The following training modules are currently available:
COURSE #GTTI-1 “Now I know Plastics” 
Presented by: Mark Strachan or Ian Strachan
Course Description: This module gives the newcomer to the thermoforming industry, a clear
understanding of the plastics materials, how they are produced, the plastic sheet
characteristics and the various uses of each.
Course Duration: ½ day theory
Course Content:
:: How plastics are made, A brief introduction
:: Polymers, A brief Chemistry lesson and overview of the various polymers, their
characteristics and uses
:: Thermoplastics and Thermosets, The difference between the two processes and their uses
::
Thin Gage vs. Thick Gage,
An overview of the difference and when to consider either
COURSE # GTTI-2“Understanding Plastics Machinery”
Presented by: Mark Strachan or Ian Strachan
Course Description: This module will leave the attendees with a clear understanding of the various
Plastics Forming Methods and which is best suited for the products in the market
Course duration: Half day
Course Content:
:: Plastic Molding methods,
Discussions on the various plastics molding processes and at what point you
should consider thermoforming
:: Sheet Extrusion,
Discussions on the various sheet extrusion processes and how the “Input affects
the Output”
COURSE #GTTI-3 -“Understanding Thermoforming Machinery”
Presented by: Mark Strachan or Ian Strachan
Course Description:
This module is a must for those responsible for the purchasing of the machinery as
it will give the attendees a clear understanding of the thin gage and thick gage
thermoforming techniques. This course also covers the specifics of thermoforming
and the types of downstream equipment available and which is best for which
products.
Course Duration: 1 day theory
Course Content:
:: Thermoforming Processes,
The thermoforming processes available today and which products are suited for
each process
:: Thick Gage or Thin Gage,
When to consider Thick Gage or Thin Gage machinery and downstream equipment
::
Heating the Sheet,
An in depth session on the various heating methods and techniques and the
advantages and disadvantages of each
:: The Form Station,
The forming techniques used to form the products and the advantages and
disadvantages of each. This includes plug assist, clamps, vacuum bleed, etc
:: Thermoforming Machinery,
A brief journey through time and an in depth look at advances in thermoforming
technology and how they relate to your plastic products today
:: Trim Techniques,
An in depth look at all the trimming techniques available today (Thick Gage and
Thin Gage) and the uses of each?
:: Parts Handling Techniques,
An in-depth look at all the stacking techniques and downstream parts handling
devices available today and which is best for your products
COURSE # GTTI-4 “Now I know Thin Gage Thermoforming”
Presented by: Mark Strachan or Ian Strachan
Course Description: This module gives the newcomer an in depth introduction to the thin gage
thermoforming techniques and processes
Course Duration: 1 day theory
Course Content:
:: Feeding the sheet,
An introduction to the various methods of moving the sheet through the forming
machinery
:: Heating the sheet ,
An in depth session on the methods of heating the roll fed sheet
:: Forming the sheet ,
An in depth session on the various thin gage forming processes and techniques
:: Trimming the parts ,
An in depth session on the various trim processes and methods used on thin gage
machinery
:: Stacking the parts ,An in-depth look at the various stacking processes and techniques used in the thin
gage industry
:: Basic Troubleshooting ,
Correct Troubleshooting techniques and common problems
COURSE #GTTI-5“Now I know Thick Gage Thermoforming”
Presented by: Mark Strachan or Ian Strachan
Course Description:
This module gives the newcomer an in depth introduction to the thick gage
thermoforming processes and techniques.
Course Duration: 1 day theory
Course Content :
:: Feeding the sheet ,
An introduction to the various methods of moving the sheet through the forming
machinery
:: Heating the sheet ,
An in depth session on the various heating methods and techniques and their
benefits/disadvantages
:: Forming the sheet ,
An in depth session on the various thick gage forming processes and techniques
:: Trimming the parts ,
An in depth session on the various trim processes and methods used on thick
gage parts
:: Parts Handling ,
An in depth look at the various parts handling techniques
:: Basic Troubleshooting ,
Correct Troubleshooting techniques and common problems
COURSE #GTTI-6 “Advanced Forming Techniques”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description:An in depth study on the advanced forming techniques used to form thick and thin
gage materials “This is a must for shift leaders, Set-up Technicians and your tool designers”
Course Duration: 1 day theory
Course Content :
:: Plugging the part,
Plug-assist materials, Plug designs
::
Form Air ,
Proper use of Form Air and the related Hardware
:: Forming the sheet ,
An in depth session on the various thick gage forming processes and techniques
:: Clamp Frames,
Advanced Clamping techniques and related hardware
:: Advanced forming techniques,
Pre-stretching and manipulating the heated sheet
:: Cooling the Part,
Advanced part cooling techniques
COURSE #GTTI-7 “Advanced Trimming Techniques”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description: An advanced look at trimming the formed parts. This course is usually specifically
tailored to either the thick gage or thin gage audience.
Course Duration: 1 day theory
Course Content :
:: Steel rule versus Forged Knives,
Which is best for your process?
::
Knife profiles and sharpening, An advanced course on the various profiles and
proper sharpening techniques
:: How Heat will help,
An advanced look at the benefits of heating the hardware
:: Part Locating,
an Advanced look at knife floating techniques and part holding jigs
:: Advanced offline cutting techniques,
An in-depth look at the latest technology available to trim and punch the thick
gage parts
:: Post Trim processes,
An in-depth look at the Horizontal and Vertical Post trim presses, Trim and
Punching techniques, etc
:: Extending the Life of the Knives/Die’s,
Peening, sharpening, and maintenance
COURSE #GTTI-8 “SAFETY IN THERMOFORMING”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description:This session leaves the trainee with an in-depth understanding of the possible
dangers of thermoforming machinery and the OSHA laws on safe operating
procedures. This course is tailored around the customer’s safety directives.
Course Duration: 1 day theory
Course Content :
:: Material Handling Dangers
:: Dangers at the ovens
:: Dangers at the Forming Station
:: Dangers at the Trim Station
:: Dangers at the Punch and Knockout stations
:: Dangers at the Stacking/Parts Handling Station
:: Basic Lock-Out-Tag Out procedures (According the company policy)
:: E-Stops, Interlocks and Barriers
:: Ergonomics
:: Safety equipment
:: Emergency Procedures
COURSE #GTTI-9 “Thermoforming Machinery Maintenance”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description: This session leaves the trainee with an in-depth understanding on how to maintain
a thermoforming machine properly and safely.
This is a must for shift leaders, set-up Technicians and maintenance crew
Course Duration: ½ day theory and ½ day hands-on (per machine type).
Course Content :
:: Why keep a clean shop?,
The benefits of keeping your machinery and facility clean
:: Why Planned Maintenance?,
A brief discussion on the downtime costs related to the absence of Planned
Maintenance Procedures
:: Basic Electrical Troubleshooting,
How to read electrical schematics, Trouble shooting heating circuits, Servo Drives
and an overview on control circuits
:: Basic Pneumatic/Hydraulic circuits,
How to troubleshoot valves, hydraulic power plants, etc
:: Dangers at the Punch and Knockout stations
:: Dangers at the Stacking/Parts Handling Station
COURSE #GTTI-10 “Thermoforming Tooling”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description:This session leaves the trainee with an in-depth understanding on the important
thermoforming tooling design features, considerations and the common mistakes
made during the design phase.
This is a must for Tool Designers, Sales and Set-up Technicians
Course Duration: ½ day theory.
Course Content :
:: The Form Tooling,
A look at the important factors of form tool design such as air flow, cooling, weight
vs. strength, Layout, etc
:: The Trim Tooling –A look at the important factors surrounding trim tool design
such as trim method, layout,
:: The Stacking Tooling,
Important stacker design considerations
:: Tooling Maintenance and Storage,
A tried and true tooling maintenance program and how to safely store your tooling
:: Tooling Quick Change features,
A brief look at the various quick change over techniques and equipment
COURSE #GTTI-11 “Thermoforming Process Troubleshooting”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description:This session leaves the trainee with an in-depth understanding on the common
thermoforming problems, the telltales and how to properly troubleshoot the
process.
This is a must for Operators and Packers as well as Quality Control Personnel
Course Duration: ½ day theory and ½ day hands-on (per machine type).
Course Content :
:: The Plastic Sheet,
An in-depth look at extrusion and the causes of common sheet problems and how
they affect your process
:: Feeding the Sheet,
The problems associated with the various sheet feeding and transporting
techniques
:: Heating the Sheet,
An in-depth look at common heating problems and how it affects the sheet
:: Forming the Part, Common Forming problems and how to eliminate them
Punching the Part
In-mold and post mold punching process problems
::
Trimming the Part,
Common trimming problems and telltales and how to correct them
:: Stacking the Part,
Troubleshooting the stacking/ parts handling process
:: Shipping the Parts,
Typical packaging and shipping mistakes and how to correct them
COURSE #GTTI-12 “Thermoforming Machinery Troubleshooting”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description:This course is machine specific and requires a pre-visit to gather the necessary
information regarding the customer’s machinery. A full report is drawn up on the
condition of the machinery with critical repair and non-critical lists. Common
thermoforming problems experienced by the customer are listed and the causes of
such problems are pinpointed.
Course Duration: ½ day theory and ½ day hands-on (per machine type).
Course Content :
:: Machine Analysis,
1 day per machine
:: Thermoforming History,
All problems experienced by customer is documented and possible causes are then
found and listed
:: Fact gathering,
Pictures are taken of problematic areas and course materials are prepared
:: Training course,
Machine Specific Training courses are presented to Customers Production facility
team (Maintenance, Setup, Management, etc)
COURSE #GTTI-13 “The Economics of Thermoforming”
Presented by: Mark Strachan
Course Description: Discussions on important considerations for plant owners and those considering a
thermoforming business
Course Duration: 1 day.
Course Content :
:: Is Bigger Better?,
Slower runs with large tools vs. faster runs with smaller tools
:: To Extrude or Not to Extrude?,
A discussion around if and when you should consider extruding your own sheet
:: In-Line vs. Roll Fed,
When should you consider extruding in-line?
:: Roll Fed vs. Sheet Fed,
The fine line between roll fed and sheet fed machinery. For those on the edge!
:: Compactor or Regrinder,
When should I consider in-line grinding and material handling systems?
:: Offshore sheet supplies,
How can I benefit by importing sheet from the Orient. Latest developments in the
availability of sheet from the East and Far East
COURSE #GTTI-14 “Thermoforming Plant Setup”
Presented by :Ian and Mark Strachan (Collective 64 years in the
Thermoforming Industry)
Course Description: The course will leave you with an in-depth understanding of what is required for a
successful Plastics Converting Business. It covers the ancillary and primary
equipment needed and the mathematics on type, size and make of equipment you
will need for the manufacture of your products.
Course Duration: 1 day theory
Course Content :
:: Plant location,
Location, Location, Location
:: Labor concerns,
Availability of skilled and un-skilled labor
:: Building requirements,
Looking for that perfect building (Shipping access, Fire systems, etc)
:: Local Laws,
How will the local County Laws affect by business now and later?
:: Service Machinery,
How to determine the type and size of service machinery (Compressors, chillers,
cooling towers, central vacuum, material handling, etc
:: Manufacturing Certification requirements,
AIB, Grade A, ISO, etc
:: Safety concerns and machinery certification,
OSHA, TUV/UL, etc
:: Plastics conversion machinery choices,
How to choose the correct machinery for the job
:: Local State and County Training Incentives,
Are Training grants available and how to apply for these grants?
:: Raw Materials,
Assistance with procurement of all raw materials
:: Plant Layout designs and flow diagrams,
CAD driven layouts
:: Permits and Licenses,
Assistance with local building permits and manufacturing licenses
:: Plant Setup,
Installation and commissioning of machinery
:: Training,
Training on Safety and all aspects of the manufacturing facility |
