PLAS.1070 – INTRODUCTION TO PLASTICS ENGINEERING
Fall 2020 (TA: Nathan Maynard), Spring 2021 (hybrid), Fall 2021 (hybrid, TA: Zarek Nieduzak), Fall 2022 (TA: Matt Drew)
This course is designed to teach basic principles of technical drawing, fundamentals of design, fundamentals of computer aided design (CAD), dimensioning and tolerances. Basic concepts of manufacturing, rapid prototyping and 3D printing are covered. The lecture component covers theoretical information, and the lab component covers hands-on learning, where students learn to use a commercial CAD software.
PLAS.3730 – INTRODUCTION TO PLASTICS ENGINEERING
Spring 2019 (co-taught with Prof. Stephen Johnston, TA: Michael Shone), Spring 2020 (virtual, co-taught with Prof. Stephen Johnston, TA: Michael Shone), Spring 2021 (hybrid, TA: Michael Shone, Sean McDonald), Spring 2022 (TA: Matt Drew), Spring 2023 (TA: Matt Drew)
The course provides a comprehensive systematic approach to mold engineering and design, specifically focused on injection molds. Topics are presented in a top-down manner, beginning with significant design objectives and constraints followed by application specific analysis. Topics include: mold types and functions, mold layout, cost estimation, cavity filling, feed systems, gating, venting, cooling systems, shrinkage, ejector systems, and structural design. Junior status or permission of instructor. Includes laboratory experience in mold design and mold making.
PLAS.4150/4160 – CAPSTONE PROJECT I/II
Students, working in teams under the supervision of faculty members, select a project related to the field of plastics engineering, prepare a project charter considering constraints and mitigations, conduct experimental research, and propose potential project solutions.
Projects:
PLAS.5850 – COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING I
Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Fall 2020 (virtual), Fall 2021 (virtual), Fall 2022 (hybrid)
This course provides a fundamental approach to computer-aided engineering for plasticsprocessing. Emphasis is upon the theory and techniques of computer aided engineering asapplied to plastics processing problems, allowing students to understand the various assumptions and methods used to create the programs.
Micro Injection Molding: New Solutions for Manufacturing of Microscale and Nanoscale Plastic Products
March 2019
Micro injection molding is a recent technology used to manufacture plastics products characterized by either dimensions in the micrometer range or by the presence of micro- and/or nano-features on their topography. Its main applications are in the field of biomedics, microfluidics, electronics and sensors. This course will provided a comprehensive overview of the micro injection molding process, covering all aspects related to machines, mold design, processing and micro-parts characterization. The difference with conventional injection molding will be highlighted to provide an understanding of micro molding peculiarities. In addition, the course will cover the fundamentals of process control and optimization for micro injection molding. Different approaches to the manufacturing of micro and nano-scale plastic products will be presented. The attendees are expected to end the seminar with a complete understanding of the potential of this technology in several field of application.