Position Summary: Establish optimum injection molding processing parameters utilizing sound molding principles and systematic methods. Establish appropriate process monitoring set-points/tolerances. Assist Pliant tooling to improve and better production molds. Troubleshoot and resolve difficult molding quality and/or efficiency issues. Ensure basic elements of data control and records retention are consistently applied to processing parameters and injection molding machine (IMM) settings so that current processing information is readily accessible & understandable to personnel needing this information. Ensure direct reports are getting proper training for progression through succession plan from mold set-up tech, process tech I, and process tech II,
Preferred Education, Experience, and Personal Traits:
- Associate/Bachelor of Science Degree in Plastics Technology/Plastics Engineering Technology (or related courses in Plastics Technology, Injection Mold Design, and Manufacturing Processes) & 4 years experience.
- 5 years injection molding experience in a similar injection molding environment.
- Understanding of injection mold qualification and initial injection molding process development and validation,
- Demonstrated abilities in plastic processing control, improvement, debugging, & cycle time reduction.
- Understanding of and ability to effectively apply general molding concepts of non-Newtonian flow; pressure limited injection, and systematic de-coupled molding.
- Thorough understanding of IMM machine states, various types of IMM controllers, and process monitoring capabilities.
- Technical writing ability and good verbal communication skills.
- Computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Experience in group leadership and structured team approach to problem solving.
Essential Job Functions include, but not limited to, the following:
- Basic knowledge & understanding of injection mold design principles.
- Basic knowledge & understanding of automation, industrial robotics, & secondary operations common to the injection molding industry.
- Experience with and a sound understanding of the flow characteristics, molding parameters, & properties of various engineering/conventional grade resins common to the injection molding industry.
- Establish initial injection molding machine (IMM) settings necessary to achieve key processing parameters.
- Establish appropriate process monitor set points and tolerances necessary for control/detection of machine conditions leading to part defects and/or equipment damage.
- Train molders and Process Technician I’s to understand, measure, & use the key processing parameters and injection molding principles (“rules of thumb”) to transfer, troubleshoot, and make minor adjustments to the injection molding process in a controlled, systematic and logical manner.
- Verify adequacy of injection molding machine clamp, injection pressure & process monitoring capabilities of various IMMs in relationship to part/tool design and quality constraints.
- Perform tool qualification for repaired or reworked injection molds. Recommend, initiate & coordinate mold design improvements and repairs with Pliant Tooling.
- Performs timeclock record reconciliation, evaluations, and discipline including written warnings and terminations.
- Use statistical data collection to monitor machine and process performance.
- Provide technical support to Manufacturing by assisting molders with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Support new mold sampling demands as needed to meet urgent customer requirements or fill in for absence personnel.
- Demonstrated analytical & mechanical abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to perform basic math calculations pertinent to injection molding process & tool design (mold types, heat transfer, runner & gate design, venting, mold components, & materials).
- Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and application of statistical process control.
- Mentor the mold set-up team, Process Technician 1 and 2’s by encouraging them to continue gaining knowledge and learning new skills to make their jobs easier and flow better (work smarter, not harder). Pass on knowledge to help prepare them for future promotion(s) within Pliant.
- Additional functions not specifically outlined in this position description as assigned by the supervisor.
- Ensure compliance with Pliant’s environmental management system and look for opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment.
Mechanicals: (equipment operation or physical dexterity required for the position) - Production machinery and auxiliary equipment, hand tools, keyboard. Full use and range of movement of wrists, hands and arms.
Work Environment: Light industrial factory floor environment, light to moderate plastic dust, moderate noise
Core Values: Respectful, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. All Pliant team members are required to model these core values in all areas of communication and performance on a consistent basis.
