1 McConnell Thermoforming Workshop Outline 2013 SPE ...

McConnell Thermoforming Workshop Outline
2013 SPE Thermoforming Conference
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA
Monday, September 9, 2012
8:30 a.m. -­‐ 4 p.m.
McConnell Heavy Gage Thermoforming Workshop
Robert Browning and Don Hylton, of the McConnell Company,
will be presenting the following topics:
Thermoforming 101: The Basics We Tend To Forget
Robert Browning, McConnell Company
“GET THE BASICS RIGHT -­‐ THE REST WILL FOLLOW”
A brief presentation will be conducted on the “Basics of Thermoforming” and why we have to
re-­‐examine them on a regular basis. Many of the problems thermoformers face today are
easily solved by getting back to the basics of our knowledge and experience.
The importance of Sheet Quality in Thermoforming: What You Should Know
Don Hylton, McConnell Company
Thermoformers use a lot of time, effort, material and money tweaking the process to
compensate for what normally are inconsistencies in sheet. This session will explain the root
causes of sheet inconsistencies. The seminar will cover how sheet production, resin selection,
regrind, extrusion conditions and calendaring influence thermoforming. Additionally, methods
to trouble shoot and remedy sheet problems, quality control and sheet consistency will be
covered. The outcome will be insight on how to establish proper sheet specifications for cost-­‐
effective thermoforming.
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Outline
I. Sheet Quality, Consistency and Control Mechanisms
II.
III.
IV.
Influence of Resin, Regrind, Recycle, and Concentrates
Discussions on Testing Sheet for Thermoforming.
Illustration of How Sheet Testing Can Solve a Problem
Thermoforming Case Studies: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Robert Browning, McConnell Company
“The Good – The Bad – & The Ugly:
Have you ever felt that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a bad example for others”
Here is your opportunity to witness case studies of the successes, the failures and the really bad
problems that other thermoformers have had with their thermoforming processes and designs,
and why.
As with any process, things can go wrong. To be successful in thermoforming, we have to be
able to analyze, understand and know how to correct problems when they occur.
The keys to a successful operation are to learn from our problems and mistakes so we do not
repeat them in the future. Those who fail to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors are
destined to repeat them.
Afternoon Panel Discussion: Thermoforming Questions and Answers
Bring your questions and problems and get free help from a panel of experts, representing all
areas of thermoforming.
In previous years, the open panel discussions and questions have produced some very intense
and diverse conversations in all areas of thermoforming.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions, sample parts, etc., for help and discussions.
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