*** Please note, each row and course# listed below is a separate, complete course. ***
Complete Injection Molding
| Course# | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170-1295 | 04/07/2025 - 04/09/2025 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325 Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center) |
| 170-1296 | 07/28/2025 - 07/30/2025 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325 Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center) |
| 170-1367 | 09/15/2025 - 09/17/2025 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325 Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center) |
Online Registration
CEU's: 2.4
Instructor: Mr. Mark McGinnis
Course Overview
This 2 1/2 day course covers injection molding processes from machine and tooling to the production of high quality parts. Advanced injection molding principles that will be presented include tooling/design, plastic material behavior and avoiding molding defects. The instructor will discuss scientific molding including pressure and thermal transducers for maximizing control. The course focuses on the development of troubleshooting skills and the specific needs of each individual class member. All students are welcome to bring samples for discussion to formulate possible solutions. Concepts discussed in the classroom will be reinforced with "hands-on" activities in the Akron Polymer Training Center's laboratory.
Please note: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on first two days of class; 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on third day of class (1/2 day).
Who Should Attend: This course is designed for plastics professionals including engineers, managers, quality assurance, manufacturing and sales personnel desiring to build upon a solid foundation in the area of injection molding.
Testimonials:
"Real world examples helped illustrate the topics. Overall, a great experience! Will definitely recommend to others."
- Debbie Richie, Strategic Sourcing Specialist, Invacare Corporation
"Mark (instructor) is obviously extremely well-versed in this technology. He also has a vast body of practical experience which makes his examples more 'believable' and impactful."
Instructor Biography:
Mark McGinnis has over forty years of Plastics Injection Molding experience. He has trained in Scientific Molding, RJG Master Molder I & II certification, the Basic Hydraulics 76 hour Course, and Maplewood Adult Education.
Mark has completed the Making the Transition to Management Course, the Dupont Corporation Optimum Molding Seminar and ASTM training. He has also completed courses in Major Testing Techniques for Plastics, Plastic Part Failure Analysis (APTS) as well as all of the Van Dorn Demag Training Courses.
Mark McGinnis has significant hands-on experience with the Mucell process, batch foaming and scientific molding. A great deal of Mr. McGinnis's extensive experience in the polymer industry was obtained from working as a Technical Trainer for Van Dorn Demag as well as a Technical Specialist for Lubrizol's Advanced Material Group. He also has taught injection molding related courses at the University of Akron for several years.
The Injection Molding Machine
- Selecting the right machine
- Determining shot capacity
- Heat profiles
Material Fundamentals
- Heat reaction
- Orientation
- Melt index
Molding Machine Overview
- Plasticizing unit
- Clamp unit
Injection Molds
- Types
- Components
- Gates
- Runners
- Mold finishes
Injection Molded Parts
- Parts produced with this process
Machine/Process Controls
- The relationship of controls to material flow characteristics and part performance
- Microprocessors
- Boost pressure
- Pack and hold pressure
- Elements of the molding cycle
Auxiliary Equipment
- Grinders
- Dryers
- Material handling
- Auto loaders
Types of Machines
- Traditional
- Two color
- Co-injection
- Gas assist
Material Review
- Material behavior in the molding process
Molding Machine
- Plasticizing unit
- Screws
- Pressures
- Drives
- Speed
Clamping Unit
- Clamp sizing
- Clamp types
- Ejector systems
Injection Molds
- Components
- Runners
- Gates
- Venting
- Ejection
- Geometry
Injection Molded Parts
- Basics of part design and the effect on the process
Machine/Process Controls
- Think like a molecule! The effect of molding process parameters at the molecular level
- Optimizing the process to produce quality parts
Goals/Outcomes
- Understand the proper terminology to help solve molding problems
- Learn to consistently produce quality parts
- Understand how properly set machine controls can cut scrap and cycle time
- Gain a better understanding of the entire molding process by learning more about your machines and their capabilities
- Learn what it takes to recognize molding defects and how to correct them
- Become familiar with basic design considerations
- Gain a better understanding of material behavior in the molding process
- Develop your troubleshooting skills