Plastics 2
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

Strand 1
Students will follow safety practices.

Standard 1
Identify potential safety hazards and follow general laboratory safety practices.

1. Assess workplace conditions regarding safety and health.
   
2. Identify potential safety issues and align with relevant safety standards to ensure a safe workplace/jobsite.
   
3. Locate and understand the use of shop safety equipment.
   
4. Select appropriate personal protective equipment.
   

Standard 2
Use safe work practices.

1. Use personal protective equipment according to manufacturer rules and regulations.
   
2. Practice a culture of safety, maintain an attitude of safety in daily operations.
   
3. Follow correct procedures when using any hand or power tools.
   

Standard 3
Complete a basic safety test without errors (100%) before using any tools or shop equipment.

Strand 2
Students will demonstrate knowledge of a basic plastic injection molding process and injection molding machine operations.

Standard 1
Describe the press operation.

Standard 2
Describe the role of automated manufacturing in the plastics industry.

Standard 3
Describe the need for material preparation.

Standard 4
Outline the melting/mixing process.

Standard 5
Describe the forming/packing process.

Standard 6
Describe the importance of cooling the product.

Strand 3
Students will employ a basic design process to develop a solution to a design problem using plastic injection molding.

Standard 1
Identify the design problem and decide how to address it.

1. Analyze market research to determine consumer wants and needs (requirements).
   
2. Investigate existing design solutions.
   
3. Identify requirements and constraints and determine how they will affect the design process and record them in an engineering notebook.
   
4. Clearly and concisely define the problem to be solved and the measurements of successfully addressing the problem in an engineering notebook.
   

Standard 2
As a team, brainstorm possible solutions.

1. Document multiple solutions in an engineering notebook.
   
2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each proposed solution.
   
3. Decide on and record the best solution in an engineering notebook.
   

Standard 3
Using available facilities and materials, create a prototype of the proposed design.

1. Mathematical models
   
2. 3D solid modeling
   
3. 3D printed models
   
4. Scale models
   

Standard 4
Test the prototype, record the results, and evaluate the performance of the design.

1. Identify and record both failures and successes in an engineering notebook.
   
2. Evaluate the performance of the prototype against the stated requirements.
   

Standard 5
Redesign the prototype by repeating the design process in order to further optimize the design.

1. Reconsider any discarded ideas.
   
2. Look for mathematical relationships and use them to identify the factors that affect the design the most.
   
3. Record the results of the engineering process in an engineering notebook.
   

Strand 4
Students will demonstrate the basic steps of product/process development and validation.

Standard 1
Establish a repeatable process.

Standard 2
Identify the common quality defects.

1. Short shot
   
2. Flash
   
3. Sink marks, blush, flow lines & knit lines
   
4. Material degradation (burning, discoloration, black specs)
   
5. Dimension out-of-specification
   

Standard 3
Ensure that the product meets quality specifications.

Standard 4 (Optional)
Explore FDA requirements.

1. Define the purpose and importance of regulatory bodies (FDA, ISO, Europe, etc.).
   
2. Determine how a device is regulated, from submission for FDA clearance to recalls.
   
3. Follow quality standards and procedures.
   

Strand 5
Students will investigate future training opportunities and careers in engineering.

Standard 1
Investigate the USBE's CTE engineering pathway.

Standard 2
Identify what positions exist in the plastics molding industry. For example:

1. Machine Operators
   
2. Toolmakers/Mold makers
   
3. Engineers (Manufacturing, Design, etc.)
   
4. Technicians (Process, Tooling, Mold Changeover, Quality Control, Maintenance, etc.)
   

Standard 3
Investigate different types of occupational training. For example:

1. Trade school
   
2. Community College
   
3. University
   
4. Graduate Training
   

Standard 4
Recognize the importance of both "hard" and "soft" skills in the workplace.

Performance Skills

1. Employ a basic design process to develop a solution to a design problem using plastic injection molding.
   
2. Demonstrate practice of the Technology & Engineering Professional Workplace Skills. https://schools.utah.gov/cte/engineering/resources
   
3. Participate in a significant activity that provides each student with an opportunity to render service to others, employ leadership skills, or demonstrate skills they have learned through this course, preferably through participation in a Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) such as SkillsUSA.
   

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialists - WILLIAM  DEIMLER or Doug  Livingston and see the CTE/Manufacturing website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - THALEA  LONGHURST.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.