Meet Paul Nugent, PhD, MEng

Mechanical Engineer

Paul Nugent is an independent, international expert working in the rotational molding industry. He specializes in the training of molders on a wide range of molding-related topics, conducting factory-wide assessments for the development of improvement plans and also in providing general advice and troubleshooting services for production related issues.

A native of Northern Ireland, he studied at The Queen’s University of Belfast where he received a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. His work on rotational molding began in 1987 resulting in the development of the principles and system of the process control device ROTOLOG and computer simulation models for the process (ROTOSIM). Work at the University involved development projects with companies both in Europe and the USA and offered Paul the opportunity to travel to many molders and gain insight into the industry.

In 1995, he and his wife Orla moved to the USA where he worked at Remcon Plastics, Inc. in Pennsylvania as Director of Technology until early in 2001. His responsibilities included operations, engineering, quality control and work using lean manufacturing techniques and how they might apply to a rotomolding plant. During his time at Remcon Plastics, he developed the continuous non-contact process control system known as IRT.

He has lectured worldwide on the subject of rotational molding and has written a number of papers on the subject. A member of the Association of Rotational Molders, he has served on several committees and the Board of Directors. He is a former member of the Materials Committee and chaired the Process, Equipment and Tooling Committee and the Cycle Time Reduction Committee.

His book, Rotational Molding: A Practical Guide, is the most comprehensive study on the process to date and offers both a review of the technology as reported in technical papers over 30 years and his direct experience working in a rotomolding environment.

His passion for rotational molding is matched only by one for travel and both he and Orla take the opportunity to visit friends in the industry around the world as often as possible. This international focus is one that he plans to continue and develop, with opportunities for connecting molders and suppliers around the globe.

 Professional Memberships

• Associate Member of the Institute of Materials (UK) (1990 - 2003) 
  
• Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (USA) (1995 - Present)
• Chairman of the Process, Equipment & Tooling and Cycle Time Reduction Committees for the Association of Rotational Molders (ARM) (2000 - 2001)
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Rotational Molders (2000)
• Member of the Process, Equipment and Tooling Committee of the Association of Rotational Molders (1997-2006)
• Member of the Materials Committee of the Association of Rotational Molders (1995-1997)
• Member of the Board of Directors of Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Rotational Molding Division (RMD) (1998 - Present)
• TOPCON (Topical Conference) Chairman SPE RMD (2003)
• Chairman of the Society of Plastics Engineers RMD (2005 - 2006)
• Contributing Editor for RotoWorld Magazine (2004 - Present)

Lectured and consulted on rotational molding technology and markets in Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, South America and North America on behalf of:

• The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (USA)
• Association of Rotational Molders (USA)
  
• Association of Rotational Molding Australasia
• Association of Rotational Moulders South Africa
• Associazione Italiana Stampaggio Rotazionale
• British Plastics Federation – Rotamoulders Group
• Society of Plastics Engineers – Rotational Molding Division
• The Rotomolding Committee of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association (RPC-CPPIA)
  
• Nordic Association of Rotational Moulders
• IberoAmerican Conferences
• StAR Association India
• ROTOPOL Poland
  

Education

Aug 1987 - Sep 1990
PhD in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering specializing in Rotational Moulding of Plastics. The Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Oct 1983 - Jun 1987
Master of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering with Professional Studies, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Useful Materials

Learn about books and software by Paul Nugent now.