To support the highest quality training needs, PARTEC is equipped with full scale manufacturing equipment and laboratory testing facilities.

The entire range of facilities is available to students. They are also available on a consultancy/hire basis for special project work. The Projects can range from simple identification analysis to lengthy R & D projects. The Training Consultants at PARTEC will assist and advise on specific projects for the industry, and co-operative research projects.

Processing and Physical Testing of Polymeric Materials

A 75 tonne Engel Injection Moulding Machine is fully optioned to include pick-and-place robotics. A 50 tonne Engel Injection Moulding Machine is also available for die trials and material evaluation. The machine is also equipped with a "KISTLER" Cavity Pressure Sensor for cavity pressure evaluations. Tensile and impact test bars can be moulded in-house and then tested to AS1145 using the "MORI" Tensile Testing Machine. Values for Ultimate Tensile Strength, Tensile Yield, Elongation at Break, Elastic Modulus as well as Flexural and Compression data can be obtained using this machine.

Mould Temperature control can use heated oil controller or refrigerated chiller module.

A Davenport Melt Flow Apparatus is for standard Melt Flow Index (MFI) and Melt Flow Ratio (MFR) measurements.

Melt Rheology Tests

The Brabender PL2000 is designed for melt rheology testing and will produce melt viscosity, torque and shear data on polymeric materials. This is an ideal apparatus for projects on recycling of plastics. The Brabender is also used to formulate UPVC and FPVC.

The equipment provides data on the type and concentration of internal and external lubricants. Dynamic heat stability tests can also be done to determine the heat stabiliser requirements.

Pipewelding Equipment

The full range of Buttfusion and Electrofusion equipment by Ritmo can handle PE pipe from 50mm to 450mm diameter.

Identification and Analysis of Plastics

The laboratory is equipped with a Jasco IR 820 Infrared Spectrophotometer for the identification of plastics. In some cases quantitative methods can be used to determine blends or copolymers of plastics. quantitative analysis of various additives can be done using a combination of Specific Gravity determination and by solvent extraction and gravimetric analysis of inert fillers and other additives.

Extrusion equipment

The extrusion section has two single screw extruders (a 63mm Telford Smith and a 40mm "chubu") and a microprocessor controlled 35mm Conical Twin Cincinnati Milicron extruder.

Other Equipment

A 63mm Blown Film Line, Material Driers (oven and dessicant), Fielder High Speed Mixer (10kg capacity), 7 Tonne "Smith" Compression Moulder, 150kg/hr Granulator. The equipment and facilities at PARTEC are also ideal for recycling and compounding trials.

Fabrication and Thermoforming Section

The workshop is fully equipped for classes of 8 students, and includes a Computer Controlled Router using Signlab software, 610mm x 610mm custom made thermoformer with 25 variable heating elements.

Toolmaking and Metal Workshop

Two lathes, two milling machines, Strathclyde EDM, surface grinder, toolbuilding and measuring equipment. Two-axis CNC Lathe, and a five-axis (DMU35) CNC milling machine.

Fibre-Composites Section

Composites Section has a floor area of 500 square metres and is set up like a small manufacturing enterprise. It is equipped with Robinson Spray-up and glass depositor equipment, a vacuum-bagging setup, spray-up booth, grinding booth and a temperature and humidity-controlled clean room for hi-tech composites work. Also Glas-Craft gel coat spray-up equipment (Indy 500)

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