ToolingDocs (www.toolingdocs.com) was established in 2001 as a traveling mold maintenance conference program, dedicated to eliminating downtime and improving the performance of production tooling. The firm is part of tooling components supplier Progressive Components International Corp. (www.procomps.com).
Steve Johnson serves as operations manager for the Ashland, Ohio-based ToolingDocs. His experience includes eight years as senior tooling engineer for Abbott Laboratories, overseeing a facility's tool room and maintenance procedures, as well as more than 20 years as a toolmaker at packaging provider Calmar Inc.
Johnson has maintained multicavity injection molds as well as blow molds, cutting dies, rubber compression and liquid-silicone-rubber tools. In addition, he designed and developed MoldTrax, a trademarked documentation software system for tracking plastics tooling performance and maintenance, and he frequently presents in technical forums on methodology for proper tooling care.
With tool optimization and maintenance becoming such a vital element in remaining competitive, ToolingDocs has grown to include a mold maintenance training center providing tool transfer, cleaning and repair services, in addition to hands-on training.