Hands-on training for molder certification

Providing classroom, computer-simulation, and hands-on skill building, a new molder certification program offers a weeklong, intensive-training course in injection molding techniques relevant to any employees associated with part quality. The Paulson School of Molding from Paulson Training Programs will offer its first workshop in June at industry-leading molder and moldmaker MGS Mfg. Group (Germantown, WI).

Held on site at leading molders, labs, and teaching facilities throughout the U.S., the certification programs reportedly will place students in an appropriate skill-level class based on their molding knowledge coming in, which is assessed by an online molding test called SkillCheck. This Web-based assessment offers a general overview of the student's knowledge, as well as identifying his or her areas of deficiency.

The first certification level, Molding Knowledge and Practice, covers processing knowledge, cycle improvement, and troubleshooting. Intended for operators, quality control personnel, and anyone else who needs an appreciation of processing as it relates to quality, this introductory level must be completed to advanced to higher certification levels.

After completing the first step, graduates can sign up for the Paulson-Certified Technician course, and then Paulson-Certified Expert instruction. The weeklong classes entail classroom instruction, use of Paulson's SimTech 2004 molding simulator, and hands-on machine time. Compressing machine time into a simulated environment where barrel cooling and material changes are not an issue, the SimTech program allows experimentation and problem-solving to be compressed into one hour.

On the fifth day, following four days of lessons, students at the second certification level will be given a cold machine and mold. To graduate, they must create a stable molding process and fill out an extensive checklist of more than 20 process specifications, covering areas like gate-seal verification, meeting cycle times, and mold-protection setting. Paulson plans eight to 12 weeks of training in 2004, and tuition for the weeklong programs will range from $1195 to $1995, depending on the level. Class size will be limited to ensure ample training for each student. Paulson Training Programs Inc., Chester, CT; 860-526-3099; www.paulsontraining.com