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 | |
catalyst | a compound that is used to promote a chemical reaction | |
certificate of conformance | a document stating that a product or process meets quality standards | |
Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) | the use of computer systems to plan, manage, and control the manufacturing process | |
Computerized numerical control (CNC’s) machines | machines that are programmed to provide step-by-step instructions for each phase of a project | |
die | a metal piece with a shaped opening through which molten plastic passes to be shaped | |
elastomer | a material with the properties of rubber | |
evaluation | a measurement of what a person knows or can do after training | |
extrusion | the shaping of plastic by forcing liquid material through a die | |
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 | |
International Organization of Standardization (ISO) | a set of standards that apply to all companies using ISO techniques regardless of size, products, and services | |
ISO9001/9002 | statistical techniques used to analyze a process or its outputs in order to maintain, correct, or improve process capability | |
monomer | the building blocks of polymers | |
mould | a metal block carved in a given shape for a product; possibly with two or more moving parts | |
needs analysis | a method used to determine training needs by reviewing work tasks, identifying performance factors and objectives, and defining training objectives and recommendations | |
non-destructive testing (NDT) | a form of testing that detects and evaluates flaws in materials without further damaging them while they are being tested | |
P.Eng. | a professional designation given to engineers who are registered as professional engineers | |
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’ | |
| 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 | |
recycling | the reprocessing of a material or product to be used in another product | |
registers | lines that are cut into the mould to keep it in place while it is machined | |
resin | a polymeric material with a defined set of monomers | |
shrinkage | the amount a mould will shrink once it has cooled. Moulds are made larger to accommodate shrinkage resulting from heat treatments | |
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 | |
Statistical Process Control SPC | a method of monitoring processes in order to identify inconsistencies in the production of material | |
thermoforming | uses heat to shape and seal plastic | |
thermoplastic | a plastic that can be reheated and remoulded | |
thermoset | a plastic that cannot be reheated once set | |
tolerances | precise requirements or standards that must be met for the mould to be accepted by the customer |