Technology of Thermoforming

							                     Global Thermoforming Technologies, Inc



The GTTI Training courses are structured in such a way as to ensure that the
trainee is left with an in depth understanding of the thermoforming processes and
techniques. Each training module includes a very graphic theoretical session
backed up with actual hands on training on the machinery. It is for this reason
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The theory classes can consist of up to 30tan eswhc a ete b o e d wnt            o
smaller teams of 5 –10 for better interaction between the trainer and trainee and
often we are asked to shadow one or two trainees for a few days during actual
production shifts

The training materials consist of dynamic slides, animations and MPEGS which are
presented using a digital projector. Each Trainee is presented with a binder with
color printed handouts of the slides and enough space for notes...

COURSES OFFERED BY GTTI

1. Now I Know Plastics
2. Understanding Plastics Machinery
3. Understanding Thermoforming Machinery
4. Now I Know Thin Gage Forming
5. Now I Know Thick Gage Forming
6. Advanced Forming Techniques
7. Advanced Trimming Techniques
8. Safety in Thermoforming
9. Thermoforming Machinery Maintenance
10. Thermoforming Tooling
11. Thermoforming Process Troubleshooting
12. Thermoforming Machinery Troubleshooting
13. The Economics of Thermoforming
14. Thermoforming Plant Setup




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                No   n w ls is
COURSE #GTTI-1 “ w Ik o P a tc ”

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




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                 Un e s a d n ls i c   c ie y
COURSE #GTTI-2 -“ d r t n i g P a t sMa h n r ”

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
                                                                  I
Discussions on the various sheet extrusion processes and how the “nput affects
the Output”




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                 Un e s a d n
COURSE #GTTI-3 -“ d r t n i g 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




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                 No   n w           h r fr n ”
COURSE # GTTI-4 “ w Ik o Thin Gage T e mo o mi g

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




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                 No   n w        g h r fr n ”
COURSE # GTTI-5 “ w Ik o Thick Ga eT e mo o mi g

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




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                A v nced Forming Techniques”
COURSE #GTTI-6 “ d a

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

Vacuum System
Maximizing the vacuum system and advanced vacuum forming techniques

Form Air
Proper use of Form Air and the related Hardware

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




        Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                  Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                    www.global-tti.com
                A v nced Trimming Techniques”
COURSE #GTTI-7 “ d a

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

                                  Di’
Extending the Life of the Knives/ es
Peening, sharpening, and maintenance




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
COURSE #GTTI-8 “SAFETY IN THERMOFORMING”

Presented by: Mark Strachan or Ian 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
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Course Duration: ½ day theory and ½ day hands-on (per machine type).

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




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                T e mo o mi g c ie y  it n n e
COURSE #GTTI-9 “ h r f r n Ma h n r Man e a c ”

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




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                 T
COURSE #GTTI-10 “ hermoforming 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




        Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                  Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                    www.global-tti.com
                 T e mo o mi g
COURSE #GTTI-11 “ h r f r n 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




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
                 T e mo o mi g         r u ls o tn ”
COURSE #GTTI-12 “ h r f r n Machinery T o b e h o i g

Presented by: Mark Strachan

Course Description:
This course is machine specific and requires a pre-visit to gather the necessary
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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)




       Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                 Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                   www.global-tti.com
COURSE #GTTI-13 “The Economics of Thermoforming”

Presented by: Ian Strachan (40 years experience in the Thermoforming and Plastics
Industry).

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




         Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                   Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                     www.global-tti.com
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


        Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                  Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                    www.global-tti.com
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




        Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
                  Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                    www.global-tti.com
                  Global Thermoforming Training Inc



                    GTTI CONSULTING SERVICES

1. Plant Setup:
   Assist/Project Manage plant expansions and creation of new manufacturing
   facilities from drawing board to shipped products

2. Machinery Surveying:
   Inspect and generate professional reports on new and second hand
   machinery so as to minimize problems when the machinery is commissioned
           u tme ’
   at the c so r  splant. Advise on proper plant preparations for installation
   of machinery

3. Machinery Installation:
   Install and commission new or second hand machinery

4. Training Programs:
   Develop machine and/or product specific training programs

5. New Product development:
   Design and Project Manage new products

6. Production efficiency evaluation:
   Evaluation of machine and production efficiencies




    Global Thermoforming Training Inc. 1550 SW 24 Avenue Ft Lauderdale FL 33312
              Tel: 754-224 7513 Fax: 954-327 3609 Cell: 754-224 7513
                                www.global-tti.com