Foundations of Plastics Design for Mechanical Engineers

Designing with plastics requires a completely different mindset compared to working with metals. This text-based course guides you through the unique behaviors, constraints, and engineering opportunities of plastic materials in modern product development. You will transition from basic mechanical drafting to confidently engineering plastic components that are functional, manufacturable, and cost-effective. What you'll learn: • Understand the fundamental properties of polymers, including how thermoplastics and thermosets behave under mechanical stress. • Apply core design rules for injection molding, focusing on wall thickness, draft angles, ribs, and bosses. • Incorporate modern sustainable design practices, including material recycling codes and bioplastic selection. • Identify and prevent common manufacturing defects like sink marks, warping, and knit lines through smart design choices. • Evaluate assembly methods unique to plastics, such as snap-fits, living hinges, and self-tapping screws. Starting with basic polymer chemistry and terminology, this course guides you step-by-step through structural design rules, manufacturing considerations, and modern sustainability standards. This course is designed for beginner mechanical engineers, industrial designers, and students with no prior engineering experience. Start reading today to build a solid foundation in modern plastic product design.