Tom's Process Training Blog
During our apprenticeship, in
year three, we complete process training. This involves spending time in the
four main departments within the factory and getting an understanding of how
they work and what their contribution is to the final product.
I have just finished my placement
within the Lamination department. Whilst in each department we are asked to
research a specific technical project and also a production project which are
part of the department’s process. Whilst in Lamination I was asked to study the
hydraulics function and sequence of the short cycle press itself.
This included analysing the
hydraulic function and sequence of the lifting and lowering cylinders, as well
as the high pressure cylinders and the pre-fill system. To help my understanding
I studied timing diagrams and hydraulic schematic drawings, which gave me an
insight into the order of operations taking place with regards to the
hydraulics, during one cycle of the press.
• Lowering the press platen
• High pressure exerted onto the
board
• High pressure release
• Pre-fill
opening
• Lifting of the platen
I studied this in great detail by
actually watching the function of the press cycle and witnessing the energising
of each valve in sequence whilst following the hydraulic drawings and the
timing diagrams. It also helped a lot discussing the process with various
members of our maintenance staff, to gain their knowledge/experience and support
my understanding and findings.
At the end of each placement we
present our findings, in the form of two PowerPoint presentations, to the
Managers of each section, alongside the Engineering Manager, the Mechanical and
Electrical Engineers and our onsite Apprentice trainers.
Therefore with all the knowledge
that I had gained over the first three weeks, from previously having little
understanding or experience of the department I was able to successfully
compile my two 20 minute presentations which made reference to valves and
solenoids within the system. These presentations along with the addition of
some small animations, allowed for me to thoroughly describe the function of
the hydraulics within the press to the managers, and therefore confirm the
knowledge that I had gained during that section of my process training.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog, next week we will focus on the work that our 4th year apprentices have been doing whilst on shift training.
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