Understanding Plastics
This program 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 covers the effects that moisture can have on molded part properties during processing.
- The definition of plastics
- Polymer classification
- Material properties affected by processing
- Proper material handling techniques
- Processing characteristics of virgin and regrind
Material Drying Technology
Routsis Training’s two Material Drying Technology online courses provide participants with a better understanding of how different polymers are best dried and prepared for reliable processing. These courses show participants how proper plastics material handling and drying is critical to produce a consistent product and process. Course One reviews polymer basics, as well as both hygroscopic and non-hygroscopic polymers – to better convey the importance of properly drying water-sensitive materials.
Material Drying Technology, Course 1
- Polymer Basics
- Hygroscopic vs. Non-Hygroscopic Polymers
- Hydrolysis
- Purposes of Drying
- Dewpoint
- Dewpoint Measurement
- Dewpoint Sensors
- Drying Procedures
Material Drying Technology, Course 2
- Hot Air Dryers
- Compressed Air Dryers
- Desiccant Dryers
- Vacuum Dyers
- Calculating Material Consumption
- Calculating Residence Time
- Calculating Dryer Capacity
Injection Molding Hydraulics
These online training courses demonstrate the importance of hydraulics – and the proper maintenance of hydraulic components – 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.
- Basic hydraulic theory
- The role of hydraulics in injection molding
- The function and purpose of hydraulic components
- Recognition of hydraulic symbols
- Directional valves and flow controls
- Hydraulic pumps and motors
- Proportional valves and servo valves
- Hydraulic fluid management
Process Control Systems
This training program details process control systems 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.
- Open loop vs. closed loop process control
- How process control reduces variation
- Closed loop controllers
- Proper use of process control
Blueprint Reading
The six programs in our online blueprint reading training course develop workers’ abilities to accurately locate and interpret dimensions on engineering drawings. These training programs are based on ANSI standards and incorporate input from a broad industrial cross-section.
The primary audience is production and inspection personnel, supervisors, group leaders, set-up personnel, and anyone who wishes to read engineering drawings.
Course 1: Introduction to Engineering Drawings
- Explains the purpose of an engineering drawing
- Distinguish between a detail drawing and an assembly drawing
- Interpret the drawing scale
- Explains the purpose of dimensions and tolerances
Course 2: Multiview Drawings
- The six principal views of a third-angle projection
- Identify the ISO symbols for third-angle and first-angle projections
- Auxiliary views, partial views, and enlarged views
- Determine which line takes precedence over another
Course 3: Sectional Views
- Determine which portion of the part is shown in section
- Explain the purpose of section lines and identify the ways in which they are used
- Identify and interpret the common drafting conventions applied to sectional views
Course 4: Dimensions and Tolerances, Part 1
- Identify the size and/or location for a given part feature
- Correctly calculate the tolerance specified for a given part feature
Course 5: Dimensions and Tolerances, Part 2
- Locate and interpret dimensions specified by chain, baseline and direct dimensioning methods
- Identify a datum feature and explain its purpose
- Explain how maximum material condition (MMC) and least material condition (LMC) apply to internal and external features
- Calculate allowance
- Identify a surface finish specification
Course 6: Part Feature Specifications
- Identifies twelve of the most common part features on a drawing
- How to correctly interpret part specifications
Mechanical Behavior of Polymers
This course details the mechanical properties and behaviors of plastic materials.
- The mechanical behavior of polymers
- Stress/strain curves
- Visco-elastic behavior of polymers
- Creep and stress relaxation
Math for Blow Molders
This two-part online training program was created for all personnel within the blow molding industry who would like to expand or fine-tune their math skills.
Part 1:
- Whole Numbers, Negative Numbers and Decimals
- Using a Calculator
- Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
- Rounding Numbers and Significant Figures
- Formulas, Equations and Order of Operations
Part 2:
- Metric and Imperial Units
- Length and Distance
- Area, Volume & Flow
- Weight, Mass and Force
- Conversions
- Understanding Percentages
- Calculating Tolerances
Extrusion Blow Molding Series
Our online Extrusion Blow Molding training courses were developed in collaboration with The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) and are designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of what’s involved in the Extrusion Blow Molding process.
The topics covered in this training series include a wide range of extrusion blow molding information and common procedures. All three online courses use standard industry terms and practices with an emphasis on safety, and will enhance the knowledge base of all personnel involved with Extrusion Blow Molding.
Part 1: Primer
- Material Handling
- Extrusion Blow Molding
- Product Testing
- Basic Terminology
- Understanding Polymers
Part 2: Machinery
- Material Preparation
- Part Forming
- Flash Removal, Product Testing & Regrind
- Startup, Color Change and Shut Down
- Emergency Situations
Part 3: Problems and Solutions
- Troubleshooting
- Part Defects
- Preventive and Corrective Actions
- Scrap, Regrind and Rework
- Product Tracking
The 5S System
5S is a critical component of Lean Manufacturing. The 5S system is used by successful manufacturing facilities worldwide. It consists of 5 simple and concise steps – Sorting, Straightening, Sweeping, Standardizing, and Sustaining – that can help your facility reduce clutter and waste and, ultimately, increase efficiency and productivity.
Our online 5S training courses are built on Routsis Training’s exclusive SkillSet™ model. These courses combine clear online training videos and hands-on worksheets. This approach allows companies to perform the same type of classroom learning found in popular seminars in the comfort of their own production environment.
Each unique training course is a blend of the following components:
BACKGROUND: Your technicians understand the goal of each Production SkillSet™
PURPOSE: Technicians learn specifically how each Production SkillSet™ applies to their job
EQUIPMENT: Items are detailed to ensure techs have the tools they need to succeed
PROCEDURE: Each step is demonstrated so your techs can proceed with confidence
WORKSHEET: Contains all the information your techs need to succeed with each SkillSet™
Step 1: Sorting
In the 5S System, the Sorting step’s goal is to eliminate all unnecessary items from the immediate workplace. This is done by sorting the workplace to determine what to keep, what to toss, and what to store. This helps prevent clutter from interfering with everyday production activities.
Step 2: Straightening
At the end of the Straightening step, everything in the workplace is neatly organized; resulting in a more convenient and more efficient workplace.
Step 3: Sweeping
In the Sweeping step, the best method for cleaning each selected area in the workplace is determined. A reasonable cleaning schedule should also be determined to ensure the workplace remains efficient, clean and organized.
Step 4: Standardizing
The goal of the Standardizing step is to achieve consistency. A similar appearance and layout should be applied to all workstations whenever possible. This step is often performed after a similar workplace or area within the plant has already been straightened.
Step 5: Sustaining
The purpose of the Sustaining step is maintenance. This is achieved by a review of the workplace and the existing Sorting and Straightening documentation – to ensure the workplace is efficient and up-to-date. This helps identify necessary materials or equipment that have been added to the workplace but have not yet been incorporated into the 5S documentation.
