Improve Workforce Efficiency

Course #: 5011
Duration: 10 hours (includes 1 test)
Prerequisites:

• Practical Measurements (Block X22)

Course Objectives:

• Chemistry and Matter
• Chemical and Physical Changes
• Chemical Classification of Matter, Elements, Compounds, Mixtures
• Atoms and Molecules
• Dalton’s Atomic Theory
• Atomic Weights
• Molecular Weights
• Electron Theory of the Structure of the Atom
• Study of Electrons, Protons, Neutrons, Atomic Structure of Elements
• Fundamen- tal Laws of Chemistry
• Laws of Conservation of Matter and Energy
• Law of Definite Proportions
• Valence Formulas
• Equations
• Typical Problems in Chemistry
• Solutions
• Metals, Nonmetals, Acids, Bases, and Salts
• Ions and Theory of Ionization
• Conductivity, pH, Electrolysis, Electroplating
• Periodic Grouping of the Elements
• Properties and Uses of Metallic and Nonmetallic Elements and Their Compounds
• Nuclear Energy
• Organic Chemistry
• Structural Formulas, Hydrocarbons, Fatty Acids, Carbohydrates, Aromatic Compounds, Plastics

Course #: 5017A-B
Duration: 20 hours (includes 2 tests)
Prerequisites:

• Elements of Chemistry (5011)

What Students Learn:

Part 1 (5017A). Properties and Structural Theory; Principles of Homology; Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Dienes, Alicyclic Hydrocarbons.

Part 2 (5017B). Benzene; Arenes, Alcohols; Phenols, Alkyl Halides, Ethers, Carboxylic Acids; Aldehydes; Ketones; Amines.

Course #: 686E1
Duration: 40 hours (includes 8 tests)
Prerequisites:

• Basic Industrial Math (Block X21)
• Practical Measurements (Block X22)

Audience:

This program is specifically targeted at technologists and technicians working in the plastics industry.

What Students Learn:

The skilled technician’s role in understanding, maintaining, monitoring, and controlling the plastic manufacturing process is critical. A strong understanding of these processes must be supported with knowledge of plastics themselves. Students receive an introduction to the basic chemical principles that are relevant to the plastics industry. They will understand the properties and uses for various types of plastics, how to test and identify the plastic’s properties and the effects of introducing certain additives.

Molding, machining, finishing, extruding and other manufacturing processes are defined and described in detail. Students learn the differences between and characteristics of casting and thermoforming processes. Coatings and bonding materials and processes are explained. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of moldmaking, material selection, process control and other key parts of the product development and manufacturing processes.

Part 1 (686006) Industrial Plastics: Materials and Properties

Lesson 1 ­ Introduction to Industrial Plastics: Understand the vocabulary of plastics; Explain how and why plastics are used today; Understand the basics of polymer chemistry.; Identify health and safety issues associated with plastic materials and processes.

Lesson 2 ­ Types, Properties and Components of Plastics: Identifying plastics by sight and application; Understand typical methods for testing plastics; Explain mechanical, physical, thermal, environmental, optical and electrical properties; Understand the various forms of plastics: their benefits and application; Identify the ingredients used in plastic production.

Lesson 3 ­ Thermoplastics and Their Properties: List the types, benefits and uses of various types of thermoplastics; Explain thermoplastic properties and their effect on process design and product applications.

Lesson 4 ­ Thermosetting Plastics and Their Properties: List the types, benefits and uses of various types of thermosetting plastics; Explain thermosetting plastic properties and their effect on process design and product applications.

Part 2 (686007), Industrial Plastics: Manufacturing Methods and Processes

Lesson 5 ­ Manufacturing Processes (Part 1): Describe finishing and machining processes; Identify commonly used molding techniques; Describe how the extrusion process works and why it’s used; Explain how laminating processes work.

Lesson 6 ­ Manufacturing Processes (Part 2): Explain the benefits of composite materials and how reinforcing works; Understand the materials and methods used in casting plastics; Identify the uses for and benefits of thermoforming processes; Understand what expanded cellular structures are.

Lesson 7 ­ Plastic Coatings and Assembly of Plastic Components: Identify nine techniques for applying plastic coatings; Explain the range of methods used to bond or fabricate plastic assemblies; Discuss the effects of radiation processes on plastics.

Lesson 8 ­ Plastics Industry Today: Understand the product development cycle; Identify the best plastic for a given application; Explain how tooling is designed and made for the plastics industry.

Special Notes:

• This is a two part series comprised of a textbook and two study guides. While we recommend that the entire course be studied, either part one or part two can be purchased and studied separately.