SPE WORKSHOP: Troubleshooting in Injection Molding
SPE On Demand Workshop
Troubleshooting In Injection Molding
Summary
The injection molding process can seem complex with countless adjustments that will determine whether a process can produce an acceptable part. Organizations are struggling to find and train technical staff with the ability to problem solve. This workshop will aim to help organizations and their staff understand how to effectively resolve issues in the injection molding process. The benefits of effective and methodical troubleshooting can include reduced downtime, increased efficiency, reduced scrap and nonconformances, and improved quality. The workshop will focus on troubleshooting in two primary areas of the injection molding process. The first being the new mold build. Defining and addressing potential issues before a mold is released into production can lead to an efficient and successful tool launch. Using strategic tools, like process development and design of experiments, can determine what outputs achieve critical to quality criteria. The second focus will concentrate on the production aspect of the molding process. These are issues that arise on molds and processes that are already in production. Here we will focus on the 5 M’s (Man, Material, Mold, Method, and Machine) of troubleshooting which will help rectify downtime and defects. This strategic approach will teach staff how to identify the root cause quickly, establish a fix for the issue, and create preventative measures so the problems no longer arise.
Agenda
(Click each session to expand)
February 20, 2025
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Outline
Documentation – The road map
What needs to be documented and why
The more you know the easier troubleshooting becomes
Marty Key is a 24-year veteran of the injection molding industry. He began his career as a 2nd shift mold technician, working his way into supervisor, managerial, engineering, training, and consulting roles. Along the way Marty earned an Associate’s Degree in Plastics Manufacturing Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering.
Marty has worked in a variety of industries including automotive, packaging, and medical. He has had a very hands-on approach to his career. Starting as a technician, he understands the challenges and needs from a real-world technical approach. His extensive career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the field. Marty's career is characterized by a strong focus on process optimization and new tool development. His technical proficiency encompasses scientific molding, tool validation, and the development and execution of comprehensive validation protocols, Marty’s dedication to the field, combined with his robust technical and managerial skills, positions him as an asset in any injection molding operation. His comprehensive background and proven record of success make him a distinguished professional in his industry.
Process engineers responsible for designing and optimizing injection molding processes who want to enhance troubleshooting skills.
Professionals responsible for the maintenance and repair of injection molding machines and molds, seeking in-depth knowledge to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
Production managers overseeing injection molding operations who want to improve overall efficiency and reduce downtime by addressing problems promptly.
Quality control professionals focused on injection molded products, where troubleshooting skills are essential for maintaining product quality and consistency.
Individuals working in the broader plastics industry who want to deepen their understanding of injection molding processes and troubleshooting techniques.
Are you involved in injection molding processes and facing challenges with frequent machine downtime, quality issues, or customer returns?
Troubleshooting in injection molding requires expertise, and the right skills can save you time and money while protecting your company's image!
Are you currently dealing with complex injection molding problems and struggling to pinpoint the root cause?
Has your company encountered repeated defects, product inconsistencies, or negative customer feedback, impacting your reputation and returns?
Are you interested in mastering troubleshooting techniques that can optimize machine performance, improve product quality, and enhance customer satisfaction?
If the answer is YES to any of these questions, then this troubleshooting in injection molding on demand workshop is for you!
Why Should You Purchase On Demand?
In today’s manufacturing environment every second is crucial, and every dollar must be accounted for. As technology in the world of injection molding advances, skilled labor is becoming increasingly harder to find. The ability to problem solve is at a premium. Not just band-aiding the process but actively determining a root cause and eliminating an issue faster, is the goal of the entire organization. Through this on demand workshop we will discuss a strategic approach and tools to reduce the time needed to troubleshoot a process.
Kim McLoughlin Senior Research Engineer, Global Materials Science Braskem
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Kim drives technology programs at Braskem to develop advanced polyolefins with improved recyclability and sustainability. As Principal Investigator on a REMADE-funded collaboration, Kim leads a diverse industry-academic team that is developing a process to recycle elastomers as secondary feedstock. Kim has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cornell. She is an inventor on more than 25 patents and applications for novel polyolefin technologies. Kim is on the Board of Directors of SPE’s Thermoplastic Materials & Foams Division, where she has served as Education Chair and Councilor.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Gamini has a BS and PhD from Purdue University in Materials Engineering and Sustainability. He joined Penn State as a Post Doctorate Scholar in 2020 prior to his professorship appointment. He works closely with PA plastics manufacturers to implement sustainability programs in their plants.
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Tom Giovannetti holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tulsa and for the last 26 years has worked for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Tom started his plastics career by designing various injection molded products for the chemical industry including explosion proof plugs and receptacles, panel boards and detonation arrestors for 24 inch pipelines. Tom also holds a patent for design of a polyphenylene sulfide sleeve in a nylon coolant cross-over of an air intake manifold and is a Certified Plastic Technologist through the Society of Plastic Engineers. Tom serves on the Oklahoma Section Board as Councilor, is also the past president of the local Oklahoma SPE Section, and as well serves on the SPE Injection Molding Division board.
Joseph Lawrence, Ph.D. Senior Director and Research Professor University of Toledo
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Dr. Joseph Lawrence is a Research Professor and Senior Director of the Polymer Institute and the Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization at the University of Toledo. He is a Chemical Engineer by training and after working in the process industry, he has been engaged in polymers and composites research for 18+ years. In the Polymer Institute he leads research on renewably sourced polymers, plastics recycling, and additive manufacturing. He is also the lead investigator of the Polyesters and Barrier Materials Research Consortium funded by industry. Dr. Lawrence has advised 20 graduate students, mentored 8 staff scientists and several undergraduate students. He is a peer reviewer in several journals, has authored 30+ peer-reviewed publications and serves on the board of the Injection Molding Division of SPE.
Matt Hammernik Northeast Account Manager Hasco America
A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy
About the Speaker
Matt Hammernik serves as Hasco America’s Northeast Area Account Manager covering the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He started with Hasco America at the beginning of March 2022. Matt started in the Injection Mold Industry roughly 10 years ago as an estimator quoting injection mold base steel, components and machining. He advanced into outside sales and has been serving molders, mold builders and mold makers for about 7 years.
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