Plastics Training Academy Workshops and Seminars:
Alphabetical List of Current Training

  1. Design of Experiments for Injection Molding
    June 18-20, 2008
    B. Johnson   $1,245
    Design experiments and mold the parts, measure the characteristics being analyzed, and interpret the results.  When experiments are correctly set up and carried out, they can provide information to facilitate the production of high-quality parts.


  2. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
    October 21-22, 2008
    D. Day   $1,045
    Designed to teach participants how to deal with process effects, such as draft, parting lines, ejectors, and gates on the engineering drawing and in the CAD file.


  3. Injection Mold Design Principles
    May 21-21, 2008
    M. Dropik    $1,045
    Teaches how to design for competitiveness through proven concepts for mold manufacturing technology.  The seminar offers a thorough review of the fundamental mold design requirements and concentrates on the design elements that are necessary to produce a sound operational injection mold.


  4. Injection Molding Maintenance Technology and Practices
    August 4-8, 2008
    J. Lord    $1,445
    For molders, setup, and maintenance personnel who want to gain a better understanding of the safe and proper use and operation of injection molding machines. Participants can gain a more intuitive understanding of the relationship between the machine function and the molding of plastic parts.


  5. Injection Molded Part Design Principles
    DATE CHANGE! June 24 - 25, 2008
    J. Meckley   $1,045
    Provides an overview of plastic part design, material shrinkage and flow characteristics, mold design, and the injection molding process.   Explains the causes of and solutions to many unexpected problems.  Teaches participants how to recognize whether part design, material, runner design, gate location, process, or mold design is the source of a problem.


  6. Injection Molding Principles
    March 10-12, 2008; May 19-21, 2008; August 12-14, 2008;
    October
    (October cancelled)
    B. Johnson   $1,245
    Offers a thorough understanding of injection molding basics and terminology and includes diagnosis and discussion of problem parts.  Approximately half of this workshop is hands-on molding exercises.


  7. Injection Molding Troubleshooting
    March 12-14, 2008; DATE CHANGE! August 18 - 20, 2008
    B. Young    $1,245
    Provides hands-on experience in solving common molding problems in the processing lab.  Teaches the theory behind the solutions and problem-solving strategies in the classroom.


  8. Introduction to PLC Technology for Plastic Processors
    Postponed until August TBA
    J. Lord   $1,145
    For molders, setup and maintenance personnel who need to apply, and maintain PLC systems in the plastic industry. Basic programming techniques, common troubleshooting procedures, and system maintenance tasks are covered using PLC systems common to the plastic industry.

  9. Mold Cooling
    August 14, 2008
    M. Dropik    $600
    Provides a basic understanding of the thermal behavior of plastics, mold steels, and cooling fluids.  Often overlooked, optimizing cooling is vital when attempting to maximize productivity.


  10. Plastic Material Selection and Troubleshooting
    August 19-20, 2008
    M. Sepe   $1,045
    Gain a better appreciation of how material properties affect part quality and performance. This seminar can benefit any persons seeking to improve their knowldge of plastic materials.


  11. Plastic Processes Basic Overview (4 Hours)
    CANCELLED
    J. Meckley   $250
    A general overview of the various plastics processes, including the basic vocabulary and principles of plastics production.  This four hour workshop is intended for the "layperson", such as sales, human resources, training coordinators, recruiters, etc. who need a basic working knowledge of the plastics industry to communicate more effectively with the plastics workforce.  The workshop includes time in the plastics lab to familiarize participants with the different types of molding machines.

  12. Plastic Process Overview
    August 12-13, 2008
    J. Meckley   $1,045
    An overview of injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, extrusion, rotational molding, and thermoset processes.  Covers the vocabulary and basic principles of plastics production.  Includes hands-on exercises in the lab.


  13. Polymer Extrusion:  Analysis, Design, and Troubleshooting
    CANCELLED
    J. Perdikoulias   $1,045

    Provides a good understanding of practical rheology and what can (and cannot) be applied to the quantitative study of an extrusion process.  An explanation of why certain extrusion "phenomena" occur is a major overall theme.  The presentation is from an industrial point of view with many "case-study" type examples.  The effect of design variables, processing conditions and material changes will be demonstrated with emphasis on process optimization and troubleshooting.

  14. Process Validation for Medical Injection Molding
    DATE CHANGE!  June 2 - 4, 2008
    S. TuckerB. Johnson  $1,245
    Covers the basic requirements for process validation in an FDA-regulated environment. At the end of the day, participants should be able to apply the concepts to their own processes.


  15. RJG Master MolderSM Certification - Module 1
    May 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 29, 30, June 4, 5, 6, 2008 (10 Days)
    B. Johnson    $2,995
    This ten day module is designed for the process technician, engineer, or manager who needs to understand and demonstrate injection molding skills at the machine.   Successful completion of the module requires a cumulative score on both written and on-machine examinations.  Upon successful completion, students receive technical certification from RJG.  Due to the rigorous course content, an assessment test is recommended prior to registration.  Further information is available by calling 814-898-6103.

  16. The Science of Mold and Part Design Optimization
    March 13-14, 2008; August 6-7, 2008
    J. Beaumont and D. Hoffman or D. Rose    
    $1,045 w/o textbook*    $1,145 w/textbook*

    This two-day seminar is designed for anyone involved with the development and production of plastics products or molds.  This includes part designers, mold designers, and process engineers and technicians.  The seminar is also well suited to managers, technical sales,and quality control personnel, as it teaches the fundamental understanding of the effects of plastic flow on the molding process, tooling design, and part design.
    *We strongly recommend the purchase of the corresponding textbook since the seminar material is based on information presented in the book.  Runner and Gating Design Handbook: Tools for Successful Injection Molding by John Beaumont

  17. Thermoplastic Materials and Testing
    June 16-17, 2008
    B. Young    $1,045
    Provides a comprehensive understanding of the common ASTM tests found on a standard material data sheet.  The workshop is designed to familiarize participants with many of the actual tests through a hands-on lab portion that points out the strengths and weaknesses of the individual tests.  Participants can gain a better understanding of the values presented when comparing materials and become better informed as to how those values can be applied.


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Updated June 2, 2008
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