PTCC students complete program’s first mold and plastic articles

The goal of technical colleges is to provide their students with the hands-on, practical skills they will need to be successful in their careers. At Pine Technical & Community College, students are also bridging the gap between programs to create collaborative projects that prepare them for the job ahead – and blazing some trails as well.

 

 

Recently, PTCC Advanced Manufacturing student Mitchell Frommader has completed the first mold manufactured at the college.  He designed the part, programmed the CNC machine(s) to machine and engrave the mold. He also machined the mold base to accept the new mold along with the ejector retainer plate and ejector pins in the plastic molding machine.
 

 

After the mold was complete, it was ready for PTCC Plastic Technology students to put the piece to use.  Plastic Technology student Paul Linnerooth set up and cycled the molding machine for the first articles. He optimized the all parameters including pressures, speeds, shot size and cycle time. 





Mitch Frommader made mold in advanced manufacturing

Student Shawn Raykowski then set up the mold in the 110 ton Toshiba and programmed the robot and optimized the cycle for this press. Both molding machines are all electric servo-driven state of the art machines that were part of the Advanced Manufacturing Education Alliance (AME) to help the college focus on the high demand for skilled people in advanced manufacturing.

 

Paul Linnerooth set up and processed 1^st articles

Shawn Raykowski set up and processed with the robot

“This was truly a student-led project from start to finish,” said Plastic Technology instructor Bryan Schaupp. “With the mold modifications that Mitch has made, it will be easy and inexpensive for students and anyone who has idea for smaller plastic parts to have cheap alternative to develop their project.” Size of the inserts are approximately .5 x 2.75 x 6 inches.



For more information about the Advanced Manufacturing and the Plastic Technology programs, please call 320.629.5100 or online at www.pine.edu/programs/advanced-manufacturing-technology-programs/.