Polymer Process Technician

Polymer Process
Technician

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.

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

GACC works closely with the community colleges, career and technical centers and other credentialing institutions in the areas closest to where our apprentices live or work. The Apprentices will attend community college courses that are integrated into the training at the employer.

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)

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