The boomers are retiring. Students are shying away from manufacturing disciplines. Clearly, the plastics industry is facing a major human resources challenge. As an essential resource to our customers, DME is committed to taking action. DME Plastics University® is a broad resource for free online training courses.
DME is proud to partner with Ferris State University to offer this important educational resource. This free online version of DME Plastics University consists of eight educational modules:
Module 1: Mold Print Reading - provides the foundation necessary to read mold prints in order to communicate with mold designers or mold builders using them.
Module 2: Mold Base Technology - an introduction to the types of molds used in injection molding; includes information on the functions of mold plates and mold components in an injection molding cycle
Module 3: Mold and Cavity Materials - covers the most important aspects of steel selection for mold making; addresses material testing, steel processing and standards
Module 4: Runner and Gate Design - focuses on the techniques of getting melted plastics to the part cavity using runners, gates and vents
Module 5: Mold Finishing and Polishing – an overview of the processes, techniques and equipment used for mold finishing, polishing and texturing
Module 6 - Mold Heating and Cooling - profiles mold cooling and heating techniques commonly used in injection molds
Module 7 - Mold Action - relates the methods, components and systems used to create and control actions within molds for part ejection and mold plate control
Module 8 - Injection Molding - summarizes the injection molding process, including injection molding machine components, support equipment, process control, thermoplastic materials and the injection molding cycle