Erie Community College
Plastics Certificate Program

Reviewed 9/23/04

COURSE OUTLINE

A. Unit Code and Suggested Title:

IT 214 - Plastics Processing II

 
B. Curriculum/Program:

Plastics Injection Molding Certificate Program
Industrial Technology

 
C. Catalog Description:

The course is a continuation of Plastics Processing I focusing on the injection molding process. The rheology of the polymer within the mold is emphasized using transducers and data acquisition methods. Advanced processing techniques (scientific or decoupled injection molding) are explored to better control the injection molding process. Methods to minimize the effects of differential shrinkage, differential cooling, and orientation effects of the polymer are discussed to produce more accurate parts. The use of injection molding simulation (Moldflow®) in the product and process design phases is explored as a means to optimize the molding process. Lectures are reinforced with hands-on laboratory experiments.

 
D. Number of Class Periods and
... Credit Hours:

100 lecture minutes per week for 15 weeks
100 lab minutes per week for 15 weeks
3 credit hours

 
E. Suggested Text(s):

To be determined

 
F. Prepared By:

Gary Victor, December 2003

 
G. Program Competencies:
  1. To recognize properties of categories of materials for processing implications such as flow and treatment.
  2. To interpret process specifications of materials.
  3. To set up a process accounting for relevant variables on an injection mold press.
  4. To execute a plastic manufacturing process on an injection mold machine and peripherals.
  5. To generate a part and recognize whether or not it is acceptable.
  6. To discuss recent technical developments in plastics affecting molds, materials, and processes.

 
... General Education Competencies:
  1. To listen and speak effectively.
  2. To read critically.
  3. To write correctly and effectively.
  4. To apply appropriate mathematical procedures and quantitative methods.
  5. To identify and logically analyze problems and issues and to propose and evaluate solutions.
  6. To form reasoned value judgments.

 

H. Course Objectives: At the end of the course, the student should:
  1. Understand the flow and thermal mechanics of filling an injection mold.
  2. Be able to incorporate transducers within the injection mold to use as a feedback method for controlling the molding process.
  3. Be able to develop an injection molding process using the scientific or de-coupled method of processing.
  4. Understand and implement processing methods to control shrinkage.
  5. Utilize plastic injection molding simulation as a tool to develop injection mold tooling and process.

 
I. Assessment of Student Learning:

20% - Homework Assignments
25% - Lab Write-Ups
20% - Lab Practical
35% - Exams

 

J. Learning Resource Center:

Other Support:

  1. Injection Molding: An Introduction
    by Gerd Potsch and Walter Michaeli, Hanser Gardner Publications
  2. Plastics: Materials and Processing
    Second Edition, by A. Brent Strong, Prentice Hall
  3. Successful Injection Molding: Process, Design, and Simulation
    by J. P. Beaumont, R. Nagel, and R. Sherman
  4. Fundamentals of Injection Molding
    Second Edition, by William J. Tobin, ISBN 0936994193

 
K. Lecture/Laboratory Outline:

Weekly Information Presented:

  • Introduction - 4 weeks
    1. Plastics processing
    2. Plastics
    3. Tooling and equipment
  • Injection molding processing - 4 weeks
    1. Process definition
    2. Processing variables
  • Injection molding - 6 weeks
    1. Process optimization
    2. Machine set-up
    3. Troubleshooting defects
    4. Process qualification
  • Plastics processor tour - 1 week

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