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52 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2020 bility of overseeing the successful running of the process. In some of the smaller operations, the position of process engineer is absent. The duties of the process engineer are performed by the production manager, who is assisted by lab personnel, as well as the supplier tech ser- vice engineer. Special training is also needed for the pro- duction floor personnel, like the platers, who run the process during their shifts. Training on inspection techniques is paramount to en- sure that the parts meet in-house QC require- ments. A competent, well-trained plater is the gatekeeper for the product coming off the line. They are always the first to recognize any de- viance in product quality. Training of lab personnel on specific analyti- cal techniques is needed to ensure proper anal- ysis and replenishment of the different compo- nents of the bath. This is particularly critical if a new analytical tool is introduced into the lab. Setting up the new tool becomes the respon- sibility of the supplier technical service team. Lab personnel are trained on the setup and maintenance of controllers that are installed on the line. The lab personnel are also trained in setting up dosing systems that may be need- ed to maintain a steady-state operation. The lab usually has the responsibility for determin- ing the end of life of a bath and scheduling a dump and remake. The lab also oversees the makeup of the new bath. Communicating the proper operation of any chemical process is critical to the success of the operation. This is achieved by the success- ful training of different personnel in the pro- duction shop by the supplier team. Continuous monitoring of the setup is equally important, and retraining is always needed as changes in equipment, product requirements, or person- nel occur. PCB007 George Milad is the national accounts manager for technology at Uyemura. To read past columns or contact Milad, click here. operating ranges and the expected outcome. They also supply procedures to analyze and replenish the electrolyte during its use, as well as schedules for dump and remake of electro- lytes. Electrolyte or bath life is mainly deter- mined by the buildup of by-products that will eventually interfere with the functionality of the chemistry. The supplier also specifies the type of equip- ment and any specific controllers or dosing pe- ripherals that are needed for their proprietary system to work. With all this complexity, a well-trained user is a must for success and for achieving the desired end result. Suppliers have training experts available to their customers. This begins with sales, and eventually, the burden of training falls on the shoulders of the technical service engineer in the lab (in-house) or in the field or at the site. In-House Training Most suppliers have laboratories and dem- onstrate chemical processes set up in their facility. In most cases, a lead person (plater, engineer, or manager) from the buyer would spend a day or two being trained by the ap- plication engineer. Training involves a hands- on demonstration of the process and may also entail training on the analytical methods used to control the chemistry of the electrolyte for replenishment and continuous successful op- eration. The trainer becomes an important re- source to the user as different situations arise that may include product evolution, increased capacity, or the addition of new equipment or personnel. Onsite Training Onsite training is the other side of the coin. Here, the regional sales and technical service engineer conduct the training. In this setup, there is ample opportunity to train different in- dividuals as needed. Onsite training involves adapting the user's equipment and personnel to the process being installed. Onsite training covers different individuals or groups in the shop. It starts with the process engineer who assumes the primary responsi-