This glossary list is for a plastic engineering student with common technical and semi-technical terms used in the plastic sector. I made it so that, those who aren't yet in the programme or are interested in the program should understand certain terms we make use of.
3D printing
Compound noun
Construction of a 3 dimensional object from CAD etc.
Example: Now our days most of the products prototypes are made using 3D printing.
fr: Impression 3D
Additive
Noun
Substance added into plastic to improve it properties
Example: The color of plastique parts, are achieved through additives
fr: Additif
Bioplastics
Noun
Plastic made from renewable sources.
Example: Bioplastics does not mean they are not pollutant; just that some pollute less than others.
fr: bioplastiques
Blow molding
Noun
Method used to make hallow plastic objects.
Example: There are lots of extrusion blow molding products in our daily life.
fr: moulage par soufflage
Composite material
Noun
Material made by combining plastics and other materials.
Example: Carbon fiber as the one found in our cars are composite material.
fr: matériau composite
Cooling Time
Noun
Time required for plastic to cool.
Example: Cooling time is the moment where molted plastic complete it solidification.
fr: Temps de refroidissement
Degradation
Noun
The breakdown of plastic due to heat.
Example: Degradation on plastic can be identified by black spots, cracking or a yellowish color on the part
fr: Dégradation
Density
Noun
The mass of a plastic per unite volume
Example: Density in plastic is calculated under a certain normal temperature and pressure.
fr: Densité
Elasticity
Noun
The ability of a plastic to return to it original form after stretching
Example: Bread bags are an example of plastic that has a high degree of elasticity
fr: Élasticité
Extrusion
Noun
Pushing melted plastic through a die.
Example: Window frames are made by extrusion
fr: Extrusion
Mold
Both Noun and Verb
A hallow form used to shape molten plastic.
Example: In the plastic industry, without a mold you can't give a shape to your product.
fr: Moule
Polymer
Noun
A large molecule of many repeating units(monomers)
Example: Plastic, rubber, nylon and wool are all exemple of polymer
fr: polymère
Polymerization
Noun
Chemical process where monomers react to form long chains.
Example: Polyethylene is gotten from the polymerization of Ethylene.
fr: Polymérisation
Processing temperature
compound noun
A temperature range to properly melt plastic
Example: The temperature at which you melt a plastic before it degrade is the processing temperature.
fr: Température de traitement
Recycling code
Adjective
Printed number on plastic products
Example: Recycling code help to identify plastics
fr: Code de recyclage
Resin
Noun
On processed base material for all plastics.
Example: Most of the plastique resin comes from petrol.
fr: Résine
Shrinkage
Noun
The reduction in the size of plastics as it cools.
Example: The reduction in the dimensions of plastic part, compared with its mold dimension is due to shrinkage.
fr: Rétrécissement
Thermoplastic
Noun
A type of plastic that can be melted and reused
Example: Medical equipment like syringes are made with thermoplastic
fr: Thermoplastique
Thermoset
Noun
The type of plastic that harden permanently
Example: Epoxy commonly used in adhesives and electrical insulators are example of thermoset.
fr: Thermodurcissable
Viscosity
Noun
Resistance of molten plastic to flow.
Example: Plastic with high viscosity are suitable for extrusion than injection.
