IMM Review: Efficient mold setting

I have just finished reviewing the administrative features and content of Efficient Mold Setting by Paulson Training Programs. The package came with a three-ring binder, three compact disks, one floppy disk, and study guides to be used in conjunction with the lessons on the CDs.

The three-ring binder contains all of the instructions for loading and using the software. The first section of the binder addresses the issues involved in setting up an in-plant training program, such as registering and enrolling students, and organizing courses. Each of these sections has several subsections that are logical, well written, and easy to understand.

The software provides outstanding tracking features, using the Track and Track Pro features. With a few mouse clicks, you are able to track student registration, enrollment in courses, and groups.

The manual shows how student activity can be readily monitored within the program, including the amount of time spent on each section, and test scores. Test questions can be modified. Text, graphics, and video segments can be added or eliminated as the instructor/administrator sees fit. All information can be sorted or exported to other applications. If you wish to create a database, there is a choice between ASCII or dBase IV types of output. All instructions were clear and concise.

The preface to the study guide for these lessons states that "the study guide provides each student with a summary of the information in interactive lessons for reference or further study." However, in my opinion, the student should begin by reading the study guide to prepare for the pretest portion of the lesson.

The study guide for Lesson 1, Mold Installation and Setup Procedures, covers safety, mold preparation and transport, mold installation, injection mold protection and setup procedures, and protecting the mold from damage during production. The mold preparation section includes a maintenance checklist to be performed before putting a mold into storage. Also included is a safety check to be performed after the maintenance check, but before transporting the mold.

The mold installation section covers both mold and machine preparation, installing the mold, and connecting the mold systems. Injection mold protection procedures include setting clamp tonnage, clamp speed profile, and mold protection settings.

Lesson 2 is titled Mold Troubleshooting, Removal, and Storage. The study guide begins with a mold troubleshooting section, and includes problems such as stuck sprues and plastic, short shots, flash and its probable causes, moisture problems, and protection procedures. The second section in this lesson discusses periodic maintenance checks to be done during production and processing, and mechanical problems. The third section looks at the procedures required for temporary production shutdown.

The last two sections cover mold removal and mold maintenance. The mold removal section, for example, takes a look at some of the recommended steps such as cleaning the mold halves, the use of corrosion inhibitors, and bleeding residual pressure from any lines.

The text, audio, and video emphasize that students should always follow the specific procedures for the plant that they work for, the mold being dealt with, and so forth. The study guide concludes with a glossary of common injection molding terms.

Each of the lessons on compact disk begins with a brief introduction. The introduction is followed by a pretest, and the questions are presented in audio and visual formats. The pretest evaluates the current knowledge of the student.

On the CD, Lesson 1 delivers many safety recommendations to protect the student and the mold. It also gives instruction on maintenance and handling, among other subjects, and basically reinforces the study guide material. After each section of instruction there is a quick question or two that requires student input, and the lessons finish with a comprehensive poststudy test.

In Lesson 2, the software addresses many of the problems that may occur with the mold during operation. These include plugged gates, stuck sprues, corrosion, and many other problems as described in the study guide section. Each lesson takes approximately 1 hour to complete. An experienced person can review the material on one disk, including completing all of the tests, in about 20 minutes.

All information is presented visually with actual molds and molding machines, and in text and audio over the video format. The quality of the video and audio presentation are excellent, and so are the materials. It is my opinion that Efficient Mold Setting will make an outstanding training aid for any company engaged in the injection molding of plastic parts.—Reviewer: Rocky Huber, senior engineer, Ivanhoe Tool & Die Co. Inc., Thompson, CT, [email protected].

Efficient Mold Setting is one of many items selected for injection molders that are offered through the IMM Book Club and count toward a Bonus Book award. For more information, call Renee Leatherman at (303) 321-2322; fax (303) 321-3552; e-mail [email protected]; or visit www.immbookclub.com.

Paulson Training Programs. Efficient Mold Setting, 3 CD-ROM set, leader’s guide, 5 study guides, $1995.00.