Polymer
Processing Module
Outcomes
1. Be able to compare (similarities
and differences, advantages and disadvantages) between the various polymer
processing techniques
2. Be able to connect the scientific
principles, engineering challenges, and non-technical (business, safety etc) for each polymer processing technique.
Preparation
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Chapter
13 of the text focuses on Polymer Processing, the introduction (before Section
13.1) is an excellent overview. I think that Section 13.1 can be summarized as
follows: 1) viscosity (or syrupiness) decreases exponentially with temperature,
and the viscosity for a pseudo-plastic at constant temperature decreases as
strain rate increases. Although Section 13.2 is a great description of polymer
extrusion, Section 13.2.2 is beyond the scope of this course. As you examine
Figure 13.4 and the associated text compare the process with die casting, and
extrusion (bulk processing). As you examine Figure 13.9 and the associated text
consider the shrinkage associated with casting. Sections 13.3 and 13,4 should
be read in their entirety. As you examine the figures and associated text
consider the versatility of polymer processes. Section 13.6 should be read in
its entirety as injection molding is one of the most important manufacturing
processes. As you read this section compare injection molding to extrusion and
die casting. Sections 13.9 and 13.10 should be read in their entirety. As you
examine the casting of polymers compare it to the casting of metals.
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Prior
to viewing the injection molding video from the text please review the polymer
extrusion videos from YouTube: extrusion basics, and extrusion
applications. Although the
injection molding video, from the text starts out slow within 30 or so
seconds you will see the application of the fundamental principles of injection
molding applied. The thermoforming
video on YouTube is one of the best descriptions of thermoforming I have
seen. Although the YouTube Video on blow molding has no
sound, the close captioning is great.