Designed for both technical and non-technical personnel who are associated with production of thermoplastic injection molded components, this course introduces the foundational elements of systematic molding: part design, mold design, material, machine, and processing with Decoupled Molding methodologies. Participants are guided through a series of cause and effect studies to help them understand how manipulating primary machine input settings affects the four plastic variables and ultimately affects part quality and process repeatability. Empowered with this understanding, participants will begin troubleshooting common part defects.
Course length: 4 days
Course Objectives
Consider part design best practices as they relate to greater processing capability and minimizing non-conformities
Review the functions of the primary components of different types of molding machines and molds
Examine how to achieve appropriate melt consistency and temperature
Study the relationship between pressure and speed and how plastic flow rates affect material flow-ability
Analyze the effects of hold pressure on part weight and cushion
Associate hold time to part weight/dimensional stability
Theoretically calculate and practically determine appropriate clamp force
Determine appropriate cooling time to achieve part stability at ejection
Observe the effects of additives (color changes) on the properties of the molded part
Relate the 4 plastic variables to part defects to outline potential corrective actions