Course Overview
The course presents an in-depth coverage of the injection molding process and equipment. The molding cycle and set-up parameters, along with the processing variables and their effect on the molded plastic product quality are discussed in detail. The course covers the major components, types, functions, operation and specifications of the injection and clamping units of an injection molding machine. Basic principles of the process control technology and closed loop feedback systems will also be discussed. Furthermore, the students will learn the calculation methods, based on rules of thumb and formulas, used in determining: the clamping force and shot size required to mold a certain plastic product, the admissible force and stress that can be exerted on the mold and on the machine platens during the injection cycle. The students will become familiar with major types of plastic resins used in the injection molding industry, with discussions focusing on processing case-studies analysis. The rheological properties of thermoplastics under various processing conditions will also be investigated in the lab. Considerable laboratory time will be spent learning to efficiently set-up and operate production scale injection molding equipment.
Prerequisite(s)
Credits
3.0
- Retired
- This course has been retired and is no longer offered. Find other Flexible Learning courses that may interest you.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the injection molding process.
- Identify the steps, sequence and defining process of an injection molding cycle.
- Describe the components of the injection unit.
- Explain the relationship between melt pressure, hydraulic pressure and cavity pressure.
- Calculate shot size for various materials.
- Describe the components of the clamping unit.
- Determine the clamping force.
- Identify injection molding machine safety concerns.
- Describe the components and their function of an injection mold.
- Select plastic material based on desired characteristics.
- Discuss the weight, size and distribution of polymer molecules and their effect on resin properties.
- Conduct a test using a Spiral Flow Test Mold.
- Discuss options in material handling for injection molded parts.
- Setup and operate an injection molding machine.
Effective as of Winter 2008
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.