2026 September

Can a Supplier Handle Complex Tooling Work

2026-09-252026-09-28

Choosing a tooling supplier can look straightforward when the requirement is simple. A basic fixture or standard production aid may be easy to describe, quote, and review. Complex tooling is different. It can involve several parts working together, tight relationships between components, difficult machining areas, moving sections, special material requirements, or production conditions that are ... Read More "Can a Supplier Handle Complex Tooling Work" »

What Should Be Done When First Trial Samples Are Off Size

2026-09-152026-09-16

The first tooling trial is often the point when a design moves from drawings and discussions into something that can be checked in the real world. A sample may look close to the intended shape, yet a measurement can show that one area is too large, too small, too thick, or too thin. That does ... Read More "What Should Be Done When First Trial Samples Are Off Size" »

When Should Tooling Lubrication Be Performed

2026-09-112026-09-16

Tooling Lifecycle, Tooling Maintenance

Tooling lubrication is easy to overlook when production is running smoothly. A mold, die, jig, fixture, or other tool may continue working without obvious problems, so lubrication can seem like a task that can wait until something starts to feel different. In practice, waiting for a visible problem is often not a good maintenance habit. ... Read More "When Should Tooling Lubrication Be Performed" »

How Can Tooling Parts Be Checked Against Drawings

2026-09-082026-09-16

Tooling Inspection, Tooling Quality & Acceptance

A tooling project can look finished on the shop floor while still having small differences from the approved drawing. A hole may be in the wrong place, a mating surface may not sit as expected, or a component may have been made differently from the drawing without anyone noticing during assembly. These differences are not ... Read More "How Can Tooling Parts Be Checked Against Drawings" »

What Should a Complete Tooling RFQ Include

2026-09-042026-09-16

RFQ & Tooling Quotes, Tooling Sourcing & Procurement

A tooling request for quotation can look simple at first. A buyer may only need to ask a supplier to quote for a mold, die, jig, fixture, or another production tool. In practice, a short request can leave many important questions unanswered. When suppliers receive unclear information, they may have to make assumptions about the ... Read More "What Should a Complete Tooling RFQ Include" »

How Should Tooling Part Fit Dimensions Be Confirmed

2026-09-012026-09-16

Tooling Design & DFM, Tooling Development

When several tooling parts work together, their fit cannot be decided by looking at one part alone. A locating pin, guide component, insert, plate, slide, or other mating part may each have a suitable dimension on its own, yet the assembled tooling can still feel too tight, too loose, or difficult to use. This is ... Read More "How Should Tooling Part Fit Dimensions Be Confirmed" »