Certification Programs: there are several options for certification with Paulson Training Programs and the options fall into two distinct categories, 1) The Paulson School of Molding and 2) The Paulson International Certification and Standards Program. The programs both focus on developing a solid and broad understanding of plastics processing while also giving opportunity to advance in specific topics or skill sets. For injection molders, the two programs, PSM and PICSP can be a complement to each other or they can stand alone and provide internationally recognized certification standards of excellence.

Step One — Needs Analysis: the first step to any certification program with Paulson is to test the knowledge and get a comprehensive understanding of a person’s particular training needs. This is done with a simple and easy-to-access web testing product called SkillCheck. SkillCheck is a three-part online testing package that ranges from basic to advanced questions and covers a wide variety of topics. After completing the three tests (each is approximately 40 questions), a complete analysis is provided which includes the test taker’s scores, comparison to industry colleague results and a report including recommended training and certification packages.

Certification Program Overviews:

ProMolder 3 — this two-week, advanced program was designed for senior injection molding personnel who wish to become high-level technical experts and learn and implement the latest in cavity pressure and cavity temperature processing techniques. The class features 50% instruction/simulation time and 50% machine time. All attendees must pass pre and post tests to be admitted and receive certification at the end of the program which includes extensive machine testing. Successful candidates will develop robust processes using cavity pressure and temperature VPT techniques. Certified attendees will gain a solid understanding of part breakage, developing universal processing parameters, hot runner technology, process control and process monitoring using injection molded instrumentation. Applicable job titles: Engineers, Production Supervisors, High-level Technical Experts.

Train the Trainer — the final level of the PSM certification series in which successful ProMolder 3 graduates can become “certified” PSM instructors and learn how to teach the Paulson School of Molding methodology in their own facilities. The week-long program focuses on how to present the material, how to best work with various learning styles and how to support, reinforce and measure the success of implementing the program and methodologies company-wide. Companies can license the materials and receive on-going support from the Paulson School of Molding.

2. PICSP – Paulson’s International Certification & Standards Program (PICSP) — the PISCP program from Paulson is a comprehensive, self-paced certification program that gives global standardization and consistency to corporations. Through InSite360, Paulson’s web-enabled training tool, students are able to log on anytime, anywhere to the certification programs listed below. Students may take the courses and exams at a time that is convenient for them from anywhere in the world. All they need is a computer and internet access. Certification is earned by completing the body of knowledge in each package and successfully completing on-line exams (both pre and post exams). The exams and materials are all 100% secure and are timed to ensure maximum quality standards.

The following certification categories are available in the PICSP program:

General — the most basic of our certification programs. This level includes 22 hours of online course material featuring the following Paulson courses:

Basic Machine Operations (2 lessons, 2.5 hours) — a two-lesson introductory course describing molding machine parts and operation, operator responsibilities, safe practices and identifying part defects. It is ideal for all operators, entry-level employees, temporary employees, and even job candidates.

Practical Injection Molding (Basic Module) with SkillBuilder (5 lessons, 15 SkillBuilder lab lessons, 22 hours) — With this training on the fundamentals of injection molding technology, your employees will have a solid understanding of the basics in injection molding and can apply that knowledge right away in the SkillBuilder lab lessons. Course content includes parts of the molding machine, mold types, nature of plastics and machine operation.

Intermediate — geared for the process technician level role in plastics manufacturing facilities, this comprehensive certification program includes 15 lessons and 13 SkillBuilder lab lessons from the following Paulson courses:

Practical Injection Molding (Optimizing Module) with SkillBuilder (4 lessons, 7 SkillBuilder lab lessons, 13 hours) — Optimizing Machine Control Settings is the "hands-on" module of the Practical Injection Molding Series. This course analyzes ways to improve productivity through better control of the molding process. Discusses specific rules, procedures and explanations for optimizing machine control settings and operations.

Course Lessons:

Lesson 1 :: Setting Up for an Efficient Molding Run
Lesson 2 :: Optimizing Screw Control Settings
Lesson 3 :: Setting the Injection Controls for Maximum Productivity
Lesson 4 :: Maintaining Peak Efficiency & Solving Process Problems

SkillBuilder Lab Lessons:

Lesson 1 :: Optimizing Melt Temperature Molding an Amorphous Material
Lesson 2 :: Optimizing Melt Temperature Molding a Crystalline Material
Lesson 3 :: Optimizing Fill Time to Achieve Fastest Fill Possible
Lesson 4 :: Optimizing Part Dimensions Molding an Amorphous Material
Lesson 5 :: Optimizing Part Dimensions Molding a Crystalline Material
Lesson 6 :: Optimizing Part Weight to Achieve Minimum Plastic Usage
Lesson 7 :: Optimizing Mold and Melt Temperature to Achieve Most Efficient Cycle Time

Injection Molded Part Problems & Solutions with SkillBuilder (11 lessons, 6 SkillBuilder lab lessons, 18 hours) – this course is designed to train in the recognition and analysis of part defects including a description of machine control adjustments necessary to correct specific part defects. Topics include:  Voids, Sink Marks, Short Shots, Flash, Weld (Knit) Lines, Splay (Silver Streaks), Jetting, Burn Marks, Warp, Cracks and Part Breakage and Controlling Molded Part Dimensions.

Course Lessons:

Lesson 1 :: Voids
Lesson 2 :: Sink Marks
Lesson 3 :: Short Shots
Lesson 4 :: Flash
Lesson 5 :: Weld lines (Knit Lines)
Lesson 6 :: Splay (Silver Streaks)
Lesson 7 :: Jetting
Lesson 8 :: Burn Marks
Lesson 9 :: Warp
Lesson 10 :: Cracks and Part Breakage
Lesson 11 :: Controlling Molded Part Dimensions

SkillBuilder Lab Lessons:

Lesson 1 :: Solving a Burn Mark Problem
Lesson 2 :: Molding to Precise Dimensional Tolerances
Lesson 3 :: Controlling Flash on a Molded Part
Lesson 4 :: Solving Sink Marks on a Molded Part
Lesson 5 :: Identifying and Solving Voids in Molded Parts
Lesson 6 :: Minimizing Weldline Formation and Appearance

Expert/Engineer — a senior level certification program geared toward senior production and engineering personnel. This advanced package includes 5 hours of training from:

Practical Injection Molding (Expert Module) (5 lessons, 5 hours) — this course is designed for those wishing to be at the expert molding level.  The lessons focus on the relationship between machine controls and plastic behavior and how to optimize the molding cycle.

SkillBuilder Lab Lessons:

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Health & Safety — we have developed an important certification package just for safety to make sure your employees are up-to-date on all current safety requirements and operate in the most efficient and safe environment possible. There are hundreds of health and safety courses to choose from and this certification package includes 20 hours of training in various areas of safety including (but not limited to):

For a complete list of Health and Safety certification package options, speak with your Paulson representative.

Specialty — in addition to the above certifications, an individual may also add these specialty topics to their certification mix:

Decoupled Molding Certification (3 lessons, 5 hours) — a certification program focusing on process consistency by separating the molding process into three phases: filling, packing and cooling.

Course Lessons:

Lesson 1 :: Introduction to Decoupled Molding
Lesson 2 :: Decoupled Molding Techniques
Lesson 3 :: Establishing a Decoupled Molding Process

Design of Experiments Certification (3 lessons, 5 hours) — a certification program on how to design an experiment by explaining common terminology and exploring various design of experiment techniques. Co-authored with Launsby Consulting and features W.I.S.D.O.M. software and Launsby’s Design of Experiments for Injection Molding handbook.Course Lessons:

Master — the most advanced and comprehensive certification package available from Paulson, this program combines all of the PICSP certification packages into one program for a Master level certification.

Additional Information:

Exams: exams are conducted one of three ways:

Certification Requirements — all course post tests (all lessons) must have a 75% or higher score to pass and receive certification.

Certification Package — a successful candidate receives a comprehensive certification package with the following items:

• Professional Certificate with authentic certification number and appropriate signatures
• Leather bound certificate holder
• “Paulson certified” clothing (shirts, t-shirts and hats)
• Congratulatory letter from Paulson President, Scott Paulson
• Gifts
• Future training or certification program savings

Supporting Organizations — all Paulson certification programs support the body of knowledge presented by these industry organizations (and others):

SPE

SPI

NCP

GSPC