bring your problems and applications for discussion. Q&A time will follow the presentation.

Session 1 1 1:30pm-2:30pm

Combining Technology to Make Impossible Molds Jon Hunwick, Delcam

Mold design is a tricky business. Getting the perfect mold for the component is absolutely vital to ensuring the quality of the finished part. Central to the design is the split, or parting line, which must be as simple as possible to ensure easy matching of the two mold halves. But if your part is complex then what? This seminar will show how combinations of technology can be used to solve the most complex of challenges.

Session 12 1:30pm-2:30pm Pay for Performance Mold Manufacturing

Len Graham, GB Mold, LLC Tim Worthington, GB Mold, LLC

When molds are built with cost and delivery as the number one concern, mold performance will suffer. The impact to the customer of a poor performing mold is higher per part costs, higher scrap rates and more frequent downtime. GB Mold, LLC of Riverside, CA, believes it has a unique approach to mold manufacturing, which associates tooling costs with production performance to help manufacturers continue in their constant drive for faster, better and cheaper manufacturing. The GB Mold mold quoting and manufacturing concept is to answer a customer's request for quote in a new way.

Session 13 1:30pm-2:30pm

Trade Policy Developments Affecting the Moldmaking Industry

Karen Bland Toliver, Society of Plastics Ind.

This presentation will examine trends in import and export of molds, how molds are treated in U.S. trade negotiations and offer projections for the future in light of recent developments with China, WTO negotiations and U.S. bilateral trade agreements.

Session 14 2:45pm-3:45pm

The Benefits and Techniques of Hard Milling with Ceramic Inserts Ron Malone, Greenleaf Corporation

The moldmaking and tool and die industries are aggressively moving toward hard milling to improve production efficiency and reduce costs. This practice is made possible by technological advancements in both machinery and cutting tools. This seminar will address the advancements in productivity that are possible with the use of indexable ceramic inserts and tooling in the machining of difficult materials, including hardened tool steels and high strength alloys. There will be specific discussions on all aspects of hard milling including speeds, feedrates, depth and width of cut parameters and programming methods in the application of ceramic milling with cutters from 5/8" diameter and larger. This seminar will give attendees a real understanding of the benefits this technology can bring to a shop's bottom line.

Session 15 2:45pm-3:45pm

Hot Runner Trends and New Technologies in the Automotive Market John Daniels, Husky Injection Molding Systems

The automotive industry presents huge opportunities for moldmakers. The challenges faced by automotive moldmakers include tight leadtimes, molding difficult resins, high quality requirements and changing designs. The intelligent use of hot runners presents many advantages to the moldmaker. A hot runner supplier with a broad product line and solid design methods should become a key part of the mold production. The product line should include multiple nozzle sizes for all applications, temperature controls, valve gate sequencers, configurable standards, and the choice between manifold systems or full hot halves. Design methods should include melt channel sizing analysis, expansion calculation, mold flow simulation, thermal FEA and mechanical FEA. A hot runner supplier also should provide local customer support for quick response and early mold design interaction. Above all, a hot runner supplier should be able to supply a custom system quickly and economically with excellent up-front design support and exceptional service anywhere in the world.

Session 16 2:45pm-3:45pm

Breaking the Mold: Design and Validation in One Window Craig Therrien, SolidWorks Corporation

Whether designing the mold for an iPod or a refrigerator door, moldmakers desperately need shortcuts for completing the project on time. What they don't need is to hop from the design application to the analysis application to verity accuracy. That process, long an industry standard, takes time and increases the risk of errors. It also fuels a communications barrier between product designers and moldmakers. Toppling those barriers and accelerating development requires validating whether a plastic injection-molded part can be filled from within the design application itself. Such an integrated tool lets engineers design the mold and make sure there will be no problems filling it during the product manufacturing process with just a couple of mouse clicks. This integration significantly reduces design time while eliminating the errors from migrating data between two applications. It also ensures moldmakers have a clear understanding of the designer's intent. Moldmakers have long had to rely on two applications to design and prove their products. By using tools that combine mold design and validation, engineers can work more productively, reduce costly errors and eliminate any confusion mold manufacturers have about the product design. In this session, attendees will learn about an approach to streamlining mold product development, and how this approach has helped real-life moldmakers, such as Integrated Mold Solutions, JK Mold and Protomold.

Session 17 4:00pm-5:00pm

In-Mold Process Control: Managing the Plastic Flow Front within Mold Design David Hoffman, Beaumont Technologies, Inc.

An injection molding machine itself can only do so much in regards to process control and influencing the filling of a mold cavity. Due to the nature of polymer flow, it must be recognized that significant viscosity changes occur within the plastic as it fills the mold cavities. And those viscosity changes will dramatically affect the way a mold cavity fills and the quality of the part being produced, whether the mold is a single-cavity or multicavity mold. Advancements are being made in melt management systems that add new dimensions of process control within the mold itself. These technologies can drastically affect the filling pattern within a mold cavity; all without changing gate location, material or process settings. Various benefits include that ability to extend flow lengths, reduce warp, fill thin part geometries and improve part cosmetics. The focus of this presentation will teach attendees how these new in-mold process control technologies can be used to quickly and easily change cavity filling characteristics to commission molds faster and improve part quality.

Session 18 4:00pm-5:00pm

The Paradigm of Mold Building Rebecca Hamstra, RJG, Inc.

The paradigm of mold building has changed forever with the proliferation of companies going off shore for production of molded components and assemblies. Mold builders can no longer rely on continued growth from old customers in conventional relationships. New opportunities start with understanding the value you provide to the customer. Moldmakers are lamenting about lost business. Molders are also faced with lost opportunities. Many of them have been forced offshore or have gone under because of world trade. Molders' customers in turn have been forced to consolidate, and often to use contract manufacturers for their production. This is especially true in industries such as electronics, automotive and recently the medical industry. World trade has made the market change forever. Moldmakers must re-posture their businesses to provide different value to their customers. This presentation has the goal of systematic means of optimizing the three main keys to success: quality products, improved faster time-to-market and cost-competitiveness.

Session 19 4:00pm-5:00pm

Advanced Toolholding Systems Lee Rick, Heartech Precision, Inc.

This seminar will focus on toolholding systems for machine tools covering style, application and usage with a question and answer session to follow. Effective toolholder designs with specific applications, balance theory and applications, new products and possible solutions for reducing cost both in setup and operation will be discussed.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Session 20 8:00am-9:00am

EARLY BIRD STRATEGY SESSION Emerging Trends from a Re-Tooled Industry Jeff Mengel, Plante & Moran

We will time travel through 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 and end up in 2010 to outline trends in global sourcing of tooling, demographics of press population, capacity growth rates, and press utilization and tooling productivity. In 2010 we will explore the dynamics of the industry and the attributes of future success so you can prepare today. Discussion points include press populations in North America, Europe, Asia and China; utilization rates of presses in North America; Guesstimates of press population in 2010; weeks to produce the average tool; estimates of companies--injection processors and tool builders; resins consumed by process (injection, blow, extrusion film, extrusion profile, thermoform, other) by demographic area; anecdotal evidence of productivity (five-axis, high-speed, quick setup cutting tools, solid modeling and process enhancements--lean, global sourcing); and highlights of surveys over the years (size, ROS, assets deployed, employee TO, hit rate).

Session 21 9:00am-10:30am

How to Become a High Impact Owner: Business Transition Planning from Start to Finish (Beginner) Richard Tanner, Ownership Advisors

This session will focus on succession planning for the closely held company. Whether you want to keep the family in the business or get the family out or just keep your options open, in this session we help you prepare for one of the most important decisions in your life. Through case studies, we will identity eight common obstacles to successful transition and offer practical suggestions on how to avoid them. Our goal is to provide you tools to get started on a process that builds trust with your key stakeholders and family members. We will help you develop a strategic approach to succession that begins with clarifying your personal mission and financial goals. In addition, we will address technical issues such as business appraisals, shareholder agreements and liquidity planning. Although this is an introductory session, we will address some advanced issues such as how to integrate ownership and management succession and ways to manage your technical advisors for superior results.

Session 22 9:15am-10:00am

Simultaneous Product Development and Manufacturing Richard Hecker, Eifel, Inc.

The key to Eifel's extraordinary leadtimes can be found in its unique process, simultaneous product development and manufacturing, which overlaps the three major stages in product development: product design, mold design and tool build. Implementation of the SPDM process drastically reduces leadtimes by as much as 50 percent. Eifel grouped a number of disciplines needed to take a part from concept through production tooling under one roof. They assembled a knowledgeable team of professional product designers, mold designers, engineers and tool builders that seamlessly move the project from the design studio to the production floor in record time. They've created a bridge between design, engineering and manufacturing. This is an intricate component of the SPDM process.

Session 23 9:15am-10:15am

Economics of High Conductivity Molds Doug Veitch, Brush Wellman

This presentation will cover cycle time reductions, machinability and durability of molds using high performance copper alloys. Application examples will be used to demonstrate actual payback calculations, cycle time reductions and improved part quality. The types of plastics that are compatible for molding on tools made with high conductivity copper alloys also will be discussed.

Session 24 9:15am-10:15am

Simulating and Optimizing the Mold Build Process Mark Benedetti, CG Tech

Most moldmakers are aware of the importance of accurate workpiece verification and many are now finding CNC machine simulation to be a necessity as well. The simulation and verification of CNC machining processes is becoming much more important with the increased use of high spindle speed CNC machines, five-axis machining centers and more complex fixtures and processes. By the end of this presentation, moldmakers will have learned that the same software used to verity their increasingly complex NC programs can also be used to increase efficiency, lengthen tool and machine life, and achieve better surface finish. High-speed machining also continues to be a hot topic. But, what is "high speed" machining? The true definition is cutting a part in the least amount of time. Achieving the shortest cutting time is related to feedrate, but the relationship isn't "fastest feedrates = most efficient." The key is varying feedrates to achieve the best results for all cuts. This presentation will outline a strategy and tools to create NC programs for the most efficient machining.

Session 25 10:30am-Noon

PANEL DISCUSSION Future Applications of Additive Fabrication for Toolmakers Steve Pierce, Boeing Rick Tweddell, Procter & Gamble Greg Morris, Morris Technologies Mike Siemer, Mydea Technologies Moderator: Tom Mueller, Express Pattern

Attendees will be given the opportunity to seek answers to difficult questions associated with the use of additive fabrication, such as rapid prototyping. Topics include the application of the technology for producing visual design aids, obtaining requests for quotations, presenting proposals to customer prospects, producing parts for pattern-based tooling, producing mold components and manufacturing series production parts.

Session 26 10:30am-Noon How to Become a High Impact Owner: Business Transition Planning from Start to Finish (Intermediate to Advanced) Richard Tanner, Ownership Advisors

This session will focus on companies that may have started on their succession plans but feel their strategy is incomplete. We will take off from session I where we spent time on the obstacles to successful transition to a more detailed view of common strategies, tools and techniques used by closely held companies. We will explore how combining multiple planning strategies can create greater impact and leverage. Advanced wealth transfer and tax planning techniques along with charitable strategies will be presented. One case study will explore how an employee stock ownership strategy was used in a family business to solve a wide range of business, financial and family concerns. Finally, we will spend some time on the non-financial issues that can complicate a successful transition after you've left the company.

Session 27 10:30am-Noon

Innovative Cutting Tools and Techniques for Cost Reduction Thomas Raun, lscar Metals, Inc.

With a primary focus on improving productivity of machining, this seminar will provide a 10ok at the latest cutting tool technologies being applied in the industry for various applications (e.g., 2-D, 3-D contour milling, pocketing, drilling, etc.) as well as information regarding some commonly overlooked techniques that when understood and applied are sure to increase productivity within any company.

Session 28 Noon-1:00pm

LUNCHTIME LESSON 2006 Leadtime Leader Panel Discussion

This annual award was designed to recognize outstanding North American mold manufacturers and their ability to succeed in a globally competitive environment. Winners were chosen based on performance in leadtime, current and projected sales growth, innovation in the moldmaking process as well as the business side of moldmaking, technology, industry involvement and customer service. MoldMaking Technology magazine will present the winners to the industry at an awards ceremony during the evening reception on Tuesday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m., and the winners will participate in this free lunchtime session on the strategies and technologies that helped them gain a Leadtime Leader title.

Session 29 1:15pm-2:00pm

Five Steps for Improving Your Shop's Maximum Productivity Duane Drape, Horn USA

Learn how to evaluate your shop's productivity and begin increasing it by considering the variables of implementing hard milling and high-speed machining (HSM): finish components by hard milling not EDM sinking; machine the components unattended; know the difference between high-speed machining and conventional machining; use hard milling instead of jig grinding; and, learn when to high-speed machine before hard milling.

Session 30 1:15pm-2:00pm

Developing an Effective Machine Tool & Spindle Service Program Jeff Gramoll, SKF Precision Technologies

In today's highly competitive world, running an efficient shop can make or break a moldmaker's success. That is why it is so important to develop a machine tool and spindle service program that effectively manages all available assets. Increasing productivity does not always require the latest and greatest in machine tools. And with competitors popping up all over the globe, the newest and fastest tools cannot guarantee that a plant will keep the competitive edge. Getting ahead of the competition means utilizing and maintaining a plant's available resources by achieving a high level of overall equipment effectiveness, which is a performance measurement comprised of three factors: (1) asset availability, (2) production rate and (3) quality level.

Session 31 1:15pm-2:00pm

Surface Aesthetics and Finishing Gordon Pinger, Complete Surface Technologies (CST)

Surface finishes seldom considered and yet possibly the most frustrating. What grain is it? How much draft? Did I quote enough? Is the surface a mirror finish, benched to what level, can I blast, should I plate it, what is the gloss target? With the many levels of SPE/SPI finishes and thousands of textures used, these issues should not have to be a last minute fire drill. A conversation with an appropriate surface finishing consultant can, in the design phase, identify special needs relative to mold material, dissimilar metals between base cavity and lifters or slides, part material and the required surface finish. Once in production, tool maintenance now becomes an issue. Supporting a desired look throughout the production run is of equal importance. What kind of maintenance schedule would be appropriate and at what interval? This presentation is designed to educate the moldmaker and molder to consider any specific tooling needs driven by surface aesthetics or surface treatments. Knowledge about these specific needs will offer your customer the value added service they have come to expect. It will also allow for the appropriate budgeting of both time and money needed to account for special surface requirements.

Session 32 2:15pm-3:00pm

Laser Welding: Applications in Mold Repair Jim Grantland, Duro-Chrome Industries

Approximately two decades ago, laser welding was in its development stage for industrial application and only utilized in very specialized applications. During the last 10 years, laser welding has become routinely used in numerous applications for various industries. Although used routinely in Europe during this timeframe, only in the last couple of years has it become increasingly recognized as an alternative to microweld and other more traditional welding methods in the U.S. One of laser welding's applications that holds distinct advantages over its alternatives is mold repair. These advantages and the specific types of repairs that laser welding excels in will be the focus of this presentation.

Session 33 2:15pm-3:00pm

Seeing the Mold Industry on a Micro Scale Lee Richmond, Making

Miniature, micron and sub-micron manufacturing requirements are continuing to grow, offering unique challenges to manufacturers to develop more precise and productive technologies. Medical, automotive, telecommunications and consumer electronics are the leading industries driving the development of the technologies to make micro components and devices commercially viable. Mass replication of these devices requires micro molding, forming and stamping technology on an economical scale. If you look at micromachining from a process approach, the micro world places enormous challenges on the machine tool manufacturer, such as micron precision, adaptive technology and user compatibility. Process development and training also plays a large role in manufacturing success; it is essential to have resources to draw from to optimize the utilization of these technologies. Another key point to success in micromachining is ingenuity and know-how. While there is still pressure from outside competition, the North American industry has a wealth of experience and knowledge that cannot be easily duplicated or replaced. This is an advantage that should be leveraged to not only maintain our industry base, but to grow and nurture for future generations.

Session 34 2:15pm-3:00pm

PVD Can Make a Mold More Reliable Dwayne Douglas, Balzers, Inc. PVD/PACVD enhances the reliability of your injection molding processes. This is especially critical during unmanned shifts and automated manufacturing environments. Sliding surfaces coated with PVD/PACVD processes allow lubricant-free production of sophisticated plastics components for pharmaceutical and medical as well as food packaging applications. PVD/PACVD hard coatings offer optimized protection against the abrasive effects of fiber reinforcements, fillers and pigments. The color of the coatings and its minimal thickness make it possible to quickly recognize wear-induced changes and retouch the molds before wear impairs product quality. When parts are injection molded in coated molds, the dependable and consistently better release action significantly shortens cycle times. The longer service life of coated tools reduces costs and results in considerable savings, particularly where abrasive plastics are processed. The service life of tools for plastics parts with visually appealing surfaces can be prolonged by several hundred percent with coated tools.

Session 35 3:15pm-4:15pm

Optimize CNC Programming with the Latest CAD/CAM Techniques Ann Mazakas, Intelligent Creations LLC

Leading CAM software companies are developing NC programs that run faster and more reliably than ever before, making this a prime opportunity to take advantage of the latest advances in CAM technology. With an industry-wide focus on reducing cutting time, the latest CAM software is designed to achieve top performance in the machine shop. The advanced algorithms developed for the specialized cutter paths used in high-speed machining provide benefits to all machine shops regardless of the type of CNC machines they currently have on the floor. Find out about the latest developments in CAM technology that will not only save time in the shop, but also will save money on cutting tools and machine maintenance and make it easier than ever to share the right design data with the right people.

Session 36 3:15pm-4:15pm

Online Marketplaces Provide Solutions for Moldmakers Feeling the Squeeze Mitch Free, MfgQuote

Moldmakers who are feeling the squeeze from customers now have new options for sustaining their businesses. Many are going online to find profitable RFQs, discover eager new clients, focus on their preferred niche and demand prices that yield healthy profits. Going online doesn't mean firing up Google, though. That's too random. Instead, a new breed of online marketplace is automatically matching buyers and suppliers of custom-manufacturing work. The technology generates highly targeted requests for quotes (RFQs) and shares them with suppliers that have the expertise, credentials and capacity for the specific job. Moldmakers and other suppliers can examine clients' CAD models and other specifications for the work while earning eBay style-supplier ratings. Unlike failed B2B marketplaces of the past, these are not auctions where the most desperate bidder wins. The online marketplace all but erases geographical obstacles and dramatically minimizes the drudgery of cold calls, marketing campaigns and traditional networking. This session will introduce moldmakers to these and other aspects of the new online marketplace for custom manufacturing, including benefits to both buyers and sellers; real user examples; security options; and, emerging trends.

Hotel * Travel

Convention Center

Rock Financial Showplace

46100 Grand River Avenue * Novi, MI 48374

Ph: 248-348-5600 * www.rockfinancialshowplace.com

Hotel Accommodations

The Hotel Baronette and DoubleTree Novi are official show hotels for MoldMaking Expo 2006 and rooms are available at special rates (exclusive of local taxes and fees) for attendees and exhibitors.

Make your reservations as soon as possible to take advantage of these special show rates. Rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Contact the Hotel Baronette and DoubleTree Novi directly for reservations and make sure you ask for the MoldMaking Expo Group rates. Deposit, accommodation and incidental charges are the responsibility of the attendee and should be paid directly to the hotel according to their policies.

Directions + Other Information

Transportation

Directions from Detroit Metro Airport

Take 1-94 West to 275 North to 1-96 West; follow exits 162, 160 or 159. From Exit 162, turn right onto Novi Rd. Turn right onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your right hand side. From Exit 160, go south onto Beck Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1/2 mile down on your left hand side. From Exit 159, go south onto Wixom Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your left hand side.

Driving time: approximately 30 minutes

Taxi to Novi: approximately $44.

Car Rental: Many major automobile rental agencies are at Detroit Metro Airport. Check their website for airlines and services, www.metroairport.com.

Directions from Windsor Airport

Start out heading northwest towards CR-42. Turn RIGHT onto CR-42 and go straight on Division road to Walker Road, turn right and drive for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto EC Row Expressway West. Take exit towards Huron Church Road/Bridge to USA. Make a slight right onto Huron Church Road which turns into Highway 3N and as you enter the United States becomes Ambassador Bridge. Go straight onto W Fisher Freeway towards 1-96 W/Lansing/1-94 ramp.

Get on 1-96 W towards 1-96/Jeffries Freeway/Lansing for about 20 miles. Head towards 1-96 W/I-275 N/Flint/Lansing. Stay left on I-96 W heading towards Lansing. Take left exit number 159 towards Wixom and turn left onto S. Wixom Road and turn left onto Grand River Avenue.

Driving time: approximately 1 hour

Car Rental: Avis, Budget, National and Enterprise are at Windsor Airport. Check their website for airlines and services, www.windsorairport.net.

Directions from the North

Take US-131, US-27 or US-23 South to 1-96 East; follow Exits 159, 160 or 162. From Exit 159, go south onto Wixom Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your left hand side. From Exit 160, go south onto Beck Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1/2 mile down on your left hand side. From Exit 162, turn right onto Novi Rd. Turn right onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your right hand side.

Directions from the West

Take 1-94 East to M-14 East to 275 North to 1-96 West; follow exits 162, 160 or 159. From Exit 162, turn left onto Novi Rd. Turn right onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your right hand side. From Exit 160, go south onto Beck Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1/2 mile down on your left hand side. From Exit 159, go south onto Wixom Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your left hand side. Log onto www.rockfinancialshowplace.com/about/directions for additional routes.

Directions from the South

Take 1-94 East to M-14 East to 275 North or 1-94 East or West directly to 275 North to 1-96 West; follow exits 162, 160 or 159. From Exit 162, turn left onto Novi Rd. Turn right onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your right hand side. From Exit 160, go south onto Beck Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1/2 mile down on your left hand side. From Exit 159, go south onto Wixom Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your left hand side. Log onto www.rockfinancialshowplace.com/about/directions for additional routes.

Directions from the East

1) Take 1-96 West to 275 North to 1-96 West; fol low exits 162, 160 or 159. From Exit 162, turn left onto Novi Rd. Turn right onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your right hand side. From Exit 160, go south onto Beck Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1/2 mile down on your left hand side. From Exit 159, go south onto Wixom Rd. Turn Left onto Grand River Avenue and go approximately 1 1/2 miles down on your left hand side. Log onto www.rockfinancialshowplace.com/about/directions for additional routes.

Conference Attire/Weather

The dress code for MoldMaking Expo is casual to business casual. Average monthly temperatures ([degrees]F), rainfall and snowfall are:

Events-At-A-Glance

                        Monday          Tuesday         Wednesday
                        April 24        April 25        April 26

Registration            8:00am-5:00pm   8:00am-5:00pm    8:00am-5:00pm

Conference                              8:00am-5:00pm    8:00am-4:15pm

Exhibits                                10:00am-5:00pm   10:00am-5:00pm

Free Seminars
Lunchtime                               Industry         Leadtime
                                        Outlook          Leader
Lessons                                 for MoldMakers   Panel
  (Lunch included                                        Discussion
  for PAID conference                   12:00-1:00pm     12:00-1:00pm
  attendees ONLY.)
Networking Reception                    5:00-8:30pm

Casino Party & Leadtime Leader-Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Time             Session   Title                  Presenters

8:00am-9:00am      #1      Lean Moldmaking: The   Jamie Flinchbaugh,
                           Hitchhiker's Guide     Lean Learning
                                                   Center

9:00am-5:00pm      #2      How to Establish a     Steve Johnson,
                           Systematic Approach    MoldTrax
                           to Mold Maintenance

9:15am-10:15am     #3      Three Keys to          Steve Ortner,
                           Successful High-       Absolute Machine
                           Speed Machining        Tools, Inc.

9:15am-10:15am     #4      Automated Mold-        John Berg, MGS Mfg.
                           making: Lights Out     Group
                           Manufacturing Tech-
                           nologies

9:15am-10:15am     #5      The Search for CAD     Robert Bean,
                           Interoperability        Kubotek USA
                                                   Ken Versprille,
                                                    CPD Assoc.
                                                   Evan Yares,
                                                    The Open
                                                   Design Alliance

10:30am-Noon       #6      Education/Training     Harry Moser,
                           in Moldmaking Panel     Charmilles Mikron
                           Discussion             James A. Wall,
                                                   National Institute
                                                    for Metalworking
                                                    Skills
                                                   Chuck Arnold,
                                                    Battlebots IQ
                                                   Paul Koontz.
                                                    Formula 1

10:30am-Noon       #7      Advantages of Using    Randy Winton,
                           Modular Tool Design     Progressive
                                                   Components

10:30am-Noon       #8      Strategic and Tacti-   Don Tijunelis,
                           cal Supply Chain        DKT Engineering,
                           Issues for the          Ltd
                           Toolmaker              Richard W. Hammond,
                                                   PE.. RWH Partners

Noon-1:00pm        #9      Economic and           Bill Wood,
                           Industry Outlook for    Mountaintop Econo-
                           Moldmakers              mics and Research,
                                                    Inc.

1:00pm-5:00pm      #10     AMBA-sponsored:        Roger Goble,
                           How the Latest High-    OSG Tap & Die
                           Speed Programming,     Doug Noxell,
                           Tooling and Machi-      Graphic Products
                           ning Techniques Com-    North America.
                           bine to Change Mold    Todd Schuett,
                           Manufacturing           Creative Evolution

1:30pm-2:30pm      #11     Combining Technology   Jon Hunwick, Delcam
                           to Make Impossible
                           Molds

1:30pm-2:30pm      #12     Pay for Performance    Len Graham,
                           Mold Manufacturing      GB Mold, LLC
                                                  Tim Worthington,
                                                   GB Mold, LLC

1:30pm-2:30pm      #13     Trade Policy Deve-     Karen Bland
                           lopments Affecting     Toliver,
                           the Moldmaking          Society of Plas-
                           Industry                tics Industry

2:45pm-3:45pm      #14     The Benefits and       Ron Malone,
                           Techniques of Hard      Greenleaf
                           Milling with Ceramic    Corporation
                           Inserts

2:45pm-3:45pm      #15     Hot Runner Trends      John Daniels,
                           and New Technologies    Husky Injection
                           in theAutomotive        Molding Systems
                           Market

2:45pm-3:45pm      #16     Breaking the Mold:     Craig Therrien,
                           Design and Valida-      Solid Works
                           tion in One Window      Corporation

4:00pm-5:00pm      #17     In-Mold Process        David Hoffman,
                           Control: Managing       Beaumont Tech-
                           the Plastic Flow        nologies, Inc.
                           Front within Mold
                           Design

4:00pm-5:00pm      #18     The Paradigm of        Rebecca Hamstra,
                           Mold Building           RJG, Inc.

4:00pm-5:00pm      #19     Advanced Toolholding   Lee Flick,
                           Systems                Heartech Precision,
                                                   Inc.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006

8:00am-9:00am      #20     Emerging Trends from   Jeff Mengel,
                           Re-Tooled Industry      Plante & Moran

9:00am-10:30am     #21     How to Become a High   Richard Tanner,
                           Impact Owner:           Ownership Advisors
                           Business Transition
                           Planning from Start
                           to Finish
                           (Beginner)

9:15am-10:00am     #22     Simultaneous Product   Richard Hecker,
                           Development and        Eifel, Inc.
                           Manufacturing

9:15am-10:15am     #23     Economics of High      Doug Veitch,
                           Conductivity Molds     Brush Wellman

9:15am-10:15am     #24     Simulating and Opti-   Mark Benedetti,
                           mizing the Mold        CG Tech
                           Build Process

10:30am-Noon       #25     Future Applications    Steve Pierce,
                           of Additive Fabri-      Boeing
                           cation for Tool-       Rick Tweddell,
                           makers                  Procter & Gamble
                                                   Greg Morris,
                                                    Morris Technolo-
                                                    gies
                                                   Tom Mueller,
                                                    Express Pattern
                                                   Mike Siemer,
                                                    Mydea Technologies

10:30am-Noon       #26     How to Become a High   Richard Tanner,
                           Impact Owner: Busi-     Ownership Advisors
                           ness Transition
                           Planning from Start
                           to Finish
                           (Intermediate to
                           Advanced)

10:30am-Noon       #27     Innovative Cutting     Thomas Raun,
                           Tools and Techniques    Iscar Metals. Inc.
                           for Cost Reduction

Noon-1:00pm        #28     2006 Leadtime Leader   Extreme Tool &
                           Panel Discussion       Engineering
                           MSI MoldBuilders-      A J Tool Co., Inc.
                                                  IDEAS, Inc.

1:15pm-2:00pm      #29     Five Steps for         Duane Drape,
                           Improving Your          Horn USA
                           Shop's Maximum
                           Productivity

1:15pm-2:00pm      #30     Developing an          Jeff Gramoll,
                           Effective Machine       SKF Precision
                           Tool and Spindle        Technologies
                           Service Program

1.15pm-2:00pm      #31     Surface Aesthetics     Gordon Pinger,
                           and Finishing           Complete Surface
                                                   Technologies (CST)

2:15pm-3:00pm      #32     Laser Welding:         Jim Grantland,
                           Applications in Mold    Duro-Chrome
                           Repair                  Industries

2:15pm-3:00pm      #33     Seeing the Mold        Lee Richmond,
                           Industry on a Micro     Makino
                           Scale

2:15pm-3:00pm      #34     PVD Can Make a Mold    Dwayne Douglas,
                           More Reliable           Balzers, Inc.

3:15pm-4:15pm      #35     Optimize CNC Prog-     Ann Mazakas,
                           ramming with the        Intelligent
                           Latest CAD/CAM          Creations LLC
                           Techniques

3:15pm-4:15pm      #36     Online Marketplaces    Mitch Free,
                           Provide Solutions      MfgQuote
                           for Moldmakers
                           Feeling the Squeeze