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Lesson 1: Polymer Material Overview

It is important for part and mold designers not only to understand design principles, but also to understand the fundamentals of plastics. The choice of a plastic, or polymer, has a strong impact on the outcome of a molded part. In this lesson, we will review the basic structures of polymer materials.

This lesson covers the different classifications of polymers and their key characteristics, the basics of polymer creation, including monomers, chain molecules and side branches, internal bonding mechanisms, both including both primary and secondary forces, and the micro-structures of amorphous and semi-crystalline materials.

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Learn the fundamentals of polymer material behavior and how different plastics behave during injection molding. Build your Circle of Knowledge lesson by lesson. 

Goals of Polymer Materials: Material Behavior (Level 1): 

  • Learning the fundamentals of polymer material characteristics and basic polymer categorizations
  • Get a basic understanding of how different material behaviors will impact the molding process and the final molded part
  • Analyze real-life molded parts and learn the cause-and-effect behaviors of design and process

Section Description: 
Part and mold designers need to understand not only design principles but also the fundamentals of plastics. The choice of plastic or polymer strongly impacts the outcome of a molded part. Having a general understanding of the basic properties and structures of polymers will help part and mold designers, as well as processors, make choices and decisions that will optimize the final part.

This section covers explanations, simulations, cause-and-effect analyses, and the introduction of various polymer material properties. It evaluates and analyzes the relationship between various polymers and how they behave during the molding process. Selecting the optimal polymer material for each design is key to a successful molding project.

Recommendation: Entry-Level Operators, Technicians, & Designers

Length: Lessons are approximately 15-20 minutes long each

The Kruse Training platform delivers knowledge and expertise developed over three decades in plastic injection molding. Now, companies and individuals can access a state-of-the-art online training program suited for all levels of expertise.