Center for Business and Workforce Development · 1127 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA · (570) 327-4775 · Fax (570) 321-5546 · wdce@pct.edu

WDCE Course Descriptions


PMC - Plastics

PMC100
Plastics Materials & Processing
This workshop is designed to provide participants with a fundamental knowledge of plastics and how they are processed beginning with the ear ly history of plastic materials to the present day high performance engineering grades. Participants will gain a basic knowledge of plasti cs (polymer) materials and their common manufacturing techniques. Hand s-on sessions show how certain data sheet properties such as melt index , tensile strength and impact resistance are determined and introduce p articipants to such processing techniques as injection molding, extrusi on, rotational molding, vacuum forming and extrusion blow molding.

PMC102
Introduction to Blow Molding
This workshop provides an introduction to the plastic blow molding process. Participants will be introduced to various blow molding types such as extrusion, stretch blow, injection and co-extrusion molding. Hands-on study will include process and parison control, mold design, controls and controllers and auxiliary equipment. The participant will spend the majority of lab time making quality plastics parts with an extrusion blow molder.

PMC103
Introduction to Injection Molding
This workshop will provide participants with a comprehensive look at the injection molding process. Participants will learn molding cycle, the role of viscosity, filling and packing, machine components and screw design and performance.

PMC106
Advanced Injection Molding
The aim of this workshop is to supplement the knowledge developed by hands-on injection molding experience or our Introduction to Injection Molding Workshop. This workshop is built around the practical application of technological principles.

PMC147
Plastic Material Selection & Testing
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of those plastic material tests used to improve plastic products, their processing, and characterize materials in terms of their physical and analytical properties. It also provides a fundamental understand- ing of structure-property relationships of plastic materials and the criteria for selecting specific plastic materials and processes for individual applications, including process considerations.

PMC183
11th Annual Extrusion Seminar
This unique event combines the expertise of well-known extrusion consultant Dr. Chris Rauwendaal with the training capabilities and modern facilities of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Plastics and Polymer Technology Department. In this workshop, Dr. Rauwendaal presents course topics in a multimedia format supplemented by printed materials, and Dr. Kirk Cantor leads participants in hands-on training (approximately 50 percent of the course), including use of extrusion industry equipment - single screw extruder, twin screw extruder, blown film line, injection molder, melt indexer, and tensile tester.

PMC186
Understanding Plastics
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course explains how and why plastics are different and cites several different types of polymers and processing considerations. Understanding Plastics emphasizes material handling, explains regrind, and cover the effects that moisture can have on molded part properties during processing. Includes: definition of plastics, polymer classification, material properties affected by processing, proper material handling techniques, and processing characteristics of virgin and regind.

PMC187
An Introduction to Injection Molding
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course provides participants with a general introduction to the plastics industry. The primary focus of this training is the day-to-day operations of a typical injection molding facility. Introduction to Injection Molding was created for newcomers to the injection molding industry or anyone that would like to learn more about plastics. We recommend new hires take this course before participating in our Injection Molding Basics series. This course includes: overview of plastics and the industry, typical molding facility, general plant safety, introduction to the molding process, molding machine components, material handling, injection mold terminology, and common part defects.

PMC188
Establishing an Injection Molding Process
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course shows participants how to quickly and effectively establish an injection molding process. Important safety issues associated with process setup are stressed throughout the course. This course will also help molders reduce setup and cycle times. This course includes: material preparation, drying and mixing; screw and barrel cleaning; guidelines for setting each processing parameter; procedures for proper injection velocity profile setup; and proper clamp and part removal settings.

PMC189
The Effects of Shrinkage, Warpage & Part Ejection
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course is designed to familiarize production personnel with complications that may arise during processing concerning shrinkage, warpage, and ejection. This course includes how packing affects shrinkage and warpage, ejection systems for simple and complex geometry, effects of part geometry, and amorphous vs. semi-crystalline polymer behavior.

PMC190
The Effects of Mold Filling, Gating & Weld Lines
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course outlines mold filling and how different gating configurations affect filling. Also discussed are weld and meld lines and their effects on molded parts. This course includes weld line occurrence and strength determination; gate types, location,and importance; fatigue and cyclic stress; and tooling considerations.

PMC191
Injection Mold Maintenance
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course details procedures for proper mold care before, during, and after a production run - stressing important safety considerations for mold handling. From mold storage to part removal, this course provides participants with proper mold maintenance habits and aims to extend tool life and increase its productivity. This course includes proper mold maintenance, mold storage and preparation, water line maintenance, and techniques for extending tool life.

PMC192
Injection Mold Machine Maintenance
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course is designed to introduce the many maintenance considerations for an injection molding machine. Participants are also shown newer technologies; such as laser leveling, ultrasonic tie bar stretch measuring, and portable machine process monitors. This course includes basic machine maintenance and safety concerns, fluid and platen maintenance, screw and barrel maintenance, and preventative maintenance and logging.

PMC193
RJG's eDart
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. This course was created for production personnel who monitor and optimize injection molding processes equipped with RJG's eDART process controllers. This course will greatly benefit setup personnel, process engineers, machine operators, and managers who use, or plan on using an eDART system. Participants will be better prepared to establish the following: improved processing methods, increased operation efficiency, machine and process analysis, automated quality control, and improved process stability.

PMC194
Processing for Profit
Online 1-2 hours of professional multimedia training. Processing for Profit covers techniques used for increasing profitability while maintaining part quality. This course focuses on the relationship between the material, the mold, and the molding machine. Also included is practical, up-to-date information about process documentation procedures, as well as some great tips on process optimization. This course includes: material handling and preparation, process documentation and its importance, process optimization, and energy conservation.

PMC195
Troubleshooting Defects
Online 2-4 hours of professional multimedia training. The goal of this two-part course is to reduce scrap and improve part quality. Troubleshooting Defects is packed with information about problems encountered during the injection molding process. This course will help all members of your production team identify, isolate, and eliminate the root cause of molded part problems. This course includes terminology and descriptions of molding defects, systematic corrective troubleshooting procedures, process documentation to ease the troubleshooting process, and long-term and short-term effects of process changes.

PMC196
Injection Mold Setup
Online 2-4 hours of professional multimedia training. This two-part course covers the die-setting process from start to finish with an emphasis on safety. Proper procedures for mold inspection, preparation, and installation are outlined. Injection Mold Setup also covers setup procedures for hydraulic, toggle, and hydro-mechanical clamp systems. This course includes proper mold installation procedures, important safety considerations, proper water line setup, and safety precautions for mold setup.

PMC197
Understanding Processing Parameters
Online 2-4 hours of professional multimedia training. This double course details injection molding processing parameters. The Processing Parameters course discusses individual parameters to help molders maintain more control of their processes. Participants will learn about processing parameters as they relate to the various phases of the injection molding process. This course includes description of molding parameters, procedures for optimizing several different molding parameters, importance of machine calibration, and in-depth considerations for injection, packing, cooling, and part removal.

PMC198
Process Control Systems
Online 2-4 hours of professional multimedia training. This course details process control sytems and is designed to help molders make more educated choices. Process Control Systems is a must for any facility which employs (or plans to employ) closed loop process control. This course includes open loop vs. closed loop process control, how process control reduces variation, closed loop controllers, and proper use of process control.

PMC199
Injection Mold Hydraulics
Online 3-6 hours of professional multimedia training. This course demonstrates the importance of hydraulics in the injection molding process. Machine operators will learn ways to reduce wear on hydraulic components, while more advanced employees concentrate on hydraulic print reading and theory. This course includes basic hydraulic theory, role of hydraulics in injection molding, function and purpose of components, recognition of hydraulic symbols, directional valves and flow controls, hydraulic pumps and motors, proportional valves and servo valves, and hydraulic fluid management.

PMC202
Decoupled Molding
Online 3-6 hours of professional multimedia training. This course conveys many of the concepts and theories covered within the RJG Decoupled Molding SM training seminars. This four-course series starts with the major components of the molding process and progresses to systematic troubleshooting. The Decoupled Molding SM system is an ideal processing method intended for anyone interested in optimizing an injection molding process. Program 1: Introduction to Decoupled Molding which discusses polymerization, cystallinity, additives, regrind, and degradation; lists the necessary components of a proper part design; describes the injection molding process indepth from filling to cooling; and covers molding machine components and their function. Program 2: Decoupled Molding SM Techniques compares traditional and Decoupled Molding SM;defines the three Decoupled Molding SM techniques; covers transducers and proper transducer placement; and introduces signal conditioners and display devices. Program 3: Reading and Interpreting Data provides an understanding of graphs and scaling; explains how to identify different types of graphical curves, introduces the various integrals used in Decoupled Molding SM; and compares ideal and inconsistent pressure curves. Program 4: Systematic Troubleshooting discusses the importance of proper process documentation; explains the appearance and symptoms of defects; & more.

PMC203
Injection Molding Basics
Online 4-6 hours of professional multimedia training. This basic series provides participants with a general understanding of the three major aspects of injection molding: the injection molding machine, the molding process, and the injection mold. This series uses 3D animation to demonstrate the inner workings of the machine and mold and to easily convey otherwise complex concepts. Important safety precautions are stressed throughout this training series. This series is ideal for new hires, yet also serves as an excellent refresher course for any employee involved in plastics processing, from operators and technicians to management and setup personnel. Includes Program 1: Machine; Program 2: Process; and Program 3: Mold.

PMC204
Intelligent Molder Series
Online 3-6 hours of professional multimedia training. These courses were produced for technicians and process engineers who want to thoroughly evaluate both the capability and repeatability of a given injection molding machine, injection mold, or injection molding processs. Each course references three in-depth tests and will greatly benefit any participant of RJG's classroom-based, Master Molder SM Certification Series - either as a primer or as follow-up training. Program 1: Machine Evaluation includes dynamic check ring repeatability test, load sensitivity test, and Platen deflection test. Program 2: Mold Evaluation includes dynamic cavity imbalance test, mold deflection test, and tonnage calculation worksheet. Program 3: Process Evaluation includes in-mold rehology test, gate seal worksheet, and decoupled II process sheet.

PMC205
Plastic Part Design
Online 6-12 hours of professional multimedia training. This course provides part designers with an understanding of the plastic part design process. This extensive interactive training course also addresses many of the factors and concerns associated with part design. Dr. Robert Malloy, a respected author and professor at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, provided sources for this comprehensive interactive training. Program 1: Product Development and the Prototype Process. Program 2: Mechanical Behavior of Polymers. Program 3: Mold Filling, Gating, and Weld Lines. Program 4: Shrinkage, Warpage, and Part Ejection. Program 5: Mechanical Fasteners, Press, and Snap Fits. Program 6: Welding and Adhesives Bonding Technology.

PMC206
Mold Design and Moldmaking
Online 10-20 hours of professional multimedia training. This comprehensive nine-part course was created with the help from many of the world's leading tool manufacturers and suppliers and is intended for tool designers, mold makers, engineers, part designers, and anyone involved in the tool procurement process. The Mold Design and Moldmaking series familiarizes participants with the different types of injection molds, contemporary machining methods, and many of the available mold components. This course also provides the participant with a tool design methodology and a sample mold specification guide for reference. Program 1: Injection Mold Fundamentals. Program 2: Mold Machining Methods, Part 1. Program 3: Mold Machining Methods, Part 2. Program 4: 2-Plate, 3-Plate, and Hot Runner Molds. Program 5: Mold Bases, Tool Steels, and Heat Treating. Program 6: External and Internal Actions. Program 7: Part Ejection, Venting, and Cooling. Program 8: Gating Methods. Program 9: Runners, Filling Software, and the Mold Design Process.

PMC207
Essential Personnel Package
Online 4-8 hours of professional multimedia training. This training package provides strong fundamental training for anyone involved with injection molding. A thorough understanding of the injection molding machine, process, and mold are taught using some of the most advanced online training tools available. Most of our customers use these essential courses for every employee on the production floor. Package includes: 1) An Introduction to Injection Molding and 2) Injection Molding Basics. (See descriptions of PMC187 and PMC203 for more detail. A $147 savings over taking these courses individually.)

PMC208
Processing Personnel Package
Online 6-12 hours of professional multimedia training. This training package is an excellent way to give your employees a comprehensive understanding of injection molding-as well as a strong knowledge of the injection Molding process. Any employee functioning in a technical role will benefit from this training package; as it covers the injection molding machine, process, mold, material, industry, and the processing parameters. Package includes: 1) Injection Molding Basics, 2) Understanding Plastics, and 3) Understanding Processing Parameters. (See PMC203, PMC186, and PMC197 for more detail. A $194 savings over taking these courses individually.)

PMC209
Maintenance Training Package
Online 5-10 hours of professional multimedia training. This training package is a great way to teach your maintenance and processing personnel more about advanced maintenance. A good understanding of machine hydraulics is critical to becoming a great processor; it's difficult to troubleshoot instabilities unless you know how the machine manages the hydraulic fluid. Proper injection mold and molding machine maintenance techniques are also covered. This package includes: 1)Injection Mold Maintenance, 2) Injection Molding Machine Maintenance, and 3) Injection Molding Hydraulics. (See PMC191, PMC192, and PMC199 for more detail. A $44 savings over taking the courses individually.)

PMC210
Production Personnel Package
Online 5-10 hours of professional multimedia training. This training package provides employees with broad-based training on the injection molding machine, process, mold, and plastics processing industry. Anyone working with production equipment or handling the material will greatly benefit from this package. This package includes: 1) An Introduction to Injection Molding, 2) Injection Molding Basics, and 3) Understanding Plastics. (See PMC187, PMC203, and PMC186 for more details. A $294 savings over taking these courses individually.)

PMC211
Scientific Molding Package
Online 7-14 hours of professional multimedia training. All injection molders can benefit from RJG's advanced Decoupled Molding techniques. Starting from the basics and extending into advanced concepts of Decoupled Molding, this package provides an excellent way to advance the knowledge of any processor in your facility. Our Scientific Molding package is also a great way to help prepare your employees for Master Molder training. This package includes: 1) Injection Molding Basics, 2) Understanding Plastics, and 3)Decoupled Molding. (See PMC203, PMC186, and PMC202 for more details. A $194 savings over these courses taken individually.)

PMC212
Design Engineer Package
Online 22-44 hours of professional multimedia training. No engineer functions at their best without an understanding of the injection molding machine, process, mold, material, product design, and mold design. This extensive grouping of courses helps provide this critical information. These courses were designed by industry experts and are some of the best training available to design and process engineers. This package includes: 1)Injection Molding Basics, 2)Understanding Plastics, 3)Understanding Processing Parameters, 4)Plastic Part Design, and 5)Mold Design and Moldmaking. (See PMC203, PMC186, PMC197, PMC205, and PMC 206 for more detail. A $788 savings by taking this package over courses individually.)