University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Sabic Plastics - Thousands of pounds of a variety of different materials were donated by SABIC. Students at UW-Stout use these materials to manufacture parts using multiple processes as well as for characterization studies.

RTP Company Plastics - Thousands of pounds of a variety of different materials were donated by RTP Company. Students at UW-Stout use these materials to manufacture parts using multiple processes as well as for characterization studies.

Arizona Instruments Computrac MAX 4000XL Moisture Analyzer - Used to determine the amount of moisture present in your plastic material.

Melt Flow Indexers - These are used to compare the melt flow index of material from batch to batch. 

MTS QTest/50LP Mechanical Testing Unit - This equipment is used to characterize the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and compression) of plastics.

Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine (OCMM) - Measures parts using optics similar to that of a microscope.

Rotational Rheometer - A rotational rheometer allows us to find important material parameters used in processing such as viscosity. This particular machine is an AR 2000ex made by TA Instruments.

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) - This machine has the ability to find both the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of a polymer as well as many other useful material specifications such as % crystallinity. This particular model is a Q20 by TA instruments.

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Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) - Most commonly used to find the decomposition temperature of a certain material. It can also be used to find certain percentages of additives or colorants in a material. This model is a Q50 by TA instruments.

77 Ton Arburg Allrounder Injection Molding Machine - Donated by SMC Ltd. This machine is equipped with a 1.18in screw giving it a shot size of 5.176in3.

Battenfeld EcoPower 55 Ton Injection Molding Machine - Donated by Wittman-Battenfeld, this electric injection molding machine is equipped with a 22mm screw and a 21in by 20in platen size for molding.

35 Ton Toyo Injection Molding Machine - Equipped with a 0.94" screw and capable of a 2.32in3 shot size. This machine is equipped with a Modular Unit Die (MUD) which allows students to mold parts using mold inserts they designed and machined.

35 Ton Engel Injection Molding Machine - Donated by Donatelle, this injection molding machine is equipped with a 18 mm screw and a 21" x 15" tiebarless platen for molding.

Priamus eDAQ Data Acquisition System - Donated by Priamus System Technologies, this device is used to monitor inputs from in-mold sensors to optimize processes and for quality control.

MCP Type 12/90 HSE Minimolder - Donated by Phillips Medisize Corporation, this machine is used to inejction mold very small parts.

 Wayne Extruder - This 1 ½" extruder is equipped with a die for extruding pipe and small tubing.

 RJG eDART Data Acquisition System - Donated by RJG, this device is used to monitor inputs from in-mold sensors to optimize processes and for quality control.

MAAC Thermoformer - This machine was obtained in part by donations from MAAC Machinery and the Society of Plastics Engineers Thermoforming Division. It is used to make items commonly found in plastic package.

Akron Milacron Extruder - This 1 ½" extruder is equipped with a die for making plastics film (die donated by Extrusion Dies Industries).

 Model R-4 Rocheleau Extrusion Blow Molder - This machine is equipped with a 1 ½" diameter feed screw and has a rated shot capacity of 200 grams.

 Comet Thermoformer - This thermoformer is used to make items commonly found in plastic packaging.

 40 Ton TMP Compression Molding Machine - Most commonly used with thermoset materials. This machine is equipped with a platen size of 14in by 14in.

 Rotational Molders - A type of molding process used to create mostly hollow parts. UW-Stout currently utilizes four rotational molding machines.

 Material Dryers - These are used to dry material and effectively get rid of any moisture which may cause defects or affect the flow of material throughout processing.

 Cumberland Granulator - Donated by the ACS Group, this machine grinds up molded parts to be recycled or processes again into more parts.

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 Lab Computers - In addition to fully equipped CAD/CAM labs, the UW-Stout plastics lab contains 4 computers equipped with both SolidWorks 3D modeling software and Autodesk Moldflow Insight simulation software.