Overview

This 2-day course assumes no prior knowledge and is suitable for those new to the subject. The course would also benefit those who wish to extend their existing knowledge of plastic product design or who are working in a polymer product design related area.

Participants will learn how to design a basic polymer product from first principals, construct a product design specification and undertake quality appraisal of new products.

Attendance on this course can also contribute credits towards an MSc in Polymer Engineering Design.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

 Upon completion of the course the delegate will be able to:

•  Construct a basic polymer product design specification
•  Design a basic polymer product from first principles
•  Understand the influence of polymer processing upon product design and final properties
•  Understand the influence of specific polymer properties upon product design
•  Undertake basic quality appraisal of new polymer products
•  Differentiate between a polymer processing, tool design or product design defect

Who would benefit and should attend:

Designer makers, product designers, production engineers and those involved in:

•  Polymer product supply & sourcing,
•  QA assessment of polymer products,
•  Management of polymer product development projects,
•  Processors and manufacturers of polymer products, etc. 

 Course Content

Introduction to Polymers .. Comparison with Traditional Materials
Basic Review of polymer property ranges comparing with traditional materials
including metals, ceramics etc.

Influence of Polymeric materials on Product Design
Specific polymer properties / product design solutions 

Influence of Processing method on Product Design
Review of processing methods and their influence on design including:
Thermoforming
Extrusion
Blow Moulding (Extrusion and injection)
Compression moulding and DST technologies
Injection Moulding

Product Property based Design
Required property and resultant design features

Rapid Manufacturing Techniques
Covering prototyping, short run manufacture, and rapid tooling techniques.
How to choose the right method.

Polymer Design Requirement Specification
Covering developing specifications for mechanical, electrical, thermal use, environmental impact

Quality in Plastics Processing
Inspection methods, time dependency of size, methods of measurement, use of statistics.

Fabrication and Assembly with Polymers
Review of methods and uses, including welding, mechanical assembly, decoration methods.

Costing and Project Analysis
Part cost based on material, process method and number of parts required.
Product Development methodology and tools.

Course Presenter - Jon Rackley