IT 112 - Materials for Plastics

Plastics Injection Molding Certificate Program
Industrial Technology

This course is an introduction to plastic materials. Students will learn through text, demonstration, and instructor
presentation how to select materials for production based
upon interpretation of process specifications. The students
gain an understanding of the properties of various materials and how those properties come into play when the material is processed.

200 lecture minutes per week for 15 weeks
4 credit hours

Plastics Technology
Second Edition, by Michaeli, Greif, Wolters, Vossburger

Subject material as selected by instructor.

Nathan N. Witkowski and Charles Kritz
February 12, 2004

1. To identify properties and classifications of materials for processing implications such as flow and treatment.
2. To interpret process specifications of materials.
3. To communicate pertinent technical data electronically.
4. To discuss recent technical developments in plastics affecting molds, materials, and processes.

1. To listen and speak effectively.
2. To read critically.
3. To write correctly and effectively.
4. To operate a computer.
5. To demonstrate a knowledge of the process of science and its product outcome.

1. Classify plastic materials.
2. Identify plastic by performing basic density tests.
3. Identify and select the correct plastic materials for use in product applications.
4. Basic knowledge and methods of how plastics are made.
5. Identify the physical properties of plastics.
6. Describe the major ways of processing, fabrication, and assembly of plastic materials.
7. Describe the methods of compounding.
8. Identify extrusion, thermoforming, and molding methods.
9. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of plastic welding, machining, and adhesive bonding.
10. Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret ASTM test standards.
11. Know the methods and importance of plastics recycling.

30% - Classroom participation and quiz preparation.
20% - Successful completion of homework assignments.
50% - Exams

J. Learning Resource Center:

Use of text Plastics Technology, classroom lecture, the internet, melt index test equipment, falling dart test equipment, tensile test equipment, and hardness testing equipment.

Weekly Information Presented:

1. Plastic Fundamentals
2. Raw materials, polymer synthesis, and methods of polymer synthesis
3. Bonding forces of polymers
4. Classification of plastics, review for exam
5. Exam, deformation behavior of plastics, and time-dependant behavior of plastics
6. Physical properties of plastics
7. Plastics fabrication and processing
8. Plastics compounding and fiber-reinforced plastics
9. Extrusion and injection molding, exam review
10. Exam, plastic forms, and thermoforming
11. Welding, machining, and adhesive bonding of plastics
12. Plastic products, waste disposal of plastics, and recycling of plastics
13. Make-up class, review for final exam
14. Review for final exam
15. Final exam, course evaluation