M.R. Mold participates in UWM's Silicone Elastomers & Fabrication Course in California

This class was the first of it's kind.  The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee took its annual Silicone Elastomer and Technology Course on the road to California.  In doing so they added to the 3 day course with an additional day of hands-on processing at M.R. Mold & Engineering.  Murali Vedula, Program Director, Engineering, Sustainability, and Transportation, UWM School of Continuing Education has been the driving force to educate the industry over the years about liquid silicone rubber.



The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee moved their annual fall course to California this summer to encompass a "hands-on" process day at M.R . Mold & Engineering.  The course began with a 2 day classroom overview from the chemistry of silicone through mold processing.  Mel Toub of Momentive Silicones lead the way with an in depth explanation of silicone chemistry.

Bob Pelletier of Fluid Automations educated the class on the intricate workings of the pumping unit and its importance within silicone molding.  Bob's presentation included the variety of pumps available and the importance of maintaining the pumping unit to achieve ultimate molding criteria.

Juergen Giesow of Arburg, Inc. spoke to the class about the variety of molding machines and options.  His instruction made us aware that it is important to have all the capabilities needed within the molding machine to make the molding process effective and proficient.  Juergen explained the differences in molding machine capabilities and how to choose the correct machine for molding projects.

Rick Finnie, president of M.R. Mold & Engineering Corp, spoke to the class about the mold building process.  He explained the differences between building a plastic mold and a mold for liquid silicone rubber.  Rick also spoke to the class about the advantages of cold runner systems and automation in order to bring the molding process to the height of its potential.  In today's world, time and cost is everything.  Rick instructed the class on all the possibilities to make a project profitable.

Torsten Kruse of Kruse Analysis, Inc. gave the class an education on the importance of doing a mold analysis prior to building the mold.  Torsten spoke on gating, venting, last place to fill, curing, mold temperature and many more factors that need to be defined prior to cutting steel.  Torsten spoke of case studies that saved customers thousand of dollars because defects were eliminated prior to the mold design.

John Timmerman of Starlim North America instructed the class on mold processing.  His intricate studies enabled the class to grasp all the common denominators of silicone molding AND all the unexpected problems that may occur.  John answered many questions as to "what if" and the class gained a wealth of knowledge from his Q&A.

A few class attendees Testimonials:

"Being able to visit the mold builder and see the theory applied was helpful"
"I enjoyed the instructors and appreciated their knowledge of the industry"
"I like the fact there was enough time for the instructors to recall various experiences as questions were asked by the attendees.  It was very helpful to visit M.R. Mold and see several different machines/tools/pumping systems and learn various advantages/disadvantages"
"Field trip was the most enjoyable part of the training.  Good general discussions covering all silicone processing and materials"
"I thought all topics were covered in depth"


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