Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming

Course description
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325
Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center)
Cost: $1,000.00 USD
CEU's: 0.8
Instructor: Mr. Christopher Paige

Course Overview

This one-day course will cover Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming equipment operations, applications and trouble-shooting problems that can occur with these types, of processing equipment. There will be video demonstrations on the operations of Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming Equipment.

Instructor Biography:

Paige

Christopher (Chris) Paige holds a M. S. Degree in Plastics Engineering - 2005 (University of Massachusetts – Lowell) and a M.S. Degree in Polymer Chemistry – 1991 (University of Cincinnati). He is a member of Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), American Chemical Society (ACS) and America Society of Materials (ASM) and has over 30 years’ experience, working in Industry. As a Laboratory Manager, at the University of Akron, Chris performed numerous hands-on plastics processing projects, for domestic and International corporate clients. He is a subject matter expert on Single Screw Extrusion, Twin Screw Extrusion, Blown Film Processing, 3-D Printing, Thermoforming and Injection Molding. Chris also trained Graduate and Undergraduate students on the hands-on operation of Large scale plastic processing equipment and characterization equipment (Thermal Analysis and mechanical Inston), while at the University of Akron.

Thermoforming Equipment

  • Thermoforming Equipment Set-up (Six Steps of Thermoforming) and other Thermoforming Techniques.
  • Heating Methods, Types of Ovens, Molds, Definitions - Specifically, Draw Ratio and Area Ratio.
  • Materials used for Thermoforming.
  • Thermoforming Cost.
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of the Thermoforming Process.
  • Preventive Maintenance and Safety Precautions.

Trouble Shooting and Resolving Thermoforming Problems or Issues

  • What is Trouble-Shooting? – Note: Trouble- shooting is not Process Development or Process Scale-Up.
  • Identification of the problems or Issues that can occur, with Thermoforming equipment.
  • Finding the Best Approach to resolving Vacuum Forming Problems, or Issues.

Video Demonstration of a Operational Thermoforming Unit

  • Video Demonstration of an Operational Thermoforming Unit.

Vacuum Forming Equipment

  • Vacuum Forming Equipment Set-up (Six Stages of Vacuum Forming).
  • Utilization of 3-D Printing, for Vacuum Forming Mold Design.
  • Materials used for Vacuum Forming.
  • Vacuum Forming Cost.
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of the Vacuum Forming Process.
  • Preventive Maintenance and Safety Precautions.

Trouble Shooting and Resolving Vacuum Forming Problems or Issues 

  • Identification the problems or Issues that can occur, with Vacuum Forming Equipment.
  • Finding the Best Approach to resolving Vacuum Forming Problems, or Issues.

Video Demonstration of an Operational Vacuum Forming Unit

  • Video Demonstration of an Operational Vacuum Forming Unit.

Applications of Thermoforming and Vacuum Forming 

  • Thermoformed Mass Production Parts and Applications.
  • Vacuum Formed Mass Production Parts and Applications.

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