The Language of Plastics
Each industry has a language of its own. A list of key plastics words has been created for you to help you learn the language of plastics.
| aptitude | the ability of an individual to acquire a new skill or show the potential for acquiring a new skill when given the opportunity and proper training | |
blow moulding |
used to make circular, volume-oriented items such as 2-L Coke bottles and shampoo containers, by blowing hot air into the plastic tube to inflate the plastic compound into the shape of the mould |
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catalyst |
a compound that is used to promote a chemical reaction |
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certificate of conformance |
a document stating that a product or process meets quality standards |
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Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) |
the use of computer systems to plan, manage, and control the manufacturing process |
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Computerized numerical control (CNC's) machines |
machines that are programmed to provide step-by-step instructions for each phase of a project |
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die |
a metal piece with a shaped opening through which molten plastic passes to be shaped |
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elastomer |
a material with the properties of rubber |
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evaluation |
a measurement of what a person knows or can do after training |
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extrusion |
the shaping of plastic by forcing liquid material through a die |
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injection moulding |
process to make precision parts, by extruding the hot plastic compound through moulds and dies to create the desired shape. When cool, the part is removed from the mould |
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International Organization of Standardization (ISO) |
a set of standards that apply to all companies using ISO techniques regardless of size, products, and services |
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ISO9001/9002 |
statistical techniques used to analyze a process or its outputs in order to maintain, correct, or improve process capability |
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monomer |
the building blocks of polymers |
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mould |
a metal block carved in a given shape for a product; possibly with two or more moving parts |
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needs analysis |
a method used to determine training needs by reviewing work tasks, identifying performance factors and objectives, and defining training objectives and recommendations |
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non-destructive testing (NDT) |
a form of testing that detects and evaluates flaws in materials without further damaging them while they are being tested |
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P.Eng. |
a professional designation given to engineers who are registered as professional engineers |
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polymer |
a long-chained molecule made up of smaller molecules called monomers linked together. The word ‘polymer’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘of many parts’ |
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| quarantine | when a system finds a defective product or process and is shut down until the quality problem is resolved | |
random sampling |
testing of raw materials before they are used |
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recycling |
the reprocessing of a material or product to be used in another product |
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registers |
lines that are cut into the mould to keep it in place while it is machined |
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resin |
a polymeric material with a defined set of monomers |
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shrinkage |
the amount a mould will shrink once it has cooled. Moulds are made larger to accommodate shrinkage resulting from heat treatments |
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spotting blue |
blue markings that appear on the surface of the two halves of a mould when they are brought together in a press machine indicating where the mould needs to be ground in order to get a perfect seal |
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Statistical Process Control SPC |
a method of monitoring processes in order to identify inconsistencies in the production of material |
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thermoforming |
uses heat to shape and seal plastic |
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thermoplastic |
a plastic that can be reheated and remoulded |
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thermoset |
a plastic that cannot be reheated once set |
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tolerances |
precise requirements or standards that must be met for the mould to be accepted by the customer |
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