Choice of three-hour tutorials, with many including a hands-on component.
Injection Molding Set-Up & Control Strategies
Brad Johnson, Penn State Behrend
Go through a hands-on process set-up using a proven methodology for setting up the injection portion of an molding process on a closed-loop controlled machine. The two stages of this method refer to the injection portion of the set-up, with the first stage controlled by velocity and the second stage controlled by pressure. During this tutorial you will be walked through the steps of the set-up, learn what types of problems to look for along the way, and why the various process settings are made. Variations of the basic process and control will also be discussed.
Introduction to Automation
Nick Vitelli & Yohannes Haile, Penn State Behrend
Learn about some of the latest methods and equipment used in the world of automation. Several demos that will involve the participants will be held in Penn State Behrend’s new automation lab.
Improve Your Negotiation Skills!
Mike Brown, Penn State Behrend
Knowing how to negotiate effectively can help you and your organization succeed. In this session, you will learn some of the basics of effective negotiation. You will also have an opportunity to practice what you've learned by taking part in a negotiation exercise.
Executive Overview of Validation for Plastics Processors
This session will focus on the key elements involved with Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) as applicable to molding operations. An overview of process development and other requirements to successfully validate the process, after receiving a finalized product design, will be reviewed.
Application of DMA and other Thermal Analysis Techniques
Gamini Mendis & Xiaoshi Zhang , Penn State Behrend
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) data makes it possible for engineers and designers to understand the important aspects of a plastic material’s behavior over an extended service life. See the how data is generated and learn about practical applications. In addition, a number of other thermal analysis techniques will be reviewed.
Injection Mold Building at Penn State Behrend
Dave Baird, Penn State Behrend
An overview of the mold building opportunities at Behrend in both an existing sophomore laboratory course and as a senior project where a plastic part and mold are designed by students and then built by the School of Engineering Machining Technicians. Includes cavity machining demonstrations on new electrical discharge machinery and a CNC milling machine.
Troubleshooting Injection Molding Issues Using Flow Groups
Travis Belz, Beaumont Technologies
Diagnosing part quality variations in injection molding can be a daunting task. By understanding how “flow groups” are developed and coupled with basic principles of pressure drop during molding, troubleshooting can become faster and more effective. The application of flow groups can benefit a variety of operations in molding facility; including processing, mold maintenance and quality control. This tutorial will provide attendees with an understanding of the fundamental flow characteristics that create these “Flow Groups” along with numerous troubleshooting examples and tips. Attendees will spend time split between a classroom lecture and working with a diagnostic software (Molding Genius).
Get a Grip on Warpage: Discover Moldflow Insight's Visualization and Measurement Tools
Joe Huegel, Matt Jaworski & Jeff Higgins, Autodesk Moldflow
Join us for an immersive hands-on lab where attendees will gain comprehensive knowledge on utilizing Autodesk Moldflow Insight for warpage visualization and measurement techniques. This session is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively analyze and mitigate warpage issues in plastic injection molded parts.
During the lab, participants will explore advanced warpage visualization tools, learning how to interpret simulation results and identify potential warpage risks. The session will also cover various measurement techniques to quantify warpage, providing a clear understanding of the underlying factors contributing to deformation.
Key learning objectives include:
- Understanding the principles of warpage in plastic injection molding.
- Mastering the use of Autodesk Moldflow Insight's warpage visualization tools.
- Implementing measurement techniques to accurately assess warpage.
- Analyzing simulation results to identify and address warpage issues.
This hands-on lab is ideal for anyone including designers, engineers, and analysts seeking to enhance their expertise in plastic injection molding and improve the quality and performance of their products. Join us to unlock the full potential of Autodesk Moldflow Insight and elevate your warpage analysis capabilities.
Material Selection Overview
David Rhoades, Penn State Behrend
Basic polymer fundamentals will be introduced with a strong correlation to structure property relationships. An overview will be given of homopolymers, copolymers, morphology, molecular weight, and viscosity. Structure property relationships based on polymer chemistry (in a non-intimidating way!) will focus on “why” the materials perform like they do. Polymer fundamentals will be incorporated into a product selection process and failure analysis.
Overview, Simulation, and Molding Lab Demos of Low-Pressure Molding and 3-Stage Molding
Alex Baker, Moldex3D, Brad Johnson, Penn State Behrend & Stacey Payne
Moldex3D has developed their software to simulate both low-pressure injection molding (iMFLUX Molding) and 3-stage molding (RJG Decoupled Molding III). Learn about the basics of each process and how to set up both processes. Hands-on opportunities will be available using Moldex3D in the computer lab and molding machines in the Plastics Lab.
Integrating VR into Injection Mold Training
Torsten Kruse, Kruse Analysis
Bridging the Skills Gap in Mold Making and Injection Molding: In the critical realm of mold design and injection molding manufacturing, where precision, speed, and innovation reign supreme, there's a perpetual quest to close the skills gap and usher in a new era of skilled engineers. Learn about using VR for training and try out the latest VR tools in this tutorial.
Sustainable Polymers
Gamini Mendis, Penn State Behrend
In this course, you will learn how to make polymer systems more sustainable. The course will begin with a brief introduction to sustainability and an introduction to quantitative sustainability through life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques. We will look through several case studies to evaluate how to improve sustainability in engineering systems. Biodegradable and biobased polymers will be discussed and sustainability tradeoffs will be examined. We will examine tradeoffs between environmental impacts and material quality in recycled plastics systems and discuss recycling infrastructure and advanced recycling. We will also discuss several practical methods to improve sustainability at manufacturing facilities.
Injection Molding Troubleshooting
Brian Young, Penn State Behrend
This tutorial will provide hands-on experience in solving common molding problems in the processing lab. In the classroom, the theory behind the solutions and problem-solving strategies will be discussed.