LS Mtron Donates Injection Molding Machine to Prepare Future Plastic Workforce

Two universities will incorporate a 55-ton machine into their curriculum, allowing scientific prototyping practice based on real-world technology. (Skyscraper State University)

LS Mtron  Michigan'sFerris State Universityand KansasPittsburg State University Donated two 55-ton injection molding machines.It provides valuable practical experience for students preparing to enter the plastics industry.

Ferris State University received a ONE 55E machine, which was previously showcased at NPE 2024. The machine was installed in July, ready for students returning for the fall semester to participate in the school's Plastics Engineering Technology program.

“When our students return to campus next month, they will be very excited to see this machine,” said Tom Van Ernis, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the school's Plastics Engineering Technology program. “Our program would not exist without the support of the industry. We are very grateful for LS Mtron's support.”

Introduction to Mechanics

The machine will be used for the Ferris State introductory course in injection molding, which includes a six-hour lab component. Students learn everything from machine safety and components to setting clamp actions, running short shots, and basic process optimization. The clear guard of the LS machine makes it particularly suitable for educational purposes.

The equipment will also be used for advanced injection molding courses, where students will experiment with engineering-grade materials to understand how process variables affect the performance of the finished product.

Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, is using its 55-ton LS ONE 55E in its plastics processing laboratory. The LS machine is joined by two other injection molding machines in the 6,000-square-foot lab. Photo courtesy of Pittsburg State University.

At Pittsburg State University, approximately 50 students are enrolled in the school's plastics program. The newly donated LS ONE 55E is placed alongside other equipment used for various plastics processes in the 6,000-square-foot plastics processing laboratory.

"All plastics major students will gain hands-on experience with LS Mtron machines after completing three processing courses," explained Paul Herring, professor of the Plastics Engineering Technology program at PSU. "These experiences range from simple tasks for freshmen to more advanced scientific molding activities for juniors and seniors."

Development Process

The addition of the LS Mtron machine enables PSU students to develop scientific processes on a 55-ton machine and then transfer the molds to another machine to match that process, a capability their previous equipment lineup did not have.

Both universities emphasize the importance of industry partnerships in preparing students for careers in plastics engineering and technology. Graduates of these programs typically enter the workforce as process engineers and are well-prepared due to their experience with production-level equipment.

"Because we support the manufacturing capabilities of our sister company LG and all its subsidiaries, we are keenly aware of the power of supporting stakeholders in the emerging plastics industry," said Paul Caprio, President of LS Mtron Injection Molding Machine Sales USA. "We are proud to provide future plastics industry employees with every possible advantage to learn the critical skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving field of advanced manufacturing."

LS Mtron is committed to ongoing participation in these two university projects, with team members serving on the advisory committee and planning to make regular visits during the consignment period.