Bachelor of Science Course Description
Plastics Engineering Technology
ETPL1100 Plastics Manufacturing (3) An introductory overview of the different plastic resins, processing methods and terminology. Lectures cover different types of plastic, identification tests, polymerization, molecular growth, and processing methods. Laboratory experiences in extrusion, injection, thermoforming, compression, and other molding and fabricating operations. 3 lecture hours; $ET
ETPL1120 Software Tools for Technology (3) Utilization of computer hardware and a high level programming application (Mathcad®) to create worksheets, functions, 2D and 3D plots, graphics and interactive operations to develop computer programs for technology applications. 3 lecture hours; $ET
ETPL2200 Plastics Processing 1 (Extrusion/Injection Molding) (4) Basic topics in the processing of thermoplastic resins, Basic topics in extrusion prcessing. Hands-on operation in the study of the extrusion of thermoplastic resins. Hands-on operation of injection modling machines and introduction to principles of injection molding processing of thermoplastics. 3 lecture 3 lab hours; Prereq ETPL1100; $ET
ETPL 2220 Plastics Processing 2 (Blow Molding/Compression Molding/Rotational Molding/Thermoforming/Finishing) (4) Basic topics in the processing of thermoplastic resins. Basic topics in blow molding processing. Hands-on operation in the study of the blow molding of thermoplastic resins. Basic topics in rotational molding. Study of basic topics involved with thermoforming area of processing and the study of plastics manufacturing methods. Includes secondary operations such as printing, plating, cementing, stamping, and other decoration finishing operations. 3 lecture hours 3 lab hours; Prereq ETPL2200; $ET
ETPL2230 Properties of Polymers 1 (4) Introduction to the molecular structures, molecular mass distributions, tacticity, thermal transitions, and morphology of commercial, synthetic polymers, and their relationships to preperties (from an applications standpoint). Describes of the polymerization mechanisms: step and chain growth, plus the industrial processes utilized for the manufacture of polymers: bulk, suspension, dispersion, interface, and emulsion, including the mechanisms of the current catalyst systems: Ziegler-Natta and metallocene. Extensive coverage of both the amorphous and crystalline states is provided. The viscoelastic charactersistics of polymers are explained and modelled. The curing kinetics of thermoset polymers will be investivated. The lab component includes the characterization and testing of polymers, using differential scanning calorimetry and capillary rheometry, plus the Instron and Izod Impact testing machines. 3 lecture 3 lab; Prereq: Math2210, Chem1142; $ET
ETPL 2235 Statistical Process/Quality Control 1 (4) Introduction to basic statistical theory; probability models for discrete and continuous random variables: their probability distributions and probility density functions. Sampling distributions for the mean, variance, and ratios of variances. Hypothesis testing of means, variance, proportions, differences between means, and ratios of variances. The development and analysis of control charts for variables and attributes. Linear regression theory. Application of Taguchi's 2-level designed experiments to polymer processing. Prereq: Math 2110; $ET
ETPL3320 Plant Layout and Cost Analysis (4) Introduces atomic packing factors, crystal structures, Bravais lattices, and unit cells. Briefly explains chemical thermodynamic concepts: entropy, Gibbs and Helmholtz free energy, and applies these to the entropic theory of rubber elasticity. The theory for computing the stress distribution in fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) is developed, allowing prediction of their properties. Provides the Van der Waals interaction potentials required to understand intermolecular forces, and interactions between particles. Introduces the Young-Laplace equation, plus Gibb's concept of an interface, in order to explain capillarity, and other interfacial phenomena. Developes the basic concepts of 2D stress analysis in order to describe failure mechanisms of polymers and composites. Investigates the structures and properties of thermoplastic elastomers and developing polymers. Prereq: Math2120, ETPL2230; $ET
ETPL3335 Statistical Process/Quality Control 2 (4) Analysis of variance and the basic theory of experimental design: completely randomized, randomized block, and Latin Square designs. Factorial and fractional factorial designs, with application to polymer processes. Multiple linear reqression, using matrix methods. Optimization theory with applications to polymer processing. Acceptance sampling techniques: operating characteristic curves. The testing and evaluation of product reliability. Introduction to the concepts of linear programming: the Simplex method will be applied to the solution of transportation and assignment problems, plus network flow models. PERT/CPM techniques, probabilistic (Bayesian) models, and decision trees. Prereq: ETPL2235; $ET
ETPL3345 Advanced Processing 1 (4) Application of the laws of conservation (mass, momentum, energy) to poylmer processing: using fluxes and differential volume elements yields the 1-D, steady-state transport equations. Steady-state flows in simplified geometries: within circular cross-sections; between parallel plates. Explores the phenomena occurring in the three sections of a single-screw extruder. Application of the power law model to more accurately describe the rheological behavior of polymers in continuous polymer processing operations: wire coating, pipe, profile, cast and blown film, plus calendering (to form sheet). Prereq: ETPL1100 & 2230; $ET
ETPL3360 Plastic Part and Mold Design 1 (4) Study of thermoplastic and thermoset part designs. Assigned projects develop an understanding of design parameters. Emphasis is placed on combining several areas of knowledge to design plastic parts. Design and analysis of plastic parts made using thermoplastic injection molds, extrusion dies, and blow molding using Moldflow Design and Analysis and CAD programs. Includes geometric dimensioning, cams, and other special techniques. 4 lecture hours; Prereq ETPL2200; $ET
ETPL 3370 Plastic Part and Mold Design 2 (4) Continuation of ETPL3360. 4 lecture hours; Prereq ETPL3360; $ET
ETPL4445 Advanced Processing 2 (4) Applies the theory developed in ETPL3345 to unsteady-state (cyclic) polymer processes: blow-, injection-, rotational-, and compression molding, plus thermoforming. Explores unsteady-state heat transfer in injection-, rotational-, and blow-moulding processes in greater depth. Introduces additional concepts in stress analysis; the mechanical behavior of shells; bending of beams, and applies these to the prediction of the mechanical behavior of polymers in a variety of applications, inlcuding snap fit connections. Prereq ETPL3345; $ET
ETPL4470 Part and Mold making and Foams (4) Capstone design class for the plastic curriculum. Students learn CNC programming and basic knowledge to contruct a mold for a plastic part. Mold is constructed for design developed and analyzed in ETPL3360, 3365, and 3370. Study of assembly, machining, and molding of plastic parts. Also covered will be the processing of plastic foams. Topics include fundamentals of foaming plastics; extruded foams; EPS; poyyurethane foams; the Mucell Process. 4 lecture hours; Prereq ETPL 3370; $ET
ECTO2225 Supervision and Occupational Safety for Industrial and Engineering Technologists (3) Introduces the attributes and skills necessary to be an effective team builder, communicator, supervisior, or manager necessary leadership positions in industrial and high technology organizations. Introduces industrial safety, occupational health issues, accident prevention, working conditions, provisions and policies of OSHA. Course includes OSHA general industry requlations that apply to business, manufacturing, and service Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC's) and the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Voluntary Compliance Program. 3 lecture hours; $ET
