Featured Image

Mold & Die Manufacturing — Dawning of a New Industry in Mexico, Part II

In this second part, we review the state of the mold and die industry by geographic locations.
Aug 17, 2021

In the first part of this article, published in the previous issue of AMT News on August 16, we introduced you to the market opportunity of Mexico’s mold and die manufacturing industry. In this second part, we review the state of the mold and die industry by geographic locations.

The Mexican Association of Mold and Die conducted a survey to assess the technical capabilities of a sample of 215 companies. Below I present its findings as well as the expected capabilities needed to strengthen and grow Mexico’s mold and dies sector.

  • Retrofit capabilities for plastic injection molds

  • Micro welding for cavities repair

  • Mold holder and die holder fabrication

  • Flexibility to incorporate engineering changes 

  • Software for simulation and analysis     

  • Develop infrastructure to manufacture dies weighing 40 or more tons

  • Develop infrastructure to manufacture plastic injection molds weighing six or more tons

  • Develop infrastructure to manufacture stamping dies weighing more than 70 tons

The current manufacturing technology deployed in Mexico allows the manufacturing of dies up to 20 tons and stamping up to 30 tons, which is a small sample of the demand as the bulk ranges in larger systems and products.

To date, there are 15 states with the largest concentration of mold and die shops.

Now lets take a deep dive into the processes currently installed in Mexico.

There is a strong effort to upgrade the industry’s capabilities by engaging the many players and stakeholders that can have a direct impact on the output. From suppliers of metals and alloys to capital goods manufacturers, the involvement of AMT with this initiative is oriented to grow the consumption of Mexican made molds and thus the demand of capital goods for its manufacturing. 

According to the study, the current and most used materials in Mexico are:

Ferrous

  • Steel

  • Stainless steel

  • Special steels

  • Tool-grade steel

  • PTR

  • C3

  • D2

  • D15

  • 4140

  • K 340

  • Iron

  • Nodular Iron

  • P20

Plastic materials

  • Engineering plastics

  • Resins and additives

  • PVC

  • Teflon

  • Acetal

Nonferrous

  • Copper

  • Bronze

  • Graphite

  • Tungsten carbide

  • Wood

  • Aluminum

Another key process, discussed in every hall and meeting of AMMMT, that will impact Mexico’s mold and die production as well as the industrial ecosystem, is 3D printing machines or additive manufacturing. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are two other transformative technologies that will impact mold and die manufacturing, as forecasted by ISTMA and embraced by AMMMT.

AMT will continue participating in the regular meetings held by AMMMT and is involved as a “strategic member” of ISTMA Americas as a result of the professional relationship capital built by AMT in both Mexico with AMMMT and with Brazilian Association of Mold and Die Manufacturers (ABINFER). 

To date we are expeditiously strengthening the available market intelligence regarding who is who in Mexico’s budding mold and die industry. We are excited about the “dawn of a new industry,” which is bound to favorably impact the rest of the consumer industries due to its ubiquitous influence.

PicturePicture
Author
Carlos Mortera
Senior Director - Latin America
Recent international News
As global financial conditions worsen, Latin America grows brick by brick – literally; Lego invests big in Mexico. Brazil’s CEITAC has a chip on its shoulder. Nuevo Leon saw $8 billion invested in 2023. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.
Interested in selling advanced manufacturing technology internationally but not sure about servicing those machines? AMT provides experienced, in-country technicians to members for installations, maintenance, and repairs at a fraction of the cost and time.
European and Chinese companies invest millions in Mexico, expanding automotive and manufacturing capacities. Nuevo Leon leads nearshoring projects. Brazil unveils a $60 billion industrial policy package. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.
What lies ahead for Latin America's largest economies? How are uncertainties affecting the investments and resilience of the two engines of the region? For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.
Current global challenges could usher in a new era for Brazil and Mexico. What might this mean for their economies? It seems like the answer is nearshoring and heavy investment in various industries. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.
Similar News
undefined
Technology
By Bonnie Gurney | Mar 18, 2024

While additive manufacturing has significantly matured, further development depends on the current market evolving, which will require developing opportunities to showcase it as well as changing how we think of it – that it's more than 3D printing a part.

6 min
undefined
Technology
By Stephen LaMarca | Mar 15, 2024

A new bot has joined the chat. Versatile robotics control. Advances in multi-material AM. Everybody works better in denim.

6 min
undefined
International
By Conchi Aranguren | Mar 14, 2024

Europe's manufacturing sector faces declining domestic orders, geopolitical tensions, increased exports, and opportunities in the battery market. A very dynamic scenario is ahead for the old continent. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.

5 min