Single Screw Extrusion (Spanish Version)

Our Single Screw Extrusion Series is designed to provide training for anyone working in a production environment. These programs use animation and actual production footage to demonstrate complex concepts. Important safety precautions are stressed throughout these training programs.

Tailored for Single Screw Extruders, these training courses provide specific information for all extruders from blown film to profile extrusion. Whether you use single stage or vented extruders, the information will relate to the equipment, materials, and processes operating at your facility.

This training series with help teach any employee on the concepts relating to the machine, material, process, quality, startup, shutdown, problem solving, material handling as well as the correct terminology associated with Single Screw Extrusion.

Part 1: The Extruder

• Discusses the drive system of the extruder including the motor and gearbox
• Introduces the material feed systems used in Single Screw Extrusion
• Covers the entire screw and barrel assembly including screw design and venting
• The die and adaptor are presented along with the extruder’s control system

Part 2: Plastic Materials

• Introduces the plastics industry and the nature of plastic materials
• Explains complex concepts such as melt viscosity and polymer flow
• Provides detailed explanations of both shear and shear heating with plastics
• Covers the behavior of both amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers
• Gives an understanding of shrinkage, orientation, and degradation

Part 3: The Extrusion Process

• Explains the mechanics of Single Screw material feeding and conveying
• Melting processes for standard and barrier screw designs are covered in detail
• Describes the commonly used types of dispersive and distributive mixing systems
• Covers the pumping, shaping, cooling, and cutting of the extrudate
• Cites important safety precautions for working around extrusion equipment

Part 4: Preventive and Corrective Actions

• Covers common extrusion defects and their typical causes
• Explains the importance of accurate process monitoring
• Differentiates between open and closed loop process control systems
• Ways to adjust the process and detect equipment problems are also covered

Part 5: Startup, Changeover and Shutdown

• Provides common procedures to start-up and shut-down an extruder
• Details both upstream and downstream changeovers
• Die, material, and color change considerations are also covered
• The importance of safety and cleanliness are stressed throughout this series

Part 6: Quality

• Defines quality and its importance to the success of extrusion operations
• Explains the concepts of quality assurance vs. quality control
• Covers the form, fit, and functionality of the extruded product
• Critical vs. non-critical extrudate defects are compared and contrasted
• The importance of meeting the customer’s needs is stressed throughout the course

Part 7: Material Handling

• Stresses the importance of proper material handling – from delivery to feedthroat
• Covers various vacuum conveyance and hopper loader systems
• The problems associated with not drying hygroscopic materials
• Details ways to blend materials while avoiding material contamination

Part 8: Problem Solving and Troubleshooting

• Focuses on getting the right answer in the shortest time
• Easy to follow problem solving steps and rules are detailed
• The importance of documentation and procedure

Math for Extruders (Spanish Version)

This two-part online training program was created for all personnel within the extrusion 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

Mechanical Behavior of Polymers (Spanish Version)

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

Introduction to Plastic Materials (Spanish Version)

This training program provides participants with a basic understanding of plastic materials — and how these materials behave during processing.

• Definitions
• Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets
• Polymer Classification
• Viscosity
• Orientation
• Crystallinity
• Materials Handling

Introduction to Automation & Robotics (Spanish Version)

This training program provides participants with a basic understanding of automation.

• Definitions
• Safety
• Types of Automation
• Articulating Robots

Introduction to Troubleshooting (Spanish Version)

This training program has introduced the participant to a scientific approach for developing, documenting, troubleshooting, and maintaining a reliable process by following 7 basic steps.

• Definitions
• Step 1: Develop a Scientific Molding Process
• Step 2: Document Process Outputs
• Step 3: Examine Defective Parts
• Step 4: Compare Process with Documented Standard
• Step 5: Return Process to Documented Standard
• Step 6: Verify Part & Process
• Step 7: Document All Changes

Barrel Purging for Extruders (Spanish Version)

The 3 courses in this series introduce participants to a scientific approach to barrel purging, covering various purging techniques and procedures. Participants also learn about the 4 phases of barrel purging. Purging compounds commonly used in the industry are also discussed — including the advantages/disadvantages of each type.

Purging Techniques

The first program is this series begins with an introduction to important terms and concepts related to barrel purging. The discussion continues to cover several common barrel purging techniques.

• Definition
• Safety
• Purpose
• Dry Purging vs. Wet Purging
• Purging Heat-Sensitive Materials
• Purging High-Temperature Materials

Purging Procedures

This training program teaches participants effective barrel purging procedures — covering the steps involved in the 4 phases of purging.

• Preparation
• Initial Purging
• Final Purging
• Production

Purging Compounds

The final training program in this series teaches participants about common purging compounds, how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

• Resin-Based Purging Compounds
• Mechanical Purging Compounds
• Chemical Purging Compounds

Basic Process Control Systems (Spanish Version)

This training program teaches participants about process control systems and how these systems can be used to reduce variability and increase the efficiency of the process.

• Process Outputs
• Open Loop Process Control Systems
• Closed Loop Process Control Systems