PLASTICS LEARNING NETWORK

Whom to Contact

Barbara Darby
Manager, Workforce Development
(864) 239-2939 ext. 4
bdarby@socplas.org

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PLN Classes

Operator Training in Injection Molding

Operator Training in Extrusion

Operator Training in Injection Molding

Recommended for: production workers such as machine operators, material handlers, inspectors and technicians and supervisors who want to evaluate the course for use within their company.

This twenty-eight hour course is taught as an in-house course over a period of consecutive days or weeks, depending upon the company's preference. SPI requires a minimum number of students. The course content is based on the Body of Knowledge as defined by the Society of the Plastics Industry's National Certification in Plastics program. Trainees receive a 200+ page Study Guide that includes forms, questions, and application activities. Plant personnel can use the application exercises to reinforce classroom learning. The instructor uses lecture combined with PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, videotapes, and computer-based graphics and simulations.

• Basic process control: includes machine operations, secondary operations, working standards, plant procedures, startup and shudown, and record-keeping. The content and purpose of the plant training manual are also discussed.



• Preventive and correction action on primary equipment (machines and molds) and secondary equipment (dryers, loaders, granulators, etc.): problem-solving, identification of machine problems, how machines and equipment function to do their job, potential causes of product nonconformity, and corrective actions to bring the product up to customer specifications.



• Handling, storage, packaging, and delivery of plastic materials: identification procedures, packaging specifications, scrap handling, and work in process.



• Quality Assurance: including quality assurance concepts, customer specifications, process monitoring, SPC, what defines a defect, and inspection and testing procedures. Proper handling of nonconforming product is also discussed.



• Safety: safe attitudes, good practices, and process-specific safety topics are regularly brought up and discussed throughout the course because safety is integral to every aspect of plastics manufacturing. Specific subject areas in this chapter include HAZMAT, lockout/tagout, evacuation, accident reporting, fork lift safety, the Hazard Communication Standard, personal protective equipment, regulations and requirements contained in OSHA and EPA standards, and emergency procedures.



• Tools and Equipment: power and hand tools used in plastics manufacturing are discussed, along with tool care and maintenance.



• General Knowledge: communication skills, practical math concepts, mechanical principles (pressure, heat, vacuum, heat transfer, etc.), team building, time management, how to initiate quality and productivity improvements, and general manufacturing practices round out the course.

View a course syllabus.

Operator Training in Extrusion

Recommended for: production workers such as machine operators, material handlers, inspectors and technicians and supervisors who want to evaluate the course for use within their company.

This twenty-eight hour course is taught as an in-house course over a period of consecutive days or weeks, depending upon the company's preference. SPI requires a minimum number of students. The course content is based on the Body of Knowledge as defined by the Society of the Plastics Industry's National Certification in Plastics program. Trainees receive a 200+ page Study Guide that includes forms, questions, and application activities. Plant personnel can use the application exercises to reinforce classroom learning. The instructor uses lecture combined with PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, videotapes, and computer-based graphics and simulations.

• Basic process control: includes machine operations, secondary operations, working standards, plant procedures, startup and shudown, and record-keeping. The content and purpose of the plant training manual are also discussed.



• Preventive and correction action on primary equipment (machines and molds) and secondary equipment (dryers, loaders, granulators, etc.): problem-solving, identification of machine problems, how machines and equipment function to do their job, potential causes of product nonconformity, and corrective actions to bring the product up to customer specifications.



• Handling, storage, packaging, and delivery of plastic materials: identification procedures, packaging specifications, scrap handling, and work in process.



• Quality Assurance: including quality assurance concepts, customer specifications, process monitoring, SPC, what defines a defect, and inspection and testing procedures. Proper handling of nonconforming product is also discussed.



• Safety: safe attitudes, good practices, and process-specific safety topics are regularly brought up and discussed throughout the course because safety is integral to every aspect of plastics manufacturing. Specific subject areas in this chapter include HAZMAT, lockout/tagout, evacuation, accident reporting, fork lift safety, the Hazard Communication Standard, personal protective equipment, regulations and requirements contained in OSHA and EPA standards, and emergency procedures.



• Tools and Equipment: power and hand tools used in plastics manufacturing are discussed, along with tool care and maintenance.



• General Knowledge: communication skills, practical math concepts, mechanical principles (pressure, heat, vacuum, heat transfer, etc.), team building, time management, how to initiate quality and productivity improvements, and general manufacturing practices round out the course.

View a course syllabus.

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