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Manufacturing Engineering Technology: 

Plastics & Composites Concentration

The Plastics & Composites Engineering Technology Concentration at Weber State University focuses on the design, production, and testing of plastic and composite materials used in various industries. Students learn about materials science, manufacturing processes, and product development, preparing them for careers in fields like aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and technologies.

What is Plastics in Manufacturing Engineering Technology?

Plastic manufacturing refers to the process of transforming raw plastic materials into finished products or components through various fabrication techniques. Engineering plastics are high-performance materials designed for demanding applications, offering superior mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.

What are Composites in Manufacturing Engineering Technology?

Composites manufacturing in the context of Manufacturing Engineering Technology refers to the processes, techniques, and principles involved in creating materials known as composites. What is composite material? A composite material refers to a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

Plastics & Composites Concentration Degrees and Programs

Bachelor of Science

Associate of Applied Science

Advising GradMaps

Examples of Plastics in Manufacturing Engineering Technology:

  • Polyethylene (PE): Packaging, containers, pipes.
  • Polypropylene (PP): Automotive parts, textiles.
  • PVC: Pipes, cables, construction.
  • Polystyrene (PS): Packaging, insulation.
  • ABS: Automotive, electronics, 3D printing.
  • Polycarbonate (PC): Lenses, helmets, transparent parts.
  • Nylon (PA): Gears, bearings, textiles.
  • PET: Bottles, films, fibers.
  • PTFE: Non-stick coatings, seals.
  • POM: Precision parts, gears, fasteners.

Properties of plastics:

  • High Strength: Superior wear and impact resistance.
  • Thermal Stability: Handles high heat with minimal expansion.
  • Chemical Resistance: Resists oils, solvents, and chemicals.
  • Electrical Insulation: Ideal for electronics.
  • Lightweight: Strong yet efficient for design.

Examples of Composites in Manufacturing Engineering Technology:

  • Aerospace Composites: CFRP, GFRP, Honeycomb Panels:
    Lightweight materials for aircraft structures.
  • Automotive Composites: Carbon Fiber, SMC, Natural Fibers:
    Used in body panels, chassis, and eco-friendly interiors.
  • Renewable Energy Composites: Wind Turbine Blades, Solar Panel Structures: High-strength components for clean energy.
  • Marine Composites: Glass Fiber, Carbon Fiber, Kevlar:
    Lightweight, durable materials for boats and yachts.
  • Sports and Recreation Composites: Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass:
    High-performance sports gear like rackets and bikes.
  • Industrial Composites: Pultruded, Wear-Resistant, Conductive:
    Used in machinery and industrial applications.
  • Medical Composites: Bone Implants, Dental Composites, Prosthetics: Lightweight, durable medical devices.
  • Consumer Goods Composites: L, Reinforced Plastics:
    Found in furniture, appliances, and electronics.

What will I learn in the Plastics & Composites Concentration at WSU?

  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology Fundamentals
  • Plastics/Composites Materials & Properties
  • Design of Plastics/Composites Products
  • Applied Fluid Power
  • Plastic and Composite Manufacturing
  • Machining Principles
  • CNC/CAM for Plastics and Composites
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Process Automation
  • Manufacturing Electricity and Electronics
  • Lean Manufacturing Systems
  • Thermal Science
  • Mold Design and Process Strategies

What jobs are available for a plastics and composites engineer?

  • Materials Engineer – Designs and tests plastic/composite materials for industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods.
  • Process Engineer – Optimizes manufacturing processes, especially in injection molding and composite layup.
  • Product Development Engineer – Designs and improves plastic/composite products.
  • R&D Engineer – Develops new materials and applications for plastics/composites.
  • Quality Engineer – Ensures material and product quality.
  • Manufacturing Engineer – Streamlines production processes for plastic/composite materials.
  • Aerospace Engineer – Develops lightweight composite materials for aerospace.
  • Environmental Engineer – Focuses on sustainable and recyclable plastic/composite materials.
  • Tooling Engineer – Designs tools and molds for manufacturing.
  • Consultant – Offers expertise in material selection and process.

What is the salary for a plastics and composites engineer?

In Utah, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the salary for plastics and composites engineers varies based on experience and industry. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries around $60,000 to $75,000 annually, while mid-career professionals can earn between $75,000 and $95,000. Senior engineers with extensive experience and specialized skills may see salaries exceed $100,000. These figures can fluctuate depending on the industry, with sectors like aerospace and automotive often offering higher compensation.

The national average salary for a Plastics Engineer in the U.S. is around $83,647* per year, with typical ranges between $74,947 and $91,970, depending on experience, location, and company size. For a Composites Engineer, the average annual salary is around $74,263*, with a common range between $64,777* and $82,858*

*salary.com

ABET Accreditation

The Manufacturing Engineering Technology BS Programs at Weber State University are accredited by the Engineering Technology
Accreditation Commission of ABET (https://www.abet.org).

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Mission Statement and Program Educational Objectives Review

The MFET Program at Weber State University will be a growing, nationally recognized, program offering both AAS and ABET Accredited BS Engineering Technology degrees that afford faculty and students opportunities for intellectual and personal growth. We will prepare students to demonstrate professional competence within the discipline and serve the needs of industry in Utah and throughout the nation

Program Educational Objectives (what graduates should be able to do three to five years after graduation);

  1. Graduates will be recognized as having mastered both theory and application of the body of knowledge in their discipline and become increasingly versed in the latest manufacturing techniques and methods as they apply to their employment.
  2. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to cost effectively, creatively and methodically solve manufacturing problems through experimentation, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of data.
  3. Graduates will be recognized as being personally effective as individuals, team members and team leaders though oral, written, and graphical communication and take on increased technical or managerial responsibility appropriate to their employment.
  4. Graduates will demonstrate a furthering commitment to quality, ethics, service and continuous improvement in personal and professional situations.

Student Learning Outcomes (graduates from the program will be able to or will have attained the following Student Outcomes);

  1. An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, or technology to solve related to solve broadly defined engineering problems in Manufacturing Engineering Technology specific to the program’s emphases in Production Operations and Controls, Plastics and Composites, and Welding related to current manufacturing process and systems design, operations, quality and continuous improvement.
  2. An ability to design systems, components or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems in Manufacturing Engineering Technology specific to the program’s emphases in Production Operations and Controls, Plastics and Composites, or Welding.
  3. An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical, nontechnical, and relevant financial environments and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
  4. An ability to conduct, analyze and interpret experiments and apply experimental results to improve processes in a realistic, sustainable and cost-effective manner.
  5. An ability to function effectively as a member or leader on a technical team.

The following topics are covered as required by ABET in MFET Curriculum.

  • An understanding of the need for and an ability to engage in self-directed continuing professional development
  • An understanding of and a commitment to address professional and ethical responsibilities including a respect for diversity
  • A knowledge of the impact of engineering technology solutions in a societal and global context
  • A commitment to quality, timeliness and continuous improvement.

MFET

Declared Majors*

AAS Graduates

BS Graduates

2019-2020 201 18 38
2018-2019 229 47 54
2017-2018 249 24 30
2016-2017 229 23 47
2015-2016 217 18 34
2014-2015 100 23 24