Plastics, AAS in Mechanical Engineering

Plastics is one of the fastest growing manufacturing industries today. The plastics program at Northwest State Community College was created in response to the industry demand in northwest Ohio for employee training and student education in plastics manufacturing. Students will receive specialized training in thermoplastic materials, injection molding and plastics testing. Graduates will also be skilled in various processes such as blow molding, extrusion and thermoforming.

Career Outlook

While consumer demand for convenient, plastic products increases, so will the need for highly-skilled plastics technicians. Job titles in this field can include Molding Technician, Production Supervisor, design and development and quality control technician to name a few. Employment of plastic processing workers is expected to grow as fast as the average both nationally and in the state of Ohio. An increase in workers trained in the field will stem from manufacturers substituting plastic parts for those that had been manufactured from metal in the past.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

1. Interpolate engineered drawings using orthographic projection, isometric views, and proper dimensioning practices.
2. Complete engineered drawings using orthographic projection, isometric views, and proper dimensioning practices.
3. Employ the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
4. Describe different manufacturing processes.
5. Examine the physical and chemical properties of engineering materials.
6. Demonstrate proper use of precision measuring devises and instruments.
7. Analyze various polymeric structures and applications based on those structures.
8. Demonstrate each of the following: Set a mold, establish a production intent process, and troubleshoot the process considering major aspects such as material, tool design, and secondary operations.
9. Analyze the resolution of forces on rigid bodies; determine stress, stain, and deflection