Last week, Asahi Kasei Plastics North America (APNA) and Asaclean Purging Compounds welcomed processors from across the region to our headquarters in Fowlerville, Michigan for a special “Purge Pro” Certification Tech Day.
The event brought together a select group of professionals from injection molding and extrusion facilities for a day of interactive learning, plant tours, and live technical demonstrations. The focus was simple but powerful: helping processors improve efficiency, reduce waste, and master the art of effective purging.
Learning from Experience
The day began with a classroom-style training session led by Asaclean’s Purging Experts, covering best practices for purging and color changes. Attendees learned practical techniques to minimize downtime, prevent contamination, and optimize material transitions.
The presentations also highlighted the science behind successful purging—why certain materials behave differently, how to identify root causes of processing issues, and how proper purge selection can save both time and money.
Participants received hands-on tips, discussed real-world challenges, and asked detailed questions tailored to their specific processes. The open and collaborative environment made it a valuable exchange between experts and peers.
Behind the Scenes at APNA
Following the morning session, guests toured APNA’s state-of-the-art compounding facility, getting an inside look at how high-performance engineering resins are developed and produced.
The tour provided context for how purging and processing discipline contribute to APNA’s manufacturing excellence. Visitors observed firsthand the quality, scale, and precision involved in producing materials used in industries such as automotive, electrical, industrial, and more.
From Theory to Practice
The highlight of the day came during the live demonstration portion, where attendees saw Asaclean’s products in action.
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Color change demos showed how a proper purge dramatically reduces changeover time.
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Screw pull exercises demonstrated how to tear down machines effectively, and how easily EX Grade peels off a screw.
Watching a machine transition cleanly from one color or resin to another—without streaking, contamination, or extended downtime—helped attendees connect classroom learning to tangible, measurable results.
Why Events Like This Matter
In an industry where every minute of downtime impacts profitability, knowing how to purge efficiently isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a competitive advantage.
Events like the Purge Pro Certification Tech Day allow processors to step away from day-to-day operations, learn from experts, and return to their plants with proven methods that improve productivity and consistency.
Looking Ahead
The feedback from this event was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to share that future Purge Pro Certification events are already being planned. These sessions will continue to focus on hands-on learning and direct engagement with processing professionals.
If your team is interested in attending a future Purge Pro event or learning more about Asaclean’s training opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Please reach out to our team to learn how to reserve a spot at the next session or to discuss on-site training options tailored to your facility.
If someone on your team isn’t yet convinced of the full value of purging, let us help. We’re happy to walk through the impact across your plant and show you how much more efficient, safer, and profitable things can be.
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