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Web-based training keeps plastics up to date

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 16, 2002

Even for the most experienced professional in the plastics industry, keeping current on the latest technology can be a challenge: web-based training is one answer.

Even for the most experienced professional in the plastics industry, keeping current on the latest technology can be a challenge.

Web-based training (WBT) - the use of Internet technologies to deliver training online - has become an increasingly popular new trend.

Recipients can receive training on a 24/7 basis through their web browsers, an extranet or an intranet website.

Self-paced, web-based courses are accessible anytime and anywhere through the Internet, so this innovative delivery method eliminates the need for travel and time away form work, and provides high-speed access to training content at the student's convenience.

In a manufacturing setting, people who work in round-the-clock shifts can often only be removed from the line individually or in small groups.

When properly implemented, WBT uses the immediacy, flexibility and richness of the medium to deliver a learning environment the complements the traditional classroom and "hard copy" delivery methods.

Used as a foundation, WBT can even improve the overall effectiveness of instructor-led course-work.

For example, students can enrol in preliminary WBT courses to prepare for a more advanced advanced-led course.

WBT offers compelling advantages for training employees in different locations: global companies may have users working at differing levels of expertise, on a variety of products.

Moldflow's web-based training courses are available through the Education Zone at www.plasticszone.com.

Here, there are both Moldflow courses and courses from the Nypro Institute, Moldflow's "education partner".

These courses cover the latest releases of Moldflow products, including Moldflow Plastics Insight (MPI) 3.0 and Moldflow Mold Adviser, as well as several general courses on injection moulding, materials and mould design.

Moldflow also has a formal partnership with A Routsis Associates, a pioneer of 3D animation and CD-ROM technology for training in the plastics industry.

These computer-based training products for injection moulding, part design, and mould design.are also available at Moldflow's plasticszone.com web site.

"Basic injection moulding" topics include the injection moulding machine, the injection moulding process and injection moulds.

This series provides a solid foundation for understanding how the moulding process works and is a good refresher course for any employee.

"Plastic part design" provides an understanding of the plastic part design process and was developed by Dr Robert Malloy, respected author and professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Areas covered include product development, mould filling, gating, mechanical behaviour of polymers, shrinkage, warpage, part ejection and various joining techniques.

"Mould design and mouldmaking" is designed for mould designers, mouldmakers, part designers and anyone involved in the mould procurement process.

It provides an introduction to various types of injection molds.

Topics include injection moulding fundamentals, mould design, machining methods, two-plate, three-plate, and hot runner moulds, tool steels, mould actions, runners, gates, parting lines, mould filling software, part ejection, venting and cooling.