The Significance of Learning Plastic Design for Mechanical Design Engineers
The utilization of plastic materials within the automotive industry is experiencing a notable surge. Statistics reveal that plastics can constitute up to 50% of the total volume of modern automobiles, while only accounting for 10% of their weight. Given this disparity, it comes as no surprise that design engineers have turned their attention to plastics as a viable avenue for reducing both cost and weight. In the United States, one of the primary catalysts driving the increased adoption of plastics in automotive manufacturing has been the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard, aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency.
Automotive manufacturers have increasingly embraced plastic for the production of various vehicle components. Consequently, familiarity with plastic components and their manufacturing processes has become imperative for individuals seeking employment within automotive manufacturing companies or those involved in the production of plastic components.
Let’s delve further into the intricacies of manufacturing these plastic components.
As a mechanical design engineer, delving into the realm of plastic design might not seem like an immediate necessity. However, understanding and mastering the principles of plastic design can significantly enhance your skill set and broaden your career opportunities. Here’s why you should care about learning plastic design:
Versatility in Material Selection: While metals have traditionally dominated engineering applications, plastics offer unique advantages such as lightweight, corrosion resistance, and flexibility. Learning plastic design equips you with the knowledge to select the most suitable materials for a diverse range of products, expanding the possibilities for innovation in your designs.
Cost-Effectiveness: Plastic materials are often more economical than metals, making them an attractive option for various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and medical devices. By incorporating plastic design into your skill set, you can propose cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or performance.
Complex Geometries and Manufacturing Processes: Plastic design allows for intricate geometries and complex shapes that may be challenging or impractical to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. By mastering plastic design techniques such as injection molding, thermoforming, and 3D printing, you can unleash your creativity and push the boundaries of what’s possible in product design.
Environmental Sustainability: With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, there’s a growing demand for eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. Plastics can be recycled and repurposed, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. By understanding plastic design principles, you can contribute to the development of environmentally responsible products and solutions.
Adaptability to Emerging Technologies: As technology continues to evolve, new materials and manufacturing techniques are constantly emerging. By staying abreast of advancements in plastic design, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in industries at the forefront of innovation, such as aerospace, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
Collaboration Across Disciplines: Learning plastic design fosters collaboration with experts in materials science, polymer chemistry, and manufacturing engineering. By engaging with professionals from diverse disciplines, you can gain insights and perspectives that enrich your approach to design and problem-solving.
Competitive Advantage in the Job Market: In today’s competitive job market, employers seek candidates with diverse skill sets and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies. By adding plastic design expertise to your repertoire, you distinguish yourself as a well-rounded engineer capable of tackling a wide range of challenges and delivering innovative solutions.
Why it matter to a mechanical design engineer?
Mechanical engineering graduates can get job opportunities in companies working in different domains like automobile, plastic, heavy machine, aviation etc. The foundation skills that are focused on in the selection test and an interview are related to engineering drawing. One needs to be good at reading engineering drawings, basic concepts of tolerances, and GD&T to clear the CAD test.
Beyond this, it would be a unique advantage if one knows about materials and their properties. Companies working in the plastic domain would surely be interested in knowing what kind of understanding a fresh graduate has about plastics. Knowledge of some of the basic things about plastic materials and design considerations would make you stand out from the crowd.
What should I do to stand out?
Upon completing your graduation, it is crucial to broaden your knowledge horizon by exploring engineering domains such as plastics, casting, sheet metal, and more. An effective and reliable method to expand your knowledge base is by enrolling in a comprehensive course like the Product and Tool Design Engineer program offered by G2G Innovation.
In conclusion, embracing plastic design is not just about expanding your technical knowledge; it’s about unlocking new possibilities, driving innovation, and staying ahead in a dynamic and competitive industry. By investing in learning plastic design, you position yourself for success and open doors to exciting opportunities in the ever-evolving field of mechanical engineering.
