Plastics Engineering Technology

Southern Union State Community College

Associate's DegreeAcademic

Prepares graduates as plastics manufacturing technicians. Covers plastic materials and processes, mold design and setup, basic and advanced molding, hydraulics and pneumatics, and manufacturing processes.

Credits

72 credits

Format

In-Person

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

ADM 123Plastic Material Processes

3 cr

ADM 205Advanced Molding

3 cr

AUT 146Introduction to Molding Lab

3 cr

DDT 132Architectural Drafting

3 cr

INT 118Fundamentals of Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics

3 cr

ORI 101Orientation to College

2 cr

ENG 101English Composition I

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Plastics Engineering Technology

Southern Union State Community College

Associate's DegreeAcademic

Credits

72 credits

Format

In-Person

Eligibility Calculator

Which aid programs apply to this program?

Record Quality Eligibility Calculators

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-4072.00

Skills

Active ListeningReading ComprehensionMonitoringSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTime ManagementComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationWritingJudgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Production and ProcessingMechanicalMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal Service

Abilities

Deductive ReasoningInformation OrderingNear VisionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionPerceptual SpeedProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionCategory FlexibilityArm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationInductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionFlexibility of Closure

Tasks

Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to spe
Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and t
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast m
Test selected products at specified stages in the production process for performance characteristics
Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.
Study time, motion, methods, or speed involved in maintenance, production, or other operations to es
Discard or reject products, materials, or equipment not meeting specifications.
Mark items with details, such as grade or acceptance-rejection status.
Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments,

Technology

Industrial control softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain softwareDevelopment environment softwareData base management system softwareContent workflow software

Tools

Air angle die grindersAir gunsAir purifying respiratorsAluminized suitsAluminum hammersBrass hammersCold chamber die casting machinesCompressed air sprayersDeflashing toolsDie barsDie cast diesDigital handheld thermometersDigital micrometersDigital psychrometersDigital radius gauges3-axis computer numerically controlled CNC milling machinesAdjustable hand wrenchesAir conditioning unitsAir heatersAngle platesAutocollimatorsAutomated vision systemsAutomatic microhardness testersBand sawsBelt conveyorsBench grindersBioreactorsBlow molding machinesBoring toolsAccelerometers

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsIndependenceWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Precision calipers, micrometers, and gauges — apply routinely and independently to verify dimensional conformance of molded or cast metal and plastic parts.
Continuous automatic machine operation — monitor across a full shift, identifying early signs of malfunction or drift and making minor adjustments without supervisor direction.
Metal and thermoplastic molding or coremaking machines — set up and operate for standard production runs, following process sheets with minimal oversight.
Temperature, pressure, and cycle-time parameters — regulate by turning valves and dials to maintain consistent output quality during routine production.
Blueprints and production work orders — read independently to plan setup sequences, select tooling, and verify material requirements before a run begins.
Gauge and meter readings — record accurately in shift logs or spreadsheet software, flagging out-of-range values and notifying a lead operator promptly.
Die cooling system connections — complete efficiently using hand tools, confirming flow and leak-free seals before authorizing machine start.
Post-run die removal — perform safely and efficiently, inspecting removed tooling for wear and reporting findings to maintenance or tooling staff.
In-process quality checks — conduct at defined intervals using inspection criteria, distinguishing acceptable variation from non-conforming conditions.
Production pace and task sequencing — manage within a shift to meet daily output targets while maintaining machine uptime and product quality standards.

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

ADM 123Plastic Material Processes

3 cr

ADM 205Advanced Molding

3 cr

AUT 146Introduction to Molding Lab

3 cr

DDT 132Architectural Drafting

3 cr

INT 118Fundamentals of Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics

3 cr

ORI 101Orientation to College

2 cr

ENG 101English Composition I

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.