Tutorials

Choice of three-hour tutorials, with many including a hands-on component. 
 

Laser Marking and Welding Plastics

Ben Campbell, Robert Morris University

In this workshop, MECCO and Robert Morris University will educate attendees on the applications of lasers for marking and welding plastics. They will explain each process, the challenges for adoption, and the advantages of use. They will explain the software and hardware involved and demonstrate both processes with portable demo units. Attendees will have the opportunity to get hands-on with the system to make custom-marked objects and weld-provided plastic samples. 

Introduction to Low Pressure Molding with iMFLUX

Stacey Payne, Brian Kinross, & Layne Salmond, iMFLUX

Learn about the advantages that an iMFLUX process can provide for your injection molded products. This tutorial will explain the differences between conventional molding and iMFLUX, show how to simulate the process in a computer lab using Moldex 3D, and provide a lab demo showing how to set up a robust iMFLUX process and how their Auto Viscosity Adjust feature handles material variation.

Diagnosing & Solving Warpage Issues Using Moldflow Simulation

Jennifer Schmidt and David Hoffman, American Injection Molding Institute

Warpage of plastic components is one of the most challenging issues facing molders. This tutorial will walk attendees through fundamental approaches to diagnosing and solving warp-related problems. The class will begin with discussions on understanding the principles of volumetric and orientation-induced warp. The class will learn how to utilize Autodesk Moldflow Simulation software to help determine root causes. Students will offer solutions to existing warped parts and evaluate the results of simulations to see how the proposed solutions affected the warp. No prior use of Autodesk Moldflow is required.

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 a 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 setup, learn what types of problems to look for along the way, and learn why the various process settings are made. Variations of the basic process and control will also be discussed.

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.

Rheology of Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymers

Samy Madbouly, Penn State Behrend

This tutorial will be focused on understanding the practical and fundamental aspects of rheology of different polymeric materials, such as thermoplastics, thermosets, gels, semi-crystalline polymers, and polymer blends. The tutorial will begin with a short presentation on rheology fundamentals, followed by typical rheological measurements using rotational and capillary rheometers. Data analysis and non-linear regression for theoretical fitting will be also considered in this tutorial.

Additive Manufacturing Physics and Material Science for Dummies

Greg Dillon, Penn State Behrend

There are lots of options out there if you want to consider using additive manufacturing to make prototypes, final products, or tooling. In this workshop, you will learn some of the basics of the physics that limit or make each process work, as well as why different materials work best for each process.

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.

Executive Overview of Validation for Plastics Processors

Sean Tucker, Intuitive

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 how data is generated and learn about practical applications. In addition, a number of other thermal analysis techniques will be reviewed.

Mold-Making for Dummies

Dave Baird, Penn State Behrend

This is a "hands-on" class where you can play on the machines they never let you touch in the machine shop. Participants will receive a crash course in operating a lathe, mill, surface grinder, and EDM machine. There will be actual practice time on all these machines and, possibly, a welder.

Introduction to Automation

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.

Using Simulation to Streamline Process Development

Joe Huegel & Trevor Thorwart, Autodesk Moldflow

This tutorial will demonstrate how to leverage process settings and results from Autodesk Moldflow and utilize this information during molding trials. Attendees will interpret Moldflow results and create a process setup sheet that they can take to the molding machine You will have the opportunity to mold parts based on the process sheets generated from Moldflow and evaluate the parts to compare Moldflow to molded parts.

Key learning goals:

  • Understand process set-up differences between Moldflow and an injection molding machine

  • How to properly set up an injection molding machine to match a Moldflow simulation

  • Compare key quality criteria between Moldflow and molded parts