Basic processing question

When we talk of basic processing, the question or quiz for all is, what do you consider to be basic… further.. What would you call advanced?

Is basic:
1- How to turn a machine on?
2- To know the temperature settings for the material you are going to run?
3- To know the term mold height?
4- To understand how the machine works?
5- To know what type of check assembly is in the front of the screw?
6- To know how to set up a molding machine, extruder or piece of process equipment?
7- To understand the difference between an amorphous and semi-crystalline material?
8- To understand the reasons for a different nozzle orifice and sprue O dimensions?
9- To know how to calculate tonnage on a machine?
10- To know how to calculate shot volume on the machine?
11-  To have an understanding of pressures?

Is advanced:
1- Knowing how to generate a shear viscosity curve?
2- How to do a pressure drop?
3- How to calculate intensification ratio?
4- How to calculate plastic pressure?
5- Knowing what results are important for molding and extrusion?
6- Understanding that two machines, while set up different can actually give the same results?
7- That the results in the mold are the key factors?
8- That balancing of the tool is not via gates?
9- That a mold balance for a family tool is via percentage weight gain versus full parts?
10- That a good part is the result of a good design, good mold and proper processing?
 

The above is for you to decide what it is. Once you decide than decide where it is you want to go with your plant, yourself and strive for that goal. If education or additional knowledge is required than seek it out.

If in fact you have an opinion please let me know, either E-mail me or better yet, come by the Tech Faire that SPE is sponsoring and we can all share.

Thanks for the time,

Steven L Silvey
Sr. Technical Service
GP-ADC
Slsilvey@ashland.com