Required Courses: (5)
27.201 Plastics Material Science I (Commodity Thermoplastics)
27.202 Plastics Material Science II (Engineering Thermoplastics)
27.219 Introduction to Plastics Processing
27.331 Injection Molding
27.345 Principles of Extrusion

Elective Courses - Choose 2:
Choose 2 plastics engineering technology courses with a 27. prefix. See current course listings on our website or the current Continuing Studies Course Bulletin for a list of available 27.xxx courses.


Course Descriptions

27.201 Plastics Material Science I (Commodity Thermoplastics)
Serves as an introductory course reviewing the history, classification, definitions and terminology, raw materials, methods of manufacturing, testing-characterization of typical physical properties, and end-uses of polymeric materials systems. Emphasis will be on the commodity thermoplastics, polyolefins, vinyls and styrenics.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.202 Plastics Material Science II (Engineering Resins)
Presents a continuation of 27.201, emphasizing engineering thermoplastics, nylons and acetals, acrylics and cellulosics, polycarbonates, polysulfones, modified PPE, polyesters, fluoropolymers, polyamides, PPS, PEI and LCPs, copolymers, alloys and blends. Discussions will review the chemistry, properties, process ability and design limitations of these high-performance engineering and specialty polymers.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.203 Plastics Material Science III (Thermosetting Resins)
Provides an in-depth review of the major families of thermosetting resins: phenolics, aminos, polyesters, epoxies, silicones, and various polyurethane systems. Emphasis is on basic chemistry, inherent physical properties and process ability, and the effect of incorporating fillers, reinforcements, colorants, lubricants, and other chemical additives in order to engineer-in necessary processing ease, and to meet functional performance end-use demands.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

27.219 Introduction to Plastics Processing (Formerly 27.207)
The first part of the course will cover bulk properties, rheology, and miscellaneous properties which affect processing. Basic equipment such as drives, heater bands, various instrumentation, and barrels and screws will be thoroughly examined and discussed. The third core portion of the course will address basic extrusion. The remainder of the course will cover material designed to permit seamless transition to the injection molding course. Depending on the interests and backgrounds of course participants, the instructor will explore various forming processes, such as blown film, flat film, and profiles and pipes. Other processes and troubleshooting will be covered as time permits.
Prerequisite: 27.201
Credits: 3
Special Notes: Special Notes: Packaging Certificate enrollees only; NOT acceptable as credit course in the baccalaureate program.

27.301 Additives for Polymeric Materials
Presents an analysis of additives including stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers and reinforcements, biocides, flame retardants, anti-static agents, and release agents. Special emphasis will be placed on the characteristics of each type of additive, compatibility interactions and effects on processing. A review of the most current methods of testing efficiency of each additive system will also be covered.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.331 Injection Molding
This course is an overview of the injection molding industry - its productivity, utilization, and yield - as well as an introductory discussion of applicable materials for injection molding, the theories of plastication and morphology, and the industrial standards used to specify the types of injection molding machinery, safety considerations, and recent innovations in injection molding processing technologies.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.332 Advanced Injection Molding
Comprehensive review of the injection molding process is combined with discussions of the underlying engineering principles as well as their application in the molding environment. Discussion of the basics of the process and practical analysis which may be applied to improving efficiency in the molding shop.
Prerequisite: 27.331
Credits: 3

27.333 Polymer Processing
This course provides an introduction to the major industrial processes used to manufacture products from commercial thermoplastic materials. Topics covered in the course include the processing behavior of thermoplastic materials, and the primary manufacturing processes including compounding and mixing, single- and twin-screw extrusion, injection molding and injection molding variants (multi-shot, gas-assisted and co-injection), blow molding and thermoforming. Attention is also given to the function, design and characterization of the plasticating screw systems used in the primary processes, power and energy consumption, and the cooling processes used to finalize the finished products.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.341 Extrusion Die Design
Fundamental principles of extrusion die design and die technology. Both theoretical and practical applications of extrusion dies are discussed, including materials of construction. Die types covered in the course include blown film, flat film, sheet, tubing, pipe, wire coating and profile dies. Concepts related to viscous fluid flow and elastic effects, as it relates to die swell, are covered.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.342 Principles of Compounding (See new course #27.343)
This course, involving both lectures and demonstration laboratory sessions, focuses on the technology, economics, and challenges of extrusion compounding. Basic rheological behavior, the fundamentals of polymer modifiers and additives, and the influence of equipment design (two-roll mill, single- and twin-screw extrusion, and continuous mixers, as well as intensive mixing equipment) will be detailed.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

27.345 Principles of Extrusion
This course, involving both lectures and demonstration laboratory sessions, is an overview of the extrusion industry. The basic concepts of extrusion will be developed through commercial applications such as the manufacturing of film and sheet, profile, tubing and piping, and fibers. Basic compounding technologies, including single- and twin-screw extrusion will be examined.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.373 Plastics Mold Design I
Explores material in both the class and laboratory format. Topics include an introduction to the principles of basic mold and die design and construction and laboratory design of molds and/or dies to be constructed in continuing portions of this course. Lecture, laboratory and demonstrations will be offered at the discretion of the instructor.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.375 Injection Molding Simulation Using Moldflow(TM)
This course provides students with the necessary understanding and skills to utilize in practice Moldflow's(TM) injection molding simulation software during the design to manufacturing process of injection molded plastic parts.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.376 Plastics Mold Engineering II
Serves as a continuation of 27.373.
Prerequisite: 27.373
Credits: 3

27.403 Physical Properties of Polymers I
Introduces basic mechanical properties of polymers as linear viscoelastic materials. The concepts of creep, stress relaxation, and superposition principles are emphasized. Dynamic mechanical behavior, interrelations between various properties, electrical behavior, miscellaneous mechanical properties, and optical properties will also be covered.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.406 Polymer Structures/Properties
Presents the fundamental relationship between molecular structure, properties, and end-use application of plastics materials. Molecular structural features include chemical composition, molecular size and flexibility, intermolecular order and bonding, and super molecular structure. Properties to be covered include process ability, mechanical, acoustic, thermal, electrical, optical and chemical properties, price, and balance of properties. Applications to be discussed include rigid solids, flexible solids, foams, film, and non-plastic applications.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.407 Plastics Industry Organization
Discusses the economics of producing plastics raw materials and converting them into end products, from research and development to plant construction, operation and marketing. Market analysis of plastics production, processing, and consumer patterns: commercial development, sales, and technical service will be addressed. Organization of the plastics industry for research and development, specialty and commodity production, profit and growth will also be presented.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.418 Plastics Product Design
Discusses the theoretical principles and sound engineering practices involved in the design of new end products made from polymers, applying the total systems approach to the balance between product design, choice of materials, tool design, and process techniques, as they affect competitive choices for commercial success. A semester project is required.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.425 Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Plastics I
Focuses on the principles, experimental techniques, and investigative strategies for characterizing the viscoelastic behavior of polymers using dynamic mechanical techniques. Lectures and demonstrations will review the methodology for identifying the important theological characteristics of polymeric solutions, melts, and solids. Comparisons with other, more traditional practices will be established for quality of data, sensitivity of macromolecular architecture, and components of materials engineering.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

27.426 Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Plastics II
Serves as a continuation of the 27.425 introductory course.
Prerequisite: 27.425
Credits: 3

27.440 Commercial Development of Plastics
The concepts of industrial marketing will be reviewed for research, pricing strategies, and product planning for market segmentation, place (distribution), and promotional activities. Topics will include creating a demand, selling, and servicing base resins and additives.
Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3

Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete the indicated series of certificate program courses, generally consisting of both required courses and electives. Students may complete the certificate programs at their own pace, enrolling in one or two courses per semester (which is the average recommended course load). Students should anticipate at least two hours of preparation for every hour of classroom instruction and they are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better to receive the certificate.

Courses held on campus typically meet one night per week, three hours each night, for 14 weeks during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters (Summer courses are also offered over two 6-week condensed sessions). Call for a course bulletin or check our website course listings for specific course scheduling information.