For the Classroom - Material Properties

Objectives:
Introduce students to various material properties.

Discussion Topics:

Density:


• Familiarize students some of the more common metals
  
• Strength vs. Weight
• Corrosion resistant, non-magnetic, etc.



Shore Durometer:

• Introduction to Shore Durometer
• Different Shore Durometer scales
• Why is Shore Durometer important
• Tables provides a realistic comparison to common items



Hardness Conversion:

• Explain that the Hardness of a material is it’s ability to resist penetration, indentation, and scratching (plastic deformation)
• Explain the Tensile Strength of a material - Introduce students to the Stress vs. Strain Curve
• Show how Hardness and Tensile are measured



Thermoplastic Properties:

• Introduction to different types of plastics
• The various properties of plastics that need to be considered (The categories shown in the table are some of the more important properties to consider during the design process)
• Colors
• Standard sizes and profiles that are commonly available (McMaster-Carr, Reid, etc.)


Classroom Practice (with other supporting materials):


• Show samples of different Shore Durometers
  
• Show samples of common plastics
  
• Discuss considerations when selecting materials
  
• Strength
  
• Weight
  
• Cost
  
• Application (i.e. under water, corrosive, UV, etc)
  
• Ease of machinability, fabrication, etc.