The properties of plastics differ in many aspects from those of other classes of materials – for example in their low density. With the right choice of plastic for the particular job, these special properties can be exploited to produce economical, resource-saving products. To do this, however, it is vital that the special characteristics of plastics are taken into account both at the early design stage and later in manufacture. Only then can the user benefit from plastics' outstanding spectrum of properties.

Advantage, plastics

A plastics engineer therefore requires special training to learn about the full range of material properties and the requirements made on their processing. The aim of the plastics technology course is to put upcoming engineers into a position in which they can make full use of the outstanding properties of plastics wherever they offer advantages over other materials.

Innovative processes

The course focuses on the many different methods used to process plastics. Building up a solid base of technical knowledge is essential if the qualified plastics engineers are to be able to develop innovative applications and deploy suitable production processes for economical part production.

Broad interests desirable

The range of lectures extends from macromolecular chemistry and materials science to plastics processing and plastics design. In the courses, the theoretical content of the lectures is supplemented by practical exercises, which take place either in the laboratory or in the pilot plant. They demonstrate the principles of polymer synthesis under conditions similar to those encountered in practice and also deal "hands on" with the most important processing methods for plastics technology using the many machines and equipment available at the IKV. Practical trials carried out by the students under the guidance of assistants give them a tangible impression of the outstanding properties of plastics.