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Session Number: 2563

Development of a Plastic Injection Molding Processing Laboratory for Freshman Mechanical Engineering Technology Students

Jonathan A. Meckley, Fredrick A. Nitterright

Pennsylvania State University at Erie, The Behrend College

Introduction

As is the case with many educational institutions that offer a MET degree, an introductory course in manufacturing materials and processes is required. At Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, we offer first-year Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) students the introductory manufacturing materials and processes course. The course has both a lecture and laboratory segment. During the lab segment of the course, students have the opportunity to experience: material testing, plant tours, manufacturing processes, statistical process control, and inspection/measurement techniques.

With 10 PIM machines, 3 extrusion lines, 2 thermoforming machines, and 2 blow molding machines, Penn State Behrend has the largest educational plastic injection molding (PIM) laboratory in the country. Collaborative efforts were initiated between the Mechanical Engineering Technology and Plastics Engineering Technology departments to enhance the learning experience.

Resulting from the collaboration a decision was made to add a PIM laboratory to emphasize the lecture on plastic materials and processes. The PIM laboratory was developed to give the student an introduction to the PIM process, machine, mold and the effects of processing variables on the parts. Also, students would gain knowledge regarding the effects of part design on the process. Prior to the implementation of this lab, the students went on plant tours or were shown videos of the PIM process.

Learning Objectives

The Manufacturing Materials and Processes course exposes first-year MET students to common manufacturing processes and engineering materials. The PIM lab helps the students understand the relationship between processing parameters and part geometry. In the past, students were taken on tours of plastics facilities to show that technology. A cooperative agreement was made to use the Plastic Engineering Technology facilities for this lab thus enabling the replacement of

“Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education"

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Meckley, J., & Nitterright, F. (2005, June), Development Of A Plastic Injection Molding Processing Laboratory For Freshman Mechanical Engineering Technology Students Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14676