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Plastics Manufacturing Fundamentals: From Design to Production

Transform your product development capabilities with this comprehensive workshop on plastics manufacturing led by industry expert John Rake. Whether you're a startup founder, product developer, or engineer, you'll gain practical insights into selecting the right manufacturing processes and materials for your specific needs.

This hands-on workshop covers the complete spectrum of plastics manufacturing, including:

• Deep dive into major manufacturing processes including injection molding, vacuum forming, blow molding, and compression molding - understand the advantages and limitations of each approach
• Strategic material selection guidance covering amorphous and crystalline polymers, hybrid materials, and the impact of fillers and colorants on product performance
• Essential Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles focused on injection molding, including practical applications of mold flow analysis, draft angles, and gating strategies
• Critical considerations for scaling from prototype to high-volume production, including tooling design, cost optimization, and vendor selection strategies
• Exploration of cutting-edge advancements in the field, including gas-assisted injection molding and all-electric machine technologies

This workshop combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, empowering you to make informed decisions throughout your product development journey. You'll leave with actionable insights to optimize your design process, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve product quality.

Who Should Attend:

Engineers, product developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals involved in plastic product development who want to enhance their understanding of manufacturing processes and make more informed design decisions.

About the Instructor, John Rake

LinkedIn here

John Rake is a senior lean manufacturing executive with over 25 years of experience leading manufacturing operations across automotive, consumer products, and electronics industries. As an expert in plastics manufacturing and injection molding, he has driven significant improvements in operational efficiency and product quality throughout his career.

Currently serving as Senior Director of Manufacturing Technology and Quality at Sterling Site Access Solutions, John previously held executive positions at multiple plastics manufacturing companies including Home Products International and Hawk Plastics, where he specialized in injection molding processes and lean manufacturing implementation. His expertise spans Scientific Injection Molding, polymer systems, tooling procurement, and production optimization.

John has consistently demonstrated success in improving manufacturing operations, with achievements including reducing conversion costs, improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) from 58% to 87%, and implementing innovative materials usage strategies. His experience includes managing facilities with up to 51 injection molding machines and teams of 250+ employees.

A member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and former Board Member and Treasurer, John holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakland University with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, and Economics. His combination of technical expertise and business acumen makes him uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive insights into plastics manufacturing processes and strategies.