Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
Plastics Technicians are needed for the demands of the rapidly growing plastics forming industry. These demands include the operation of processing equipment and the transforming of polymers (plastics) into usable products.
Plastics personnel perform such operations as compounding materials, molding, forming, troubleshooting, inspecting, testing raw materials and finishing products, assisting in mold design and modification and developing new polymers (plastics) applications. Plastics Technicians acquire an understanding of polymers (plastics) processing equipment and materials.
Award Outcomes
Utilize safe working practices.
Identify steps and procedures in the Injection Molding processes.
Identify steps and procedures in the Extrusion Molding processes.
Perform quality control practices.
Identify steps and procedures in Properties and Tests of Plastics.
Operate various types of plastics manufacturing processes.
Apply principles of Plastics, Chemistry and Ingredients.
Demonstrate good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Demonstrate procedures used for plastics manufacturing processes.
Demonstrate procedures used for plastics manufacturing auxiliary equipment.
Demonstrate Communication in the Workplace.
Demonstrate use of Computers in Manufacturing.
Career Opportunities
There is a wide range of employment as well as advancement opportunities for the individual who seeks a career in the plastics forming industry. Plastics Technicians may find jobs in a variety of diverse areas such as; research and development, manufacturing, design and service. Employment potential lies in the following: supervision, molding technician, material handling, quality control, lab technician, engineering aids and in related areas such as the sale of plastics processing equipment and materials.
Program Requirements
Technical Studies Required 21 Credits
| METS1050 | Quality Control | 3 |
| PLST1008 | Fundamentals of Plastics/Chemistry/Ingredients | 4 |
| PLST1041 | Introduction to Plastics Molding Processes | 3 |
| PLST2007 | Properties and Tests of Selected Plastics | 4 |
Select from 12 credits of Injection Molding or 7 credits of Extrusion Molding
General Education Required 5 Credits
General Education Elective 0 Credits
Technical Studies Elective 10 Credits
Any ARET, ELEC, ENGC, FLPW, MACH, METS, PLST or WLDG course that is not required for this award may be used as an elective.
Recommended:
| FLPW2112 | Instrumentation of Fluid Power Systems | 3 |
| PLST1500 | Plastics Processes Lab | 1 - 3 |
| PLST1900 | Specialized Lab | 1 - 4 |
| PLST2030 | Systematic Medical Device Protocol | 3 |
| PLST2035 | Medical Device Polymer Processes | 3 |
| PLST2300 | Plastics Engineering Technology Internship | 4 |
Total Diploma Credits 36
Semester Sequence
Offered at Brooklyn Park Only
Second Semester
(Select from 7 Credits of Extrusion Molding or 12 Credits of Injection Molding)
Technical Studies Electives
Any Automation Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET), Electronic Technology (ELEC), Engineering CAD Technology (ENGC), Fluid Power Technology (FLPW), Machine Tool Technology (MACH), Manufacturing Engineering Technology (METS), Plastics Engineering Technology (PLST), or Welding and Metal Fabrication (WLDG) course that is not required for this award may be used as an elective.
Recommended:
Choose a Total of: 10 Credits
Graduation (36 Credits)
Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.
5/30/2019 : BP 4404 / EP