Steve Parsons
Extrusion Consultant
Extrusion Consultant
Steve R. Parsons
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Technical professional with experience in extrusion processing, application and product development. Demonstrated track record of solving problems across a broad spectrum of polymer processing and engineering applications. Extensive knowledge of fluoropolymer processing and materials. Experienced in multilayer extrusion: film, tube, hose as well as particle size reduction and fine filler dispersion in extruded polymers. Expertise in extrusion processing and technology advancement to resolve complex issues in diverse processes and materials
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AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Lab scale, production | Resin and Additives | Technical consulting and troubleshooting Technology advancement | Test method development | NPI, NTI | Polymer Characterization
Project tools: C&E, DFMEA, DOE, MOC, Root Cause Forensics, Six Sigma, Statistical Analysis, Quality Review
Resins: PC, PET, PEN, PMMA, Polyurethane, Nylon 6, Nylon12, EVA, THV, ETFE, PFA, FEP, PLA, PVC, PE, Recycle, EPDM, Rubber
Analytical: Hands on: FT-IR, NIR, MFI, XRF, Capillary, Parallel Plate, and Extrusion Rheometers, RPA Rubber Rheometer, Optical Microscopy, TGA, % Volatiles, Tensile, Colorimeter, Haze guard, Moisture Analytical Testing, Fines Measurement, Filter Index Testing, OCS Film Inspection
Interpretive: DSC, Dielectric Testing, ICP, GPC, NMR, SEM
Additives: Carbon Black, Calcium Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Catalyst Stabilizers, Antioxidants
Software: Minitab, Proteus (Dielectric Testing Software), Polyworks (Inspection Software), Microsoft Office
Melt processing: Twin Screw and Single Screw Extrusion, Rubber Extrusion, Fluoropolymer Extrusion
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2006 - 2023
Large Manufacturing Company
St. Paul, MN
Manufacturing Technology Engineer 2018 - 2023
Senior Manufacturing Technologist 2014 - 2018
Advance Technologist 2010-2014
Technologist 2006-2009
PATENTS | ROI | AWARDS
Lab scale, production | Resin and Additives | Technical consulting and troubleshooting Technology advancement | Test method development | NPI, NTI | Polymer Characterization
Project tools: C&E, DFMEA, DOE, MOC, Root Cause Forensics, Six Sigma, Statistical Analysis, Quality Review
Resins: PC, PET, PEN, PMMA, Polyurethane, Nylon 6, Nylon12, EVA, THV, ETFE, PFA, FEP, PLA, PVC, PE, Recycle, EPDM, Rubber
Analytical: Hands on: FT-IR, NIR, MFI, XRF, Capillary, Parallel Plate, and Extrusion Rheometers, RPA Rubber Rheometer, Optical Microscopy, TGA, % Volatiles, Tensile, Colorimeter, Haze guard, Moisture Analytical Testing, Fines Measurement, Filter Index Testing, OCS Film Inspection
Interpretive: DSC, Dielectric Testing, ICP, GPC, NMR, SEM
Additives: Carbon Black, Calcium Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Catalyst Stabilizers, Antioxidants
Software: Minitab, Proteus (Dielectric Testing Software), Polyworks (Inspection Software), Microsoft Office
Melt processing: Twin Screw and Single Screw Extrusion, Rubber Extrusion, Fluoropolymer Extrusion
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2006 - 2023
Large Manufacturing Company
St. Paul, MN
Manufacturing Technology Engineer 2018 - 2023
- Led engineering team through installation of production filtration equipment for twin screw extruder line, resulting in yield improvements of 30% in film application.
- Oversaw project creating new stabilizer package for resin blend, resulting in particle reduction in film application while garnering 30% increase in film production yields and saving over $3M in resin manufacturing costs.
- Headed $500K project to install continuous screen changer on production film line, reducing changeover time and shutdown frequency.
- Solved extrusion production issue that increased yield from 40 to 70% and improved film haze and clarity, delivering estimated yearly savings of $850K.
- Led project to identify, procure, and recommend equipment for scale up of PLA resin program for film application.
Senior Manufacturing Technologist 2014 - 2018
- Led development and scale up of several NPI programs for film applications worth over $75M in annual sales. Served as team lead and developed extrusion process and test methods.
- Coordinated development of online rheometer to measure viscosity during processing and avoid critical shutdowns.
- Oversaw as Project team lead $200K purchase and installation of filter index test equipment. Enabling offline screening of resin prior to running in production
- Process development lead for resin reformulation for film application. Total value of over $300M in sales.
- Developed process for recycle flake application that does not impact resin viscosity. This allowed use of more recycle resin in final product, saving cost on resin.
Advance Technologist 2010-2014
- Executed resin development program that enables over $300M in sales. Served as team lead developing resin process, training other engineers and operators on process education, equipment training, material specifications, test method development and process troubleshooting guide.
- Orchestrated resin development and served as process expert for new resin program for film application worth over $40M in annual sales.
Technologist 2006-2009
- Led investigation into process issue that caused film defects and impacted production yield. Lead all experiments and corrected issue improving yields by 42%.
- Oversaw purchase of new R&D extrusion laboratory. Project cost was over $2M. Products developed in the lab led to a Return on Investment of over $400M in annual sales.
PATENTS | ROI | AWARDS
- US 6,533,955 Conductive Fluoropolymers
- US 6,827,881 Conductive Fluoropolymers
- US 7387750 Conductive Fluoropolymers
- 18 Records of Invention (ROI’s)