PLAST 131 - Introduction to Plastic Processing

Credits: 3
Lecture Contact Hours: 2
Lab Contact Hours: 1
Description: This course provides an understanding of the different processing technologies associated with producing a finished part from plastic materials. The student will learn about the different molding processes, including injection, compression, blow molding, extrusion, thermoforming and composite manufacturing.

Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended: None.

Course Category: Occupational
This Course is Typically Offered: Fall, Winter
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Course Competencies

Explain the different thermoplastic processes.
Differentiate the advantages and limitations of various plastic material processes.
Explain how material selection and part design determines plastic processing techniques.
Explore plastic processing equipment designs.
Explain how changing the injection molding process parameters impacts part quality.
Explain how changing the extrusion process parameters impacts part quality.
Explain how changing the blow molding process parameters impacts part quality.
Explain how changing the compression molding process parameters impacts part quality.
Explain how changing the thermoforming process parameters impacts part quality.
Identify common plastic processing defects.
Resolve processing defects by applying standard troubleshooting methods.
Explore secondary/decorating plastic processing methods.
Describe advanced plastic processing techniques.
Adhere to plastics industry safety guidelines.