Course
Understanding mechanical properties of thermoplastics (BIMS2)
Complex mechanical performance of plastics
Dr. Vito LEO, recognizing the industry’s need for a hands-on solution to Injection Molding challenges, founded the BIMS-1 seminar in 1999. Over the years, the course has evolved based on feedback from 3000 participants, with a focus on practical problem-solving. Course scope: This course will focus on the complex mechanical performance of plastics in order to introduce the key behavior of these unique materials (visco-elasticity, non linearity, creep, impact and failure mechanisms). Course content: The teaching material (over 250 slides) provides an in depth introduction in the field of plastic mechanical performance. Upon completion of the course, participants will gain insightful answers to a variety of common questions encountered in the realm of plastics. Examples below: Why does the modulus of plastics exhibit significant changes with temperature, and why does this change vary among different polymers? What constitutes the “brittle-ductile” transition in polymers, and why are some polymers ductile at specific test rates but brittle at lower and higher strain rates? What role does test timing play in plastics? Why is it common to test plastics with and without a “notch”? What occurs at the notch, and why do some polymers still perform when notched while others do not?
While the list of questions is extensive, those mentioned provide a solid overview of the course’s approach. The course aims to equip participants with a thorough understanding, enabling them to address and examine any new questions, problems, or polymers using the appropriate concepts
Bring your own materials, examples or stories The course encourages active participation by inviting attendees to bring their materials, examples, or stories, fostering an interactive learning experience. Compared to the classical BIMS course on Injection Molding, this training on mechanical properties is more theoretically challenging, relying on participants’ involvement to address plastic part failures or other mechanical issues. The course’s interactivity, limited attendance for discussions and the opportunity to share parts drawings contribute to a comprehensive learning experience in polymer mechanical properties within a short duration. Additionally, participants can extend their professional network during the course.