Materials and Processes

Students explore the world of manufacturing, based around a series of exciting hands-on projects involving injection moulding of thermoplastics. A simulated industrial scale plastics injection moulder allows teachers and students to investigate the operation of a large scale injection moulder. The module also includes V-MAT, our unique PC-based virtual materials test lab which allows students to test a wide range of engineering materials using standardized tests such as the Izod Impact Test or Brinell Hardness Test.

Topic areas include:

• Plastics 
• Design 
• Materials 
• Material Properties 
• Testing Properties of Materials 
• Injection Molding 
• Tools and Fabrication 
• Suitable Product Material 
• Waste, Recycling and Cost 
• Problem Solving – Door Knob
  

Activities include: 

• Investigate how plastics, woods and metals can be processed into spoons. 
• Research smart materials. 
• Investigate the molding process. 
• Measure the thermal characteristics of metals, plastics, woods and composites. 
• Measure the hardness, impact and tensile strengths of materials. 
• Investigate the causes of mold flash and shrinkage. 
• Research tools and fabrication processes used in manufacturing. 
• Select suitable materials for use in electrical cables. 
  Compare the costs of differently designed molded parts. 
• Design, prototype, test and evaluate a door knob.
  

Items supplied with ST350 ETP include:

• Thermoject 
• Thermoplastic granules 
• Materials & Processes accessory kit 
• Model door 
• Curriculum CD containing:
  on-screen student learning material
  on-screen instructor resources
  Instructor Guide (printable)