THE POLYMER AND PLASTICS INDUSTRY: An Introduction to Commodity and Specialty Polymer Materials, Markets and Fabrication Processes
Course description
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325
Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center)
Cost:
Contact/register at Nexant Training
TO REGISTER YOU MUST GO TO NEXANT WEBSITE: Nexant Training
CEU's: 3.2
Instructor: Mr. James Virosco
Course Overview
The success of Nexant’s Global Petrochemical Industry Course has spawned interest in a supplementary course that focuses further down the value chain – specifically on polymers and plastics and the common fabrication techniques used to convert or process these materials into saleable articles. This 4-day course, an engaging blend of the broad picture and specific details, probes and clearly explains the complex relationships between monomers and polymers, polymers and the common fabrication processes, and fabrication processes and end-markets.
On completing this course, attendees will be more cognizant of the incredible range of end-uses that polymers have penetrated, and the versatile fabrication processes that makes plastics such an important part of our every-day lives.
Featured exclusively at the Akron, Ohio course is a hands-on Injection Molding Laboratory where students will have an opportunity to enhance troubleshooting skills and gain better insight into the injection molding process through operation of injection molding equipment located at The Akron Polymer Training Center facility. In addition to the hands-on laboratory, the Exploration Day includes a "field trip" to Paarlo Plastics, during which attendees will experience all the manufacturing processes involved in producing engineering grade thermoplastic products.
Please note the following course times for each day:
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Day 1 and Day 2)
8:30 AM- 4:30 PM (Day 3)
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Day 4)
DAY 4
- 8:00: Complete Injection Molding Hands-on Laboratory Session
This laboratory focuses on the development of troubleshooting skills and the specific needs of each individual class member. All students are welcome to bring samples for discussion to formulate possible solutions. Concepts discussed in the classroom will be reinforced with "hands-on" activities in the Akron Polymer Training Center's laboratory. Each student will operate and troubleshoot injection molding equipment located in the Akron Polymer Training Center facility. - 11:00: Tour Akron Polymer Technology Training and Processing Facilities
Attendees will tour the facilities and observe demonstrations of various thermoplastics machinery, including but not limited to blown film extruders, twin and single screw extruders, as well as a biaxial stretcher. - 12:15: Day 4 wrap-up
- 12:30: Lunch
- 2:00: Tour Paarlo Plastics, Inc., North Canton, Ohio
Attendees will experience all the manufacturing processes involved in producing engineering grade thermoplastic products. These processes include, but are not limited to blow molding, injection molding, and assembly requirements. - 3:00: Return to the Akron Polymer Training Center or airport (for those who self-transport and wish to depart from Paarlo Plastics, Inc.)
TO REGISTER YOU MUST GO TO NEXANT WEBSITE: Nexant Training
Who Should Attend:
- Professionals at all levels and in all phases of the industry who seek a broader understanding of how polymers are processed and used in today’s world.
- R&D specialists, marketing/planning and logistics personnel who are involved in the polymers and plastics industry.
- Professionals from other areas, such as administrators or members of the financial community, who can benefit from the broad overview of the polymer and plastics industry and detailed insights into its workings.
Instructor Biography:
James Virosco has performed numerous projects covering basic petrochemicals, commodity polymers, engineering thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers and rubbers, over the course of his 28 year consulting career. Jim routinely manages and contributes to strategic planning engagements, such as long term strategic plan formulation, market and industry analyses, competitive positioning and feasibility studies. Additionally, he also participates in polymer-related engagements, covering materials such as commodity polymers, engineering and performance polymers, thermoplastic elastomers and other specialty polymers. In this role, he assists clients in market analysis, competitive economics, and trend analysis and growth strategy development.
- The early beginnings of the polymer industry.
- What are polymers and why are they so special.
- Monomers and other raw materials.
- Properties, specifications, and inter-polymer competition.
- Fabrication techniques, such as injection molding, blow molding, film extrusion, fiber spinning and foaming.
- End markets for polymers and the inter-relationship with fabrication processes.
- Commodity polymers – PE, PP, PVC, PS and Polyester.
- Specialty and engineering polymers, such as ABS, polyamide, polycarbonate and polyacetal.
- Elastomers and other plastics.
- The growing importance of polymers made from renewable sources.
*** Please note, each row and course# listed below is a separate, complete course. ***