Plastics engineering is a branch of materials engineering that studies plastics, which are materials made from polymers and have a variety of properties. Engineers in this field create new plastics, improve existing ones, and research the properties of plastics in order to discover new uses for them and learn more about them. This work has taken him to both the private and public sectors, where he has worked for a variety of companies and research institutions. Plastics engineers can create new plastics for specific applications in the workplace or experiment with polymers in the lab to create new materials for pure research.
Polymer materials have a high degree of workability; they can be used to make soft and hard materials, brittle or flexible casings, and a variety of other products that take advantage of plastics’ flexibility. Researchers in plastics engineering study the chemical and physical properties of plastics. This allows them to figure out how new plastics can and should be used, as well as how to improve existing products to address problems like cracking, pitting, and failure under stress.
Plastics engineering has a wide range of applications, from children’s toys to medical implants. Depending on the type of work required, a plastics engineer may receive cross-training in other areas. Designers of medical products, for example, must be aware of the limitations imposed on materials used in medical practice, as well as some pathology and anatomy, which may be relevant to the design of medical components. Engineers who work on bandages, for example, must be familiar with wound care.
This work encompasses not only the development and improvement of plastics, but also the investigation of components used in the manufacture and production of plastics. These include raw plastic manufacturing equipment, as well as molds and other finishing materials. Plastics engineering also includes the application of additives such as colors, softeners, and hardeners to various products, all of which are designed to perform a specific function, such as a flexible plastic gel for use in shoe inserts or a hard plastic case to protect objects during shipping.
A bachelor’s degree from a college or university, as well as industry experience, are usually required for jobs in this field. Internship opportunities for plastics engineering students may be available to help them build their resumes for future employment. Professional membership can also be advantageous because it can provide access to conferences, trade publications, and other resources that an engineer may find useful.