In The Hopper

Don’t Forget to Order Your Date Stamps & Plugs 

Progressive Components has the widest selection of Daters
and replacement Date Plugs available anywhere – including
those that retrofit with other brands.  Some notable
styles worth checking out include: 

• RF Series – Raised lettering on a date
  stamp results in a smooth, flat part
  surface. Due to this exclusive
  feature, and also because
  there is no height variation
  during plug rotation, the plastic
  part wall thickness remains consistent.

• LG Series – With raised lettering, these daters are ideal for large structural foam molds and blow molds.

• MicroDaters – These daters can be installed from the parting line and occupy significantly less space than conventional date stamps. 

With competitive pricing and the Progressive name on the plug, we’re your one-stop shop for easy year-end changeovers.   

Did you know that Progressive has made it easier than ever to order what you need by accessing our new online date stamp order form?  Simply direct your browser to www.procomps.com/date and quickly order whatever you require.   

To find out more about other maintenance related products from Progressive, CLICK HERE and access our online catalog.

Mold Straps Offer Peace of Mind, Safety & Economy 

Mold Straps from Progressive prevent the mold halves from opening during installation, removal, transport, or storage. The two piece design adjusts to various eyebolt locations and firmly stays in place once the mold is lifted. 

“The really unique feature is the design,” says Randy Winton, R&D Manager for Progressive Components.  “It’s infinitely adjustable to accommodate many mold sizes, so there is no need to manufacture a strap that is 'married' to the mold, which often gets misplaced during the run."

"Small corner-located straps that sometimes are utilized can be overlooked when the mold is loaded into the press, with damage resulting,” he adds. “Progressive's Mold Straps will not be overlooked during mold setup." 

Needing no additional small tapped holes in the mold base, the range of the 9-inch Mold Strap is 2.5” to 7.5”; while the larger 10-inch model ranges from 10.5” to 12.5”. They are conveniently available off-the-shelf every day. 

For more information, access our online catalog at www.procomps.com.

Working the World

Progressive Canada Makes its Mark at Expoplast 

Progressive Components participated in an even more meaningful way this year when it exhibited at Expoplast, the only French plastics show held in North America.  Expoplast was held October 20 - 21 at the Palais des Congres in Montreal and Progressive Components’ Canadian Sales Manager Inno Fabbro helped to lead the way by participating on the show’s organizing committee. 

“This is a tri-annual show, held every three years in Montreal,” Inno explained.  “This year the show’s theme was ‘Road Map to a Sustainable Future’ and there were many reasons for this, not the least of which is to create solid synergies among the many segments of the Canadian plastics industry.  There were a lot of opportunities at the show for networking; with a main objective to foster liaisons between people to strengthen the industry.  Progressive Components met many people who were genuinely interested in what we have to offer.  They are open to change, and are open to cutting edge technologies.” 

Progressive’s Canadian General Manager, Cy McGrath, as well as U.S. Sales Manager Todd Steinhoff and Product Specialist Mike Biddle were also on hand with Inno to meet with Key Account program partners that stopped by the booth.  The release of the new Friction Puller was a main focus, as were products from Progressive’s exclusive Friction Free™ line and more.   

Inno added, “More and more strategic alliances are being formed in the Canadian plastics industry because of the way the auto industry is going, not to mention global competition.  So fostering business opportunities was of primary importance to everyone there.” 

To find out more about Progressive Components’ new Friction Puller or other products featured at Expoplast, call 800-269-6653 or email Inno at Inno.Fabbro@procomps.com.

It's Been Said...

So often, Progressive’s sales team is on the road visiting customers and witnessing first hand some of the mold projects our products play a part in.  Glenn Marx, who is a regional sales manager at Progressive, recently spoke with Michael Montagna and Bryan Hull at Mier Tool Company.  They related the factors that contributed to their successful use of Expandable Cavity technology: 

“We built a 2-cavity production mold for Joe Pietryka Inc. Molded in Santoprene, the part had two undercut bulb features per part requiring slide draws of some type.  Slide construction would have required a much larger mold base, and a larger press. This, coupled with all the tool work required for the slide sets, brought the total mold costs up to an undesirable level. Using Expandable Cavities, there would now be no slides, heel pockets and associated components to be manufactured. The mold features needed to accommodate the Expandable Cavities were much simpler to machine in the mold core insert."

To find out how Expandable Cavities can shave time and costs off your tooling projects, contact Progressive Components at 800-269-6653 or see our online demonstration at www.procomps.com/demo.

ProComper Spotlight

Mike Biddle
Product Specialist 

On board since March 2006, Mike Biddle wears many hats in his role as Product Specialist at Progressive. Some of his duties include being Progressive’s Blow Mold Tooling Manager, working to further expand this exclusive program.  Mike is also a member of Progressive’s Tech and Product Review teams, assisting them with their projects, and he oversees sales in Michigan and Northern Indiana. 

Mike has worked in this industry for more than 38 years.  His range of experience includes precision tooling, mold building & design, manufacturing, materials science, quality, supervision and management. 

“I feel I can relate to most any and all customers of Progressive,” says Mike.  “What I find most satisfying is helping people address their challenges.  I’ve discovered that the current workforce is mostly a new generation of toolmakers that can gain from our experiences. I enjoy being somewhat of a ‘historian’ and offering solutions and alternative ideas.” 

Asked about notable accomplishments since joining Progressive, Mike relates the fact that he has helped in development of Progressive's Blow Mold Tooling segment:  "The blow mold tooling world was screaming for the same level of 'standardization' that the injection mold tooling world embraces. Progressive is positioned to offer this benefit to the blow mold world.” 

Contact Mike at Michael.Biddle@procomps.com or call 800-269-6653.