MoldTrax releases MT6 software for faster tracking of mold performance, maintenance

A "maintenance alert" report makes it possible for the user to see what preventive maintenance (PM) requirements are coming due (yellow), overdue (red) or OK (green) on molds currently in production.

Additionally, exclusive to MoldTrax, a "hot runner specs" tab has been added to the popular TechTips section, giving users quicker access to manifold maintenance and repair instructions, images and specifications of the system. Categorizing this technical data saves search time and improves repair accuracy.

A MoldTrax performance dashboard is now available from the main screen that shows the current ratio of scheduled vs. un-scheduled mold stops as well as the number of molds currently in production and their PM status (based on cycles run).

All screens have been enlarged and many fields include Zoom windows with rich (customizable) text. Additionally, the user can choose between full or ¾ screen sizes.

"MoldTrax was born on the bench out of a need for repair technicians to be quickly brought up to speed on specific mold and product issues so they can maximize the time they spend with molds," explained Steve Johnson, founder of Mold Trax and operations manager for ToolingDocs.

"All molding companies, both custom and proprietary, save money through better targeting of mold and production defects," Johnson states. "Using this database will change one's shop culture from firefighting to preventive by providing users with more complete and accurate data that can be used to make more informed decisions."

To obtain a free demo of MoldTrax 6 can be downloaded by visiting www.moldtrax.com or www.toolingdocs.com.

ToolingDocs, an authority on mold maintenance, has become the standard for practices and procedures for maintaining hot runner systems. Manifold systems, in particular, must be handled with great care while cleaning, inspecting and reassembling using mold-specific documentation as a guide. Methodical practices must be used to prevent potential disasters that are easily created through a lack of knowledge of how hot runner systems operate and the critical components within.

The company established a unique, introductory level hot runner repair and maintenance program that has been extremely well received and attended, said the company. Now, in answer to requests from class attendees, ToolingDocs has expanded the original program into a comprehensive, 4-day advanced curriculum. The first class will be held on June 24-27 at the ToolingDocs Maintenance Center.

Attendees will learn how various hot runner systems function and the critical areas of each; how to troubleshoot, document and map out several manifold systems using an ohmmeter (supplied) while learning about Ohm's Law and how it is applied; hot to completely disassemble, clean, inspect, document and reassemble a multi-cavity valve gate and fixed gate system; and hot to determine what elements of the manifold should be included in setting up a PM program.

In addition, common issues will be discussed and useful bench techniques will be taught, including disassembly, cleaning and assembly tips along with wiring how-to, splices, repairs, resistance mapping, heater size verification and replacement and much more.

To register for ToolingDocs' new and expanded Hot Runner Maintenance and Repair Certification Training, visit www.toolingdocs.com or e-mail [email protected].