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Plastics Technology

The Plastics Technology program provides students with supervised applications of theory/lab principles, in addition to practical applications of safety, mold setting procedures, machine settings in relationship to the thermoplastic injection molding industry. This program covers material and machine conditions, mold repair/maintenance, injection mold design, thermoplastics and more. This program will also present a brief introduction to SMED (Single Minute Exchange Dies) followed by practical application(s) using equipment, tools and instruments found on the manufacturing floor.

Program Objectives
A graduate of the Plastics Technology Program will be able to:

• Demonstrate the concepts and techniques needed to succeed in the plastics industry.
• Know the basic functions of an injection mold machine.
• Demonstrate the basic skills of changes on the manufacturing floor with the material, injection mold machine, auxiliary equipment, process(es), and the environment which affects/influences molds.
• Be able to understand the troubleshooting of the injection mold/piece parts.
• The understanding of some main variables within the mold injection environment and the expected life of the mold.
• Having the exposure to scientific molding as it applies to thermoplastic molding applications.
• The basic safety, disassembly and assessment techniques of injection molds.
• Know the different phases in which plastic fills a mold.
• The different effects of mold conditions on part quality and the controlled effects of plastics.
• Provide continual improvement observations for product, process, material and tooling situations.
• Know what a PM program is for injection molds.
• Know the tool usage for mold disassembly and assembly for certain situations.

Courses Needed for Completion:

Basic Blueprint Reading
Course Code: BPR110

Course Description:
Program is geared towards the first time user. Emphasis will be on the fundamentals and the ability to form a mental picture of different views. Students will be asked to draw orthographic drawings, missing views and isometric views to enhance their understanding of prints.
Prerequisite: None

Technical Math I
Course Code: MAT100

Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce students to the mathematics utilized daily on the manufacturing/tool and die shop floor. Emphasis is on the contextual use of math utilizing blueprints, machining processes and measurement data. Students will progress through Basic Math, Algebra, Geometry, and receive primary exposure to the Trigonometry prevalent in the industry today.
Prerequisite: None

Practical Dimensional Inspection
Course Code: QCT200

Course Description:
This program is to introduce individuals to the necessary elements required to be effective in the use of precision gaging equipment utilized in manufacturing trades and tool and die industries. Instruction geared toward dimensional inspection techniques and your role as an inspector.
Prerequisites: Basic Blueprint Reading or Equivalent

Machine Technology
Course Code: MCH100

Course Description:
This program is the 4th in a series of four programs (First Step) to introduce individuals to the typical machine tools utilized in the precision manufacturing trades. Individuals will receive exposure to the manual machines utilized in most tool shops. Emphasis will be placed on the operating characteristics of the mill, lathe and surface grinder. Students will utilize the training from previous courses and apply that knowledge to machining and processes.
Prerequisites: Basic Blueprint Reading, Technical Math I and Practical Dimension and Inspection.

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Course Code: QCT110

Course Description:
This course focuses in on the interpretation of ASME Y-14.5M 1994 standards for engineered drawings.
Prerequisites: Basic Blueprint Reading or Equivalent

Technical Math II
Course Code: MAT200

Course Description:
Advanced mathematical problems utilizing geometric propositions of design and trigonometry to solve more complex machining problems such as compound angle analysis, G-code programming points and arc swings, roll dimensions and formula development.
Prerequisite: Technical Math I

Introduction to Mold Design
Course Code: MDT 100

Course Description:
This course is specifically targeted towards third and fourth year tool and die/machinist apprentices and entry level engineering personnel and as such is a condensed version of the full fledged Mold Design curriculum.
Prerequisites: First Step, Technical Math II or Equivalent

Introduction to Mold Set-Up
Course Code: IMP100

Course Description:
This course is designed for students with minor to no experience with molding machines or mold set-up. This course will apply theory and lab hours in conjunction with practical applications of safety, mold setting procedures, machine settings in relationship to the thermoplastic injection molding industry.
Prerequisites: First Step

Mold Maintenance/Repair
Course Code: IMP200

Course Description:
This course is specifically designed for students with little to no experience with molding machines or injection molds. This class will demonstrate the concepts and techniques using both theory and lab hours for applications of using equipment, tools and instruments found on the manufacturing floor. This course is an entry-level course that will demonstrate the techniques used in the injection molding industry.
Prerequisites: First Step and Introduction to Mold Design

Introduction to Mold Processing
Course Code: IMP300

Course Description:
This course applies theory with industry principles to discuss safety, injection mold set-up/processing, and the processing of common thermoplastics material (i.e. amorphous and semi-crystalline). This course also is designed for a student who has little or no experience with molding machines or the set-up process. It provides exposure of injection molding machine conditions, setting repair and economics in relationship to the plastics industry.
Prerequisites: First Step, Introduction to Mold Design, and Intro to Mold Set-up, or its equivalent.

Process Engineering
Course Code: IMP301

Course Description:
This class is an advanced class that is designed for entry-level students who have had little or no exposure to injection mold design, thermoplastic materials, injection molding machines, mold set-up and the processes of thermoplastic materials. This is a supervised lab/theory course that applies traditional and revolutionary approaches of theory coupled with industry principles with practical applications of the plastics industry. This course also discusses advanced concepts and will allow a student to enter the work force as an entry level process engineer upon successful completion of the course.
Prerequisites: First Step, Introduction to Mold Design, Intro to Mold Set-up (IMP100), and Intro to Mold Processing (IMP300) or its equivalent