Training & Seminars
Training & Seminars
With all the baby boomers retiring and leaving the workforce, manufacturing is left with a void of experience. Between tight labor markets, and tight budgets, no one was brought on board to train before the experience left. Time and time again, I am told, “all the guys that knew how to do that left.” I have made it a priority to share my extrusion knowledge on LinkedIn and Facebook to give back to the industry, and to help fill this gap. While I try to answer all the one-off questions I receive, I am sure the management team behind the individual asking the question doesn’t even realize the question is being asked.
In addition to sharing my knowledge on LinkedIn and Facebook, I also offer six in-depth training modules. The modules provide an understanding of the extrusion process that is priceless for design engineers, buyers, and quality technicians, or any end user assembler of the plastic extrusions.
I can provide these trainings either in-house at your plant, or remotely. An outline of the six modules is below, and in preparing for each session, I will work with you to modify or include additional information to fit your specific plant’s process.
Module #1
Extrusion Operator Basic Training
This module covers basic extruder knowledge of both single screw and twin-screw extruders, and gives a walk-through of downstream equipment, from the gearbox to the instrumentation. Training in these areas promotes safety awareness and gives entry level operators a better understanding of what the operator is running, the industry nomenclature for the equipment, and allows entry level operators to have a higher-level conversation with the more experienced operators.
This module lasts about 2 hours depending on the audience and questions
Module #2
Extrusion Process Science
This module covers basic material knowledge and is a deeper dive into the components of the extruder itself. The training begins by explaining the extruder in-depth, and then moves on to screws and barrel basics, types of screws and mixers, and how to measure the screw compression ratio. The training also covers in-depth information regarding types of twin screws and the differences between a twin and single screw extruder. The training ends by discussing breaker plates and all the downstream equipment.
This module takes about 3 hours and usually is the most interactive with questions.
Module #3
Extrusion Material Science
This module starts with explaining what a Newtonian Fluid is, to the difference between semi-crystalline and amorphous material. The module explains density, durometer, and nucleating agents along with a host of other material properties.
This module is recommended for the more experienced operator, process engineers, tool makers, and application engineers along with sales and managers in need of a better understanding of the characteristics and properties of materials.
This module takes about 1 ½ hours depending on the audience and questions.
Module #4
Extrusion Process troubleshooting Science
This module explores how to problem solve by means of the size of a variation or surge. The training will provide a deep understanding of how the feeding of an extruder works, how to identify feeding issues, and will cover principles pertaining to the frequency of occurrence with a focus on how to better problem solve and find the solution. Once the problem is identified, we will discuss how to go about finding the solution. For example, identifying when a pressure variation is too great, and the possible solutions to resolve the pressure variation.
This module takes about 2 hours, but it can run long when we get into an open discussion on extrusion problems.
Module #5
Extrusion Tooling Science
This module starts with direction to the toolmaker on how to use the provided quoted information for the project in terms of volume, to better understand the tooling direction needed. For example, high volume may warrant a different tool direction then a low volume tool. The module will explain fabrication, aesthetics dos and don’ts in the industry. The module includes a deep dive of die land and swell, and will explain parabolic flow, along with the latest strategies for co-extrusion tracking.
This module is intended for toolmakers and process engineers. Sales and the application engineers will benefit from this information as well.
This module takes about 2 hours to complete depending on audience and questions.
Module #6
Extrusion Application Design Science
This module goes through practical design knowledge and provides an understanding of how to design an extrusion profile for extrudability. The goal of this module is to provide the average applications engineer with a better understanding of what makes a profile complex and why that complexity adds cost. During this module, we will discuss the many roadblocks a design engineer may face when designing a profile for in-house use or designing for a customer to be extruded in-house. We will go through a decision tree of design criteria most design engineers have never seen in a simple format.
This module is designed for application design engineers, but sales, managers, product managers and tool makers may benefit from the training as well.
This module will take about 2 hours to complete depending on audience and questions.
I can help get everyone trained and up to speed! Call Today!
Extrusion Services
The following is a its of services, but is not an exhaustive list and no job is too large or small
Tim Groth
- Extrusion Consultant
- Extrusion Specialist
- Extrusion Engineering Resource
Tim Groth President / owner of Extrusion Solutions North, LLC has dedicated his life to extrusion. Tim Groth is well aligned with the leading authorities in the industry to be a one stop shop for all your extrusion needs
The only thing I like more than standing on the extrusion floor and solving a problem is the smile on the faces when the problem is solved.
I grew up on the shop floor and learned every aspect of not only extrusion process but the extrusion business. I began as an operator, shifted to set up technician, advanced to Production Manager, and ended my career as a Plant Manager overseeing all aspects to include engineering applications. I can convert the tribal knowledge to science, because I’ve been there. I’ve turned the knobs and I’m proud of it.
I enjoy sharing my knowledge. I am proud to call myself an extrusion specialist and have earned the title by being mentored by some of the best names in the industry. I am aligned with the most trusted experts in the industry.
I look forward to helping you! See the services I provide and how we can start our business relationship today.
Skills that count
I have 37 years of hands-on extrusion experience specializing in design for extrudability, tooling design, trouble shooting, material selection, plant set up, training of engineers, and set up technicians.