The knowledge base in the aluminum industry is shifting as many of the experts and leaders in extrusion, rolling, and casting are moving toward retirement. SMS group is working to combat this knowledge gap by providing its training programs which aim to help operations improve the competence of their employees. For the U.S., the company is offering two courses for extrusion press operators — Mechanical Maintenance Training and Hydraulic and Controls Training. These courses are held at Arkansas Northeastern College, which provides an excellent technical learning environment, and are presented by personnel sharing their 30+ years of experience building and maintaining extrusion presses. New courses are being offered in both the Spring and Fall of 2019.
Mechanical Maintenance Training: This course focuses on an overview of topics related to the proper maintenance of extrusion presses through classroom lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Topics range from understanding press documentation to a complete review of press subassemblies, such as tie rods and nuts, platen, main cylinder, billet loader, die changer, and butt shear. Participants engage in hands-on activities, such as packing and seal replacement, billet loader, butt shear and container assembly and adjustments, and pump tuning on actual press subassemblies. Other topics include a look at filters and strainers, pre-fill valves, manifold systems and cartridge valves, main, auxiliary and seal pumps and of course, overall best practices for press alignment and maintenance.
Hydraulic and Controls Training: This course will provide an understanding of valve and pump types and operation, insight into the hydraulic diagram and symbols, a detailed review to enhance understanding of individual circuits of the extrusion press, and troubleshooting and maintenance tips. It will also look at control circuits and tuning for valves and pumps, general hydraulic maintenance, and basic PLC troubleshooting techniques.
Participants for each class receive a certificate of completion from SMS group after successfully passing an exam indicating an understanding of the class concepts.
Editor’s Note: For more information on exact dates and how to register, contact John Bergman at john.bergman@ sms-group.com.