617-130 Mold Making Processes
Incorporates the fundamentals of mold construction as they apply to plastics, diecasting and rubber moldings using theoretical and hands- on approaches. Answers the “why” questions associated with molding processes, designing and construction of mold dies. (Prerequisites: 617-141 Computer-Aided Manufacturing; 617-145 Basic Machining Techniques)
This course focuses on the different types of molding processes such as injection, compression, transfer and rubber molding; hot and cold chamber die casting; and the manufacturing processes used to produce the molds for each. The course is split equally between lecture and lab. The lecture portion deals with the molding manufacturing processes through the use of videotapes, interactive CD-ROMs, textbooks and plant tours. The lab portion of the class focuses on the processes used to manufacture injection molds and is achieved by actually building an injection mold in the tool and die making lab as part of a team. Students also disassemble and reassemble various molds donated by local companies. This helps them understand the function and construction methods used to produce the components. Various machine tools and CNC equipment must be used in order to build the components accurately. To understand the interface between the mold and the molding machine, the students set up molds in our 90-ton injection molding machine and eventually produce plastic piece parts. Students are evaluated in the course through their shop project, tests, course assignments and core abilities.
Click on the links below to see examples of shop projects built by design students.
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Completed Frisbee Unit Mold
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90-Ton Mitsubishi Molding Machine
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