Injection molding knowledge for the production of the future

The injection molding industry is constantly evolving: new challenges, such as the shortage of skilled labor, continue to push us forward. Additionally, the technical expertise required for injection molding machines is continuously advancing.

Kathrin Neunteufel-Steyer, Head of Training at ENGEL in Austria, discusses the realignment of the training program with Boris Wen and Gabriel Cisneros from ENGEL’s Shanghai and Mexico locations.

Neunteufel-Steyer: The requirements of our customers have changed. One trigger for this is the shortage of skilled workers, which is now clearly noticeable in all areas. ENGEL is responding to this on various levels. In addition to our product range with more and more digital solutions, new service concepts and consulting offers, training plays a key role. We are expanding our training offer. There are no longer only standard training courses, but also more in-depth offers around injection molding knowledge. We call this "seminars with a broader view". For this, we are working even more closely with partners. In some countries we offer training with an independent certificate - and not just for ENGEL customers.

Wen: The range of topics covered in our training courses is broadening. We expect a lot from this, especially for our customers here in China. Plastics are being used in more and more areas and are replacing other materials. In addition, innovative technologies are opening up new possibilities for efficient, integrated production. These trends mean that processing technologies are becoming more complex. This is where we come in with our training offer. We support our customers in getting the most out of the production cell. Training is what gives the machine its soul.

Neunteufel-Steyer: Digitalization is not yet fully tangible for many processors. However, the use of intelligent assistance systems, for example, offers the possibility to produce in high quality. Even if qualified personnel are not present in every shift. On the subject of set-up, we have set up a new workshop where we instruct the training participants to optimize their set-up processes. We call this software solution set-up assistant . We have also expanded the range of products and services on the topics of sustainability and energy efficiency. In Europe, the question of how to reduce energy consumption in injection molding is increasingly determining competitiveness. Modern injection molding technology - especially in combination with digital solutions - offers great leverage. In our training courses, we provide the necessary injection molding knowledge and demonstrate the best ways to implement it in practice.

Wen: Set-up is also an important topic in China. Many companies have significant potential to simplify their processes. The digitalization trend is strongly reflected in our training programs – especially with a focus on energy efficiency. Digital assistance systems do a lot when it comes to saving energy.

Cisneros: For us in Latin America, the demand for injection molding knowledge on the topic of digitalization is strong, but the focus is different. Our customers are primarily concerned with the question of how production efficiency and productivity can be increased. However, energy efficiency is gaining more importance.

Cisneros: The main motivation to book a training course is the achievable process improvement thanks to additional injection molding knowledge. That's why we offer training on machine operation for specific process technologies. We are also developing new courses that strongly incorporate future-oriented topics. "Scientific Injection Molding" is a new training offer.

Wen: We place a strong focus on fundamental injection molding knowledge and troubleshooting in China. There is no standardized vocational training here like in Europe. In addition, the market is highly dynamic. So our customers have the challenge of constantly training new employees who previously did something completely different. We do training in our clients' companies - focused on what the staff there actually need.

Cisneros: We work a lot with knowledge tests. Based on the results, we work out a roadmap with the customer that shows the injection molding knowledge needs of the individual teams.

Neunteufel-Steyer: We often work closely with our clients' HR departments. On the one hand, when it comes to individually tailored training offers, but also for the selection of the right basic training courses. Individual training courses are often project related. The occasion may be the introduction of a new technology, for example. Some of these training courses take place directly at the customer's production site. However, some companies also decide to come to ENGEL's training center with their entire team so that the participants can concentrate solely on the training.

Neunteufel-Steyer: Yes, new topics are added that expand knowledge in injection molding. In autumn we will start with the " Green Production ". For the premiere, the conference will be held in Austria. The lectures and discussion rounds will be about energy saving and climate protection. Networking among the participants is very important at our conferences. Energy prices have risen immensely in Central Europe. This topic affects the entire industry, so the potential to benefit from exchanges with professional colleagues is great. Participants will take away many practical tips and acquire new injection molding knowledge that can be directly integrated into everyday life.

Neunteufel-Steyer: Partners from the education sector are an important building block for us to expand our training portfolio. In Central Europe, for example, we work with the SKZ in Würzburg and the KIMW in Lüdenscheid. There are also cooperations with Austrian educational institutions such as the FH Oberösterreich.

Cisneros: Vision - that's our motto here, too. We want to impart knowledge that goes beyond injection molding, ENGEL products and technologies. This is only possible with partners. In Mexico, for example, this is Langer Molds and Tools. When we have events on the topic of foam injection molding, speakers and trainers from Trexel are there.

Wen: That's how we do it in China, too. We invite partner companies from the fields of raw materials, toolmaking, or simulation to organize seminars and workshops together with us. For our customers, this makes participation even more colorful and valuable.