Tackling the Tooling Crisis: Foundries and patternshops search for solutions in the face of skilled labor shortages and extended lead times.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Tackling the Tooling Crisis: Foundries and patternshops search for solutions in the face of skilled labor shortages and extended lead times.
Authors:	COSTIN, JOANNE
Source:	Modern Casting. Nov2025, Vol. 115 Issue 11, p20-27. 7p.
Subjects:	Foundries, Patternmaking, Apprenticeship programs, CAD/CAM systems, Skilled labor supply & demand, Turnaround time, Rapid tooling, Three-dimensional printing
Abstract:	The article focuses on the critical role of toolmaking and patternmaking in the foundry industry and the challenges posed by skilled labor shortages and extended lead times. Topics include the decline of experienced patternmakers and its impact on production, adoption of modern technologies such as CNC machining and 3D printing to improve efficiency, and strategies foundries are using to address workforce gap, including in-house tooling expansion, acquisitions, and apprenticeship programs.
Database:	Engineering Source

Description
Abstract:	The article focuses on the critical role of toolmaking and patternmaking in the foundry industry and the challenges posed by skilled labor shortages and extended lead times. Topics include the decline of experienced patternmakers and its impact on production, adoption of modern technologies such as CNC machining and 3D printing to improve efficiency, and strategies foundries are using to address workforce gap, including in-house tooling expansion, acquisitions, and apprenticeship programs.
ISSN:	00267562