Printer FriendlyThe Plastics Engineering Program at UML has a strong history as a leader in the field of plastics education. The University, first known as the
In 1954 the name of the school was changed to Lowell Technological Institute to reflect this broader educational mission - the very same year that the plastics program was founded. There were only eight students in the first graduating class (1958) who received Bachelor of Science degrees in Plastics Technology. As time went on, student interest in this novel plastics program grew rapidly, due in large part to the great demand and good job opportunities for well-trained plastics technologists. The word spread quickly and subsequent classes included as many as 75 students.
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Prof. Russell Ehlers |
Prof. Henry Thomas |
Prof. Raymond Normandin |
This balanced curriculum is what continues to make the Plastics Engineering program at
* Accrediting Board for Engineering and
The Plastics Engineering Department at UML has grown to the point where it now has 18 full-time faculty and 20,000 square feet of laboratory space. The Plastics Engineering faculty strive to maintain the balance of the theoretical and hands-on aspects of plastics engineering education that was set forth by the department founders. More than 2500 talented men and women have received undergraduate or graduate degrees in Plastics Engineering.
There have been major changes and improvements to the program over the years. The theoretical aspects of engineering education such as the laws of thermodynamics or condensation polymerization reaction kinetics are the same today as they were decades ago when the program started. However, the technologies used to design, manufacture, and test plastic products have changed dramatically over the same time period. One of the most significant challenges that any hands-on plastics technology or plastics engineering program faces is keeping the laboratory facilities and equipment up to date. This has been a challenge for the department in the past, but things are changing rapidly in a very positive way. The faculty at UMass Lowell, especially Professor Steve Orroth '66, have worked extremely hard to keep the plastics processing, design, and testing laboratories as up to date as possible.
Recently, the department developed a new "model" for keeping the laboratory facilities and equipment as close to the state of the art as possible. Working with UMass Lowell's Office of Development, the Plastics Engineering Department has developed a multi-year master plan for laboratory facilities renovation and equipment upgrades. The plan was implemented in 2000 and is nearly complete. The department's 20,000 square foot laboratory facility has been divided into 10 separate laboratories, each dedicated to a very specific lab activity. There are a number of plastics processing, testing and computer aided design laboratories. The new concept is to partner with leading corporations that excel in each of these 10 specific technology areas to jointly create new, state-of-the-art lab facilities. You can view each of these new laboratories by going to Labs.
The first laboratory to be completed was the Milacron Ferromatik Injection Molding Laboratory. Ferromatik Milacron installs three injection molding machines every few years. For its part, the university provided the funds for renovating the facility to accommodate the equipment. The facility renovations were extensive and included new utilities, overhead cranes, lighting, air conditioning, safety equipment and cosmetics. The end result is an up-to-date teaching facility that is made possible by the generosity of Ferromatik Milacron. The company also maintains the molding machines and upgrades the equipment as new molding technologies are developed. The students are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the latest injection molding equipment. In fact, a number of students conduct research projects that directly benefit Milacron to close the partnership loop.
The second laboratory was completed was sponsored by Moldflow Corporation. The lab is known as the Moldflow Computer-Aided Design Laboratory. Moldflow provided more than $1 million in support of this newly constructed, 16-seat computer-aided design center. This modern facility gives students access to the latest in plastics process simulation software, including Moldflow's MPA, MPI, and MPX software products. The laboratory is widely used by students enrolled in mold design, die design, and part design classes. As with the other labs, Moldflow will provide software and technology upgrades as they are developed.
Shortly thereafter, the Battenfeld Gloucester Film Extrusion Laboratory was completed. Battenfeld Gloucester is a leading manufacturer of film extrusion equipment. The company recently donated a complete blown film extrusion line, custom built to the specifications of the Plastics Engineering Department. The installation value is more than $300,000. Once again, the university provided funds for a complete facility renovation. The end result is a laboratory that is a dramatic improvement over the previous 1970s-vintage film extrusion line.
Other new labs include the Nypro Precision Injection Molding Laboratory, the Rocheleau Tool and Die Blow Molding Laboratory, the Putnam Plastics Extrusion Laboratory, the Freudenberg-NOK Elastomers Laboratory and the Advanced Polymers Properties Testing Laboratory.
This new model for keeping UML's Plastics Engineering Laboratories up to date is working well, thanks to the combined efforts of the UMass Lowell administration, the Plastics Engineering Department's faculty and our Corporate Partners.
Today, the Plastics Engineering Department at UML has some energetic and ambitious plans for the future to better train the next generation of plastics engineers. Predicting the future requirements of the plastics industry is difficult, so the department depends upon the advice and guidance of an Industrial Advisory Board. This diverse group of 30 engineers and managers keeps the faculty abreast of industry trends and future needs. Some of the major initiatives that will take place over the next few years are described below.
UML is known for its expertise in the area of plastics engineering, but is beginning to work more with thermoplastic and thermosetting elastomers as demand for these materials increases. Several faculty members, including professors Ross Stacer and Joey Mead, specialize in the elastomer field and offer several courses covering design, processing and testing of elastomeric materials and products.
The environmental aspects of plastics education are becoming more important on a daily basis. Plastics Engineering Professor John Warner is helping the department expand its efforts in green materials and polymers. The department conducts a great deal of research in the area of biodegradable plastics and plastics recycling. Student interest in these areas is so significant that, over the next two years, the department will construct and equip a stand alone laboratory for plastics recycling research. Other growth areas include Nanomanufacturing and medical plastics.
UML has established itself as a leader in distance learning. The plastics engineering department now offers a four course graduate certificate in Plastics Engineering Fundamentals. The certificate can be applied toward credits in the Master of Science and Doctor of Engineering programs for students who want to continue their education. While the faculty prefer to teach in person, the demand for on-line education is very real, and the department's activities in this area are likely to ramp up as distance learning technologies evolve.