Plastics Manufacturing, Certificate

A Plastics Manufacturing Certificate prepares the individual to setup and maintain injection molding processes; plastics testing processes and ensure quality control. Individuals may also be skilled in various processes such as blow molding, extrusion, and thermoforming. Typically, these individuals report to manufacturing supervisors, receiving daily objectives from them.

Technicians work on assignments and tasks with minimum supervision and guidance, often requiring the technician to interface and pass down information to personnel on incoming and outgoing shifts. It is expected by employers that technicians demonstrate excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Coursework (100 level or higher) completed in this certificate directly applies toward the associate degree in plastics engineering technology.

Career Outlook

Graduates of this program may find employment as entry-level mold technicians, mold setters, job setters and material handlers working under the direction of the manufacturing department. Some of the typical duties of these technicians will include performing: mold insert changes; material color changes; press start-ups and shut downs; mold changes and planned maintenance (PMs) on the molds; performing product inspections to verify conformance to specifications, ensuring quality control; and directing and performing adjustments of molding equipment, working closely with the production and the quality control departments.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

1. Discuss and explain polymers including history, current industry, recycling, types of polymers and properties.
2. Explain, compare, and contrast common manufacturing processes used in the plastics industry. Select the appropriate process depending on the product, as well as the ability to outline major plastics process and establish a production intent process and troubleshoot various defects.
3. Produce design concepts and orthographic projection. Interpolate dimensioning practices and read blueprints, as well as explain the various properties associated with plastics and the ability to perform functional tests used to determine properties.
4. Explain the theory of common secondary operations used in the plastics industry primarily for assembly and decorating.