SPE WORKSHOP: Troubleshooting the Injection Molding Process

  SPE Workshop

Troubleshooting the Injection Molding Process

  February 2, 3, 5, & 6, 2026
  All Workshop sessions are from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET.
  Online

Troubleshooting the Injection Molding Process

  Summary

The injection molding process can seem complex with countless adjustments that will determine whether a process can produce an acceptable part. Organizations are struggling to find and train technical staff with the ability to problem solve. This workshop will aim to help organizations and their staff understand how to effectively resolve issues in the injection molding process. The benefits of effective and methodical troubleshooting can include reduced downtime, increased efficiency, reduced scrap and nonconformances, and improved quality. The workshop will focus on troubleshooting in two primary areas of the injection molding process. The first being the new mold build. Defining and addressing potential issues before a mold is released into production can lead to an efficient and successful tool launch. Using strategic tools, like process development and design of experiments, can determine what outputs achieve critical to quality criteria. The second focus will concentrate on the production aspect of the molding process. These are issues that arise on molds and processes that are already in production. Here we will focus on the 5 M’s (Man, Material, Mold, Method, and Machine) of troubleshooting which will help rectify downtime and defects. This strategic approach will teach staff how to identify the root cause quickly, establish a fix for the issue, and create preventative measures so the problems no longer arise.

  Agenda

February 2, 2026
  Session 1
Duration: 1 Hour
February 3, 2026
  Session 2
Duration: 1 Hour
February 5, 2026
  Session 3
Duration: 1 Hour
February 6, 2026
  Session 4
Duration: 1 Hour
 

If you can't attend one or several sessions live, or if you want to review some concepts, the recordings will be available after each session.

  Registration Information

SPE Premium Member$540
SPE Members$600
Nonmembers$800

 
4 Sessions
 
Level: Intermediate
 
Total Hours: 4 Hours
 
Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers

  Instructor

Marty Key
Head Trainer & Consultant
Zag
  LinkedIn

Marty Key is a 24-year veteran of the injection molding industry. He began his career as a 2nd shift mold technician, working his way into supervisor, managerial, engineering, training, and consulting roles. Along the way Marty earned an Associate’s Degree in Plastics Manufacturing Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering.

Marty has worked in a variety of industries including automotive, packaging, and medical. He has had a very hands-on approach to his career. Starting as a technician, he understands the challenges and needs from a real-world technical approach. His extensive career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of the field. Marty's career is characterized by a strong focus on process optimization and new tool development. His technical proficiency encompasses scientific molding, tool validation, and the development and execution of comprehensive validation protocols, Marty’s dedication to the field, combined with his robust technical and managerial skills, positions him as an asset in any injection molding operation. His comprehensive background and proven record of success make him a distinguished professional in his industry."


  Questions? Contact:

For questions, contact Iván D. López.


  Who Should Attend?

Process engineers responsible for designing and optimizing injection molding processes who want to enhance troubleshooting skills. Professionals responsible for the maintenance and repair of injection molding machines and molds, seeking in-depth knowledge to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.

Production managers overseeing injection molding operations who want to improve overall efficiency and reduce downtime by addressing problems promptly.

Quality control professionals focused on injection molded products, where troubleshooting skills are essential for maintaining product quality and consistency.

Individuals working in the broader plastics industry who want to deepen their understanding of injection molding processes and troubleshooting techniques.

  Why Should You Attend?

  • Do you find yourself constantly adjusting process parameters, yet struggling to produce consistent, high-quality molded parts?
  • Are you dealing with frequent machine downtime, excessive scrap, or customer complaints that damage your reputation and profitability?
  • Do you want to gain the skills needed to identify root causes faster, fix problems efficiently, and prevent them from recurring?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, this workshop is for you.

Everyday Problems You’ll Address:

  • Why do injection molding processes often produce inconsistent parts, even under the same setup?
  • How can I reduce downtime and eliminate costly defects or non-conformances?
  • What can I do to detect and solve issues before a new mold even reaches production?
  • How can I use tools like Design of Experiments (DOE) to improve part quality and process capability?
  • What’s the best way to troubleshoot recurring problems in running molds using the 5 M’s (Man, Material, Mold, Method, and Machine) framework?
  • How do I train my team to think systematically and make data-driven adjustments instead of trial-and-error guesses?

Why This Workshop Matters:

Injection molding is one of the most powerful manufacturing processes—but also one of the most complex. A single variable can mean the difference between a perfect part and a costly reject.

This workshop gives you a structured, proven approach to troubleshooting at every stage of the molding process—from new tool launches to ongoing production. By mastering these methods, you’ll not only improve consistency and efficiency—you’ll help your organization deliver better products, faster, with fewer defects and less waste.


This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.

Refund Policy

Full refund 30 days prior to the event start date. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.

Copyright & Permission to Use

SPE may take photographs and audio/video recordings during the conference, pre-conference meetings and receptions that may include attendees within sessions, networking areas, exhibition areas, and other areas associated with the conference both inside and outside of the venue. By registering for this event, all attendees are providing permission for SPE to use this material at its discretion on SPE's websites, marketing materials, and publications. SPE retains ownership of copyright to all photographs and audio/video recording obtained at this event and attendees may request copies of any material in which they are included.

Anti-Trust Statement

  1. No discussion among members, volunteers, or staff, which attempts to arrive at any agreement regarding prices, terms or conditions of sale, distribution, volume, territories, or customers;
  2. No activity or communication which might be construed as an attempt to prevent any person or business entity from gaining access to any market or customer for goods or services or any business entity from obtaining services or a supply of goods;
  3. No activity or communication which might be construed as an agreement to refrain from purchasing or using any materials, equipment, services or supplies of or from any supplier; or
  4. No other activity which violates anti-trust or applicable laws aimed at preventing unfair competition.
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