Central Community College Plastics Programs and Activities

Craig Potthast, a Plastics Trainer and Coordinator at Central Community College, with a student in the plastics lab.

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is proud to highlight our current partner, Central Community College (CCC) in Nebraska, and its plastics injection molding program. Program Director Karl Anderson and his team have been participating in numerous outreach opportunities to showcase their upcoming programming as follows:

• The "Fundamentals of Systematic Molding" is a 4-day workshop offered multiple times in 2026. It is the cornerstone of RJG training, combining classroom instruction with interactive machine investigations to teach a machine-independent process, data-driven improvements, and troubleshooting in plastic injection molding. The course is suitable for anyone involved in the injection molding process, covering topics such as mold design, plastic properties, and instrumentation strategies. It costs $2,045 and is led by RJG Qualified Trainers Craig Potthast and Karl Anderson.
  

• "Injection Molding Essentials" is a foundational 2-day course with no scheduled classes at this time. It focuses on understanding the injection molding process, covering the nature of plastics, basic molding, and common quality defects. The cost is $845, and it is ideal for those new to injection molding.
  

• The "Decoupled Molding Workshop" spans 3 days and is scheduled several times in 2026. It provides hands-on machine time to reinforce methodologies learned in Systematic Molding. The workshop aims to improve processes using data-driven methodologies and includes a student report-out with ROI data. Prerequisites include prior attendance at a Systematic Molding course. The cost is $1,545.
  

• "Master Molder 1" is an intensive 2-week training offered multiple times in 2026. It teaches strategic plastic injection molding methods for entry-level technicians, with a focus on developing a Decoupled II process. The cost is $4,495.
  

• The "Part and Mold Design" workshop is a 4-day training scheduled for April 21-24, 2026. It covers strategic injection molding methods and the development of a Decoupled II process. The cost is $1,945, and it is taught by RJG Instructor Cory Hoeppner.

2025 Cohort for CCC Plastics Bootcamp.

Below, you can download the PDF flyers for Plastics programs for your outreach needs. Do not hesitate to contact Central Community College for more information.

Plastics Bundle Flyer 2026 (summer-fall 2026).pdf

Download PDF • 197KB

flyer summer 2026.pdf

Download PDF • 1.07MB

Karl Anderson, Director of Plastics Injection Molding Program and Lab at Central Community College, is molding on a 1949 Van Dorn (machine presented by Penn State Behrend: Plastics Training Academy), at Plastics Technology EXPO 2026.

At the annual Plastics Technology EXPO, CCC Plastics Injection Lab director Karl Anderson immersed himself in state-of-the-art machinery and advanced materials. The event highlighted innovations that can significantly enhance plastics manufacturing processes. Attendees had the chance to engage with exhibitors showcasing the latest developments in injection molding, including high-speed machines, automation solutions, and smart manufacturing tools that streamline production and reduce waste.

The event provided Central Community College with a range of applications and resources to enhance its outreach and curriculum. Workshops and seminars led by industry experts provide insights into best practices and emerging trends. These sessions covered a range of topics, from process improvement techniques to the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies. In addition to the technological advancements and process applications, PTXPO is an exceptional venue for forging industry connections, allowing professionals to meet and collaborate with peers, suppliers, and potential clients.