100 Specialized Terms and Phrases Used in Plastics Processing – Manufacturing & Production Technologies

Plastics Processing Glossary – 100 Key Terms Explained

Plastics processing is at the heart of modern manufacturing, enabling the production of everything from everyday consumer goods to advanced industrial components. Understanding the key terminology used in plastics processing is essential for engineers, production managers, machine operators, and anyone involved in polymer manufacturing.

This course provides a structured overview of 100 key terms related to plastics processing, covering raw materials, production technologies, mechanical and thermal properties, and quality control methods.

👉 Complete course details and registration link available here!

100 Specialized Terms and Phrases Used in Plastics Processing – Manufacturing & Production Technologies - Rolbatch Academy Dr Magdalena Laabs

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive glossary of specialized terms that will help you navigate key concepts in polymer processing, material properties, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

👉 Complete course details and registration link available here!

📌 1–25: Basic Concepts and Technologies in Plastics Processing

Plastics Processing – Technological processes that transform polymers into finished products.
Thermoplastic Polymers – Plastics that can be repeatedly softened and reshaped.
Thermosetting Polymers – Plastics that cannot be remelted once they have been hardened.
Extrusion – A process of shaping plastic by pushing it through a die.
Injection Molding – A technique that involves injecting molten polymer into a mold.
Thermoforming – Forming plastic sheets and films by heating and shaping.
Blow Molding – A process for producing hollow plastic objects, such as bottles.
Foaming of Plastics – The creation of porous structures, such as polyurethane foam.
Co-extrusion – Simultaneous extrusion of multiple layers of plastic to achieve enhanced properties.
Plastic Lamination – The process of bonding layers of different materials together.
Blow Film Extrusion – A method for producing plastic films and bottles through extrusion and blowing.
Calendering – The process of forming plastic films and sheets by passing them through rollers.
Rotational Molding (Rotomolding) – The formation of large hollow products by rotating a mold.
Pultrusion – A continuous process for manufacturing composite profiles.
Two-Component Injection Molding (2K Injection Molding) – Injecting two different materials in a single process.
Multilayer Extrusion – Production of plastics with different functional layers.
Rubber Vulcanization – A chemical process that enhances the elasticity and durability of rubber.
CNC Machining of Plastics – Precision cutting and shaping of polymers using CNC machines.
3D Printing with Plastics – Manufacturing objects by layer-by-layer deposition of polymer.
Vacuum Metallization – Coating plastics with a metal layer in a vacuum.
Protective Coating Application – Techniques for enhancing plastic surface protection.
Polymer Composites – Materials consisting of polymer and reinforcement, such as fiberglass.
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE, TPU) – Materials combining the properties of rubber and plastic.
Bioplastics – Polymers derived from renewable sources.
Surface Modification of Plastics – Altering adhesive and optical properties of materials.

📌 26–50: Plastics Processing Machines and Equipment

Single-Screw Extruder – A machine for extrusion equipped with a single screw.
Twin-Screw Extruder – A machine used for mixing and homogenizing polymers.
Extrusion Die – A component that shapes the extruded plastic.
Extruder Screw – A component responsible for transporting and melting the material.
Injection Molding Barrel – The chamber where plastic melts before injection.
Injection Molding Molds – Molds that give shape to molded plastic parts.
Heating Units – Systems that control the temperature of the mold and injection barrel.
Film Winding Station – A device for rolling finished film after extrusion.
Vacuum Thermoforming Chambers – Equipment for shaping sheets using vacuum pressure.
Water Cooling Systems – Cooling of extruded plastic parts.
Recycling Grinders for Production Waste – Machines for shredding polymer scraps.
Granule Dryers – Devices that remove moisture before processing.
Laminating Machines – Equipment for bonding plastic layers with other materials.
Injection Quality Control Systems – Devices analyzing the precision and repeatability of injection molding.
Hydraulic Presses for Composites – Machines used for manufacturing durable composite parts.
Compounding Machines – Equipment for mixing polymers with additives.
Surface Modification Devices – Including corona, plasma, and flame treatment systems.
Robotic Automation for Production Lines – Automating injection molding and extrusion processes.
3D Printers for Plastics – Used in rapid prototyping.
Ultrasonic Welding Systems for Plastics – A technology for bonding polymers without adhesives.
Surface Finishing Technologies – Painting, polishing, and protective coating application.
Melt Filtration Systems – Filters that remove impurities from molten polymer.
Synthetic Fiber Production Lines – Manufacturing polymer-based yarns.
Rotational Molding Machines – Used for producing large tanks and containers.
Laser Cutting Systems for Plastics – A technology for precise plastic shaping.

📌 51–75: Properties of Plastics and Their Impact on Processing

Plastic density – The mass of a polymer per unit volume (g/cm³).
Melt viscosity – Determines the flowability of molten polymer during processing.
Melt Flow Index (MFI) – A parameter indicating the polymer’s flow characteristics.
Elastic modulus (Young’s modulus) – Measures the stiffness of the material.
Yield strength – The stress at which a material begins to deform permanently.
Tensile strength – The resistance of a material to breaking under tension.
Impact resistance (Charpy/Izod test) – Measures resistance to sudden mechanical impact.
Abrasion resistance – The ability of plastic to withstand wear and surface friction.
Hardness (Shore D, Rockwell test) – Measures resistance to surface deformation.
Fatigue resistance – The material's ability to endure repeated loading cycles.
Chemical resistance – The polymer’s tolerance to exposure to chemicals.
Thermal stability – Resistance to degradation at high temperatures.
Melting temperature (Tm) – The temperature at which a polymer transitions to a liquid state.
Glass transition temperature (Tg) – The temperature at which a polymer changes from rigid to flexible.
Thermal conductivity – A polymer’s ability to transfer heat.
Shrinkage in processing – The change in material dimensions after molding or extrusion.
Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) – The extent to which a polymer expands when heated.
Degree of crystallinity – Affects mechanical strength and optical properties.
Gas barrier properties – The ability to prevent gas permeation.
Moisture barrier properties – Essential in protective packaging.
Oxygen permeability – Critical in food and pharmaceutical packaging.
UV resistance – The ability of plastics to withstand UV-induced degradation.
Hydrolysis resistance – Important for polymers exposed to moisture.
Printability – The ease of applying high-quality prints to plastic surfaces.
Colorability – The ability of plastics to be evenly colored or dyed.

📌 76–100: Advanced Technologies, Quality Control, and Applications of Plastics

Polymer nanocomposites – Plastics enhanced with nanoparticles to improve properties.
Carbon fiber composites – Lightweight and strong composites used in aerospace and automotive industries.
Glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP) – Plastics reinforced with glass fibers.
Biodegradable plastics – Polymers that decompose in natural environments.
Compostable polymers – Materials that break down under composting conditions.
Mechanical recycling of plastics – The process of grinding and reprocessing plastic waste.
Chemical recycling of plastics – Breaking down polymers into their basic chemical components.
Electrostatic separation of plastics – Technology for sorting different polymer types.
Aging resistance tests – Evaluating the long-term durability of plastics.
Mechanical property testing of polymers – Assessing tensile, impact, and fatigue resistance.
FTIR spectroscopy – A method for identifying the chemical composition of plastics.
Gas chromatography – Analyzing volatile compounds in polymers.
Flammability testing – Determining the fire resistance of plastic materials.
Engineering plastics – High-performance polymers used in technical applications.
Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) – Used in diapers and hygiene products.
Self-healing polymers – Innovative materials capable of repairing micro-damage.
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) – Plastics that return to their original shape when heated.
Conductive polymers – Polymers capable of conducting electricity.
Nanopolymers – Plastics enhanced with nanotechnology for improved properties.
Biodegradable polymer composites – Combining eco-friendliness with durability.
Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) – Used in microelectronics due to their unique molecular structure.
High-temperature polymers – Materials resistant to extreme temperatures, used in aerospace applications.
Medical-grade polymers – Plastics used in implants and medical devices.
Photoresponsive polymers – Materials that change properties when exposed to light.
Next-generation plastics – Advanced polymers shaping the future of the industry.

👉 All these topics will be covered in detail in our course. Enroll today!

✅ During the training, each of these terms will be thoroughly explained, both theoretically and practically. Participants will see examples through images, videos, and animations and will hear detailed explanations from the instructor. This ensures that even complex technical terms become understandable and easy to apply in daily work.

👉 Complete course details and registration link available here!