Extrusioneering International: New Training Format Improves Compounding Productivity
Extrusioneering International, one of the most respected consulting firms in the compounding industry, is introducing an innovative training program for operators, engineers and supervisors called Twin Screw University (TSU). TSU’s programs are designed to improve compounding profitability on co-rotating twin screw extruders. Through its affiliation with established polymer training centers strategically located throughout the country, TSU will bring a series of results-oriented seminars and hands-on workshops within commuting distance of the compounding industry. The Polymers Center of Excellence in Charlotte, North Carolina will host the first hands-on compounding workshop on March 23-25.
By bringing training to the compounder’s own backyard, the TSU program minimizes the cost and downtime associated with traditional training programs. Companies are inclined to send more than just a select few of their employees if it is convenient and cost effective. “We want to bring training to the front line where it is most needed,” says Adam Dreiblatt, president of Extrusioneering International. “Compounders who proactively examine and address the training needs of their workforce are more likely to benefit from increased productivity.”
The first TSU seminar series will be launched at the Akron Polymer Training Center on April 19-20. Hands-on interactive workshops are scheduled at the following locations: South Shore Harbour Conference Center in Houston, TX from June 9-11; the Plastics Manufacturing Center at Penn College in Williamsport, PA from July 27-29 and Aspen Research Corporation in Minneapolis, MN from August 3-5. The workshop then returns to the Polymers Center of Excellence in Charlotte from November 9-11. “Companies want to pay for results, not training,” says Dreiblatt. “Our goal is to make it convenient for operating personnel to get the training they need to be successful.”
Productivity in a compounding plant ultimately depends on the operators and engineers, regardless of how automated the compounding line may be. The largest gains in productivity are realized through increasing the knowledge and capabilities of those who operate today’s sophisticated extrusion equipment. “High-speed compounding extruders can produce scrap just as quickly as they can produce quality compounds,” according to Mr. Dreiblatt. “Plant operating staff needs to react even faster then ever before.”
The Twin Screw University curriculum includes hands-on experience to reinforce the classroom training, providing techniques to improve quality, production rate and yield immediately upon return to the workplace. Each of the hands-on workshops will feature twin-screw extruders configured for compounding fillers, additives and reinforcing fibers and is designed to be an interactive experience rather than a demonstration. Students are encouraged to bring specific process problems to be discussed openly or one-on-one with the instructor following the class.
Twin Screw University can also be structured as an in-plant program, offering half-day or full-day sessions on a rotating basis. This option has the least impact on production schedules and can be customized for each plant site.
Extrusioneering International has been providing twin-screw compounding seminars and workshops in the United States, Europe and South America since 1994 with outstanding feedback from attendees. Mr. Dreiblatt, who developed the SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers) seminar “Twin-Screw Extrusion Technology” and introduced the “Twin-Screw Compounding Workshop” into the SPE educational program, brings over 20 years of practical experience to the classroom.
For more information on Twin Screw University dates and locations, contact Extrusioneering International at (973) 895-4088 or visit their website at www.b4uextrude.com.