Overview
A Polymer Process Technician's primary job is to set up, monitor and troubleshoot plastic injection-molding machines, which requires expertise of materials, specific tools, and equipment. Troubleshooting tasks might include dealing with inconsistent material, faulty equipment, human error, and preventing defects from occurring.
Moreover, they ensure injection molding machines, auxiliary equipment and connected automated systems are set to regulation parameters, meet quality standards and all production goals.
As experts dealing with materials and equipment, PPTs provide feedback on mold design and assist tool and die makers to dial in each mold for optimal cycle time and quality and are able to apply all aspects of scientific molding.
Job Profil
Polymer Process Technician Apprentices can work as Blow Mold / Injection Mold or Extrusion Technicians.
Polymer Process Technician Apprentices can work as Blow Mold / Injection Mold or Extrusion Technicians. Tasks of a Polymer Process Technician include:
- Set up / Start-up / Take down an extrusion/blow mold line incl. auxiliary equipment
- Understands all components of an extruder/blow mold machine (motor, screw, die head), and error recognition on extrusion tooling, including auxiliary equipment
- String-up an extrusion/blow mold line and bringing a profile up to shape (Evaluate flow sample)
- Adjust / trouble-shooting production lines until sale competency (Material process PVC / Regrind)
- Quality Control, Product Quality Maintenance
- Operating, adjustments of additional extrusion equipment
- Knowledge of plastic material and material processes
- Program and maintain mechatronics systems of the machines
- Assemble sub-assemblies and mechanical and electrical components into machines and systems
- Assemble and dismantle machinery, systems and plants, transport and secure
- Monitor and troubleshoot processing problems
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks, and document process changes
Curriculum
2.5 years of Technical Instruction at the College include:
- Intro to Polymers
- Advanced Materials and Processes
- Basic Electrical Knowledge & their components, wiring
- Motor Controls
- Power Distribution
- Hydraulic Systems
- Pneumatic Systems
- Robotics & Industry 4.0
- Mechanical Systems
- Programmable Logic Controls (PLC)
Upon successful completion the Apprentice will receive the following industry-recognized credentials and certifications:
- Journeyworker Papers (Dept. of Labor & Industry)
- Polymer Process Technician & Mechatronics Technician College Certificate
- Associate's Degree in Mechatronics Technology
- German Apprenticeship Certificate (DiHK) as VerfahrensmechanikerIn in Polymer
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Non-discrimination
Pittsburgh Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACCPIT) will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER. GACCPIT will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.