SPE WORKSHOP: Troubleshooting in Injection Molding

  SPE Workshop

Troubleshooting In Injection Molding

  February 20, 21, 24 & 25, 2025
  All workshop days are from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST.
  Online

Current: Home · Next: Session 1 

  Summary

The injection molding process can seem complex with countless adjustments that will determine whether a process can produce an acceptable part. Organizations are struggling to find and train technical staff with the ability to problem solve. This workshop will aim to help organizations and their staff understand how to effectively resolve issues in the injection molding process. The benefits of effective and methodical troubleshooting can include reduced downtime, increased efficiency, reduced scrap and nonconformances, and improved quality. The workshop will focus on troubleshooting in two primary areas of the injection molding process. The first being the new mold build. Defining and addressing potential issues before a mold is released into production can lead to an efficient and successful tool launch. Using strategic tools, like process development and design of experiments, can determine what outputs achieve critical to quality criteria. The second focus will concentrate on the production aspect of the molding process. These are issues that arise on molds and processes that are already in production. Here we will focus on the 5 M’s (Man, Material, Mold, Method, and Machine) of troubleshooting which will help rectify downtime and defects. This strategic approach will teach staff how to identify the root cause quickly, establish a fix for the issue, and create preventative measures so the problems no longer arise.


  Agenda

(Click each session to expand)
February 20, 2025
Duration: 1.5 Hours

Outline

Documentation – The road map

  • What needs to be documented and why
  • The more you know the easier troubleshooting becomes
  • How to document the process
  • Flow Chart

Start simple, check the obvious

  • Look over the press
  • Inspect the mold
  • Check auxiliary equipment
  • Material verification

Go to Session 1 

February 21, 2025
Duration: 1.5 Hours

Outline

First Stage - The first step in analyzing the process

What changed

  • Finding the root cause

Immediate Corrective Actions

  • How to get the process back on track

Permanent Corrective Actions

  • How to keep the problem from reoccurring

Go to Session 2 

February 24, 2025
Duration: 1.5 Hours

Outline

Preventive Troubleshooting

  • Documentation
  • Training
  • Machine Testing
  • Poke Yoke

If you can’t see it, it can affect you

  • Hot Runner
  • Screws and Barrels
  • Water

Poke Yoke

  • Error proofing

Go to Session 3 

February 25, 2025
Duration: 1.5 Hours

Outline

  • How process development can minimize troubleshooting
  • Process Development
  • DOE
  • IQs, OQs, PQs
  • Pressure Sensors and Data Acquisition

Go to Session 4 

 

If you can't attend one or several sessions live, or if you want to review some concepts, the recordings will be available after each session.

  Registration Information

SPE Premium Member $540
SPE Members $600
Nonmembers $800

  Register Now

Not an SPE member? Join today and attend this workshop at a discounted rate!


 
4 Sessions
 
Level: Intermediate
 
Total Hours: 6 Hours
 
Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers

  Instructor

Marty Key
Head Trainer & Consultant
ZAG Equipment Sales

Marty Key is a 24-year veteran of the injection molding industry. He began his career as a 2nd shift mold technician, working his way into supervisor, managerial, engineering, training, and consulting roles. Along the way Marty earned an Associate’s Degree in Plastics Manufacturing Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering.

Marty has worked in a variety of industries including automotive, packaging, and medical. He has had a very hands-on approach to his career. Starting as a technician, he understands the challenges and needs from a real-world technical approach. His extensive career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the field. Marty's career is characterized by a strong focus on process optimization and new tool development. His technical proficiency encompasses scientific molding, tool validation, and the development and execution of comprehensive validation protocols, Marty’s dedication to the field, combined with his robust technical and managerial skills, positions him as an asset in any injection molding operation. His comprehensive background and proven record of success make him a distinguished professional in his industry.


  Questions? Contact:

For questions, contact Iván D. López.


  Who Should Attend?

Process engineers responsible for designing and optimizing injection molding processes who want to enhance troubleshooting skills.
Professionals responsible for the maintenance and repair of injection molding machines and molds, seeking in-depth knowledge to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
Production managers overseeing injection molding operations who want to improve overall efficiency and reduce downtime by addressing problems promptly.
Quality control professionals focused on injection molded products, where troubleshooting skills are essential for maintaining product quality and consistency.
Individuals working in the broader plastics industry who want to deepen their understanding of injection molding processes and troubleshooting techniques.

Are you involved in injection molding processes and facing challenges with frequent machine downtime, quality issues, or customer returns?
Troubleshooting in injection molding requires expertise, and the right skills can save you time and money while protecting your company's image!

Are you currently dealing with complex injection molding problems and struggling to pinpoint the root cause?

Has your company encountered repeated defects, product inconsistencies, or negative customer feedback, impacting your reputation and returns?

Are you interested in mastering troubleshooting techniques that can optimize machine performance, improve product quality, and enhance customer satisfaction?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, then this troubleshooting in injection molding course is for you!

  Why Should You Attend?

In today’s manufacturing environment every second is crucial, and every dollar must be accounted for. As technology in the world of injection molding advances, skilled labor is becoming increasingly harder to find. The ability to problem solve is at a premium. Not just band-aiding the process but actively determining a root cause and eliminating an issue faster, is the goal of the entire organization. Through this workshop we will discuss a strategic approach and tools to reduce the time needed to troubleshoot a process.


This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.

Refund Policy

30 days prior to the event start date a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be granted. No refunds after. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.

Copyright & Permission to Use

SPE may take photographs and audio/video recordings during the conference, pre-conference meetings and receptions that may include attendees within sessions, networking areas, exhibition areas, and other areas associated with the conference both inside and outside of the venue. By registering for this event, all attendees are providing permission for SPE to use this material at its discretion on SPE's websites, marketing materials, and publications. SPE retains ownership of copyright to all photographs and audio/video recording obtained at this event and attendees may request copies of any material in which they are included.

Anti-Trust Statement

  1. No discussion among members, volunteers, or staff, which attempts to arrive at any agreement regarding prices, terms or conditions of sale, distribution, volume, territories, or customers;
  2. No activity or communication which might be construed as an attempt to prevent any person or business entity from gaining access to any market or customer for goods or services or any business entity from obtaining services or a supply of goods;
  3. No activity or communication which might be construed as an agreement to refrain from purchasing or using any materials, equipment, services or supplies of or from any supplier; or
  4. No other activity which violates anti-trust or applicable laws aimed at preventing unfair competition.
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