New training offering from ENGEL for product change optimization

Optimizing product changeover times is crucial to increasing productivity, lowering unit costs, and strengthening a company's competitive position. However, it's a complex topic, and finding the right measures can be challenging. Additionally, the shortage of skilled workers often slows down optimization projects. ENGEL has introduced a new training program to help processors identify the right measures for their operations and efficiently implement them.

A survey conducted by ENGEL among its customers clearly shows the massive time-saving potential of mold set-up. 73 percent of all injection molding processors say that it takes them more than an hour to change products, and more than half of the asked customers need to set up molds at least once a day.

“With the right measures, machine downtime caused by mold changes can be reduced by 50 to 80%,“ said Mario Wilke, consultant and trainer at the ENGEL headquarters in Austria.

ENGEL offers a wide range of technologies for simple and fast mold changes. This includes magnetic clamping platens and quick couplings, intelligent assistance systems, the famox mold change system for complete automation of the set-up process, and training offers that support the optimization of the product change strategy.

Set-up assistant system saves time and reduces the risk of error
ENGEL supports you in selecting the right training package for your needs. Three courses are available, each customized to the processors' different requirements, the company's conditions and the knowledge of the production staff. The “Basics, Advanced, and Expert” courses differ in how deep they dive into details and the mold change methods taught. While “Basics” introduces the topic and demonstrates the potential on a test machine in the ENGEL training center, the two other courses happen on-site at the processor's facility. The used mold set-up techniques are analyzed together and various methods for product change optimization are evaluated. That reaches from magnetic fast clamping systems and multiple couplings, through mold positioning and preheating, to a set-up assistant system in the “Expert” course. ENGEL collaborates with Stäubli and other partner companies for these three training offerings. Participants get valuable information and practical tips beyond the scope of the injection molding machine.

“With the shortage of skilled workers, mold set-up with an assistance system is shifting into the processors' focus,“ Wilke emphasized. “Standardized menu-driven mold changes not only save time but also reduce the risk of errors.“

The set-up assistance system is like a checklist that interactively guides the machine operator through the steps required for mold change. It’s even possible that the assistance system automatically takes care of the necessary steps. Manual steps need to be confirmed on the control unit. This enables less experienced employees to set up molds safely and without errors. For experienced mold set-up teams, the set-up assistance system boosts efficiency.

Processor benefits from in-depth injection molding knowledge of trainer
Training for employees who work on implementing optimization measures in a production facility is an essential part of ENGEL’s service portfolio.

In all phases of the product change optimization, the processor benefits from the ENGEL trainers' in-depth understanding of injection molding.

“This sets us apart from many other training providers on the market who do not focus on the injection molding industry,“ Wilke stated. “We make sure that our customers fully utilize their injection molding production cell – and with as little effort as possible."

ENGEL offers new product change optimization courses in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In addition, the training courses are available in other countries on request.

For more information, visit engelglobal.com.