Date/Time
Date(s) - 15/05/2025
All Day
Categories
A guest lecture on the topic “Thermoplastics vs Thermosets: Design and Application Considerations” was conducted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Sona College of Technology, Salem on 15th May 2025. This insightful session was aimed at providing the first-year mechanical engineering students with an in-depth understanding of the properties, applications, and design considerations of thermoplastic and thermoset materials.
The resource person for this enlightening lecture was Mr. Jeevith Pranav Anbalagan, a Production Engineering Specialist at Tata Steel, Jamshedpur. With his extensive industry experience, Mr. Jeevith Pranav shared valuable knowledge regarding the different aspects of thermoplastics and thermosets, emphasizing their importance in real-world manufacturing and design applications.
Key Highlights of the Lecture:
Mr. Jeevith Pranav Anbalagan began by introducing the fundamental differences between thermoplastics and thermosets, focusing on their molecular structure and how it directly affects their processing, mechanical properties, and final applications. He elaborated on the flexibility and recyclability of thermoplastics, making them ideal for products like packaging, consumer goods, and automotive parts. In contrast, thermosets, known for their rigidity, high thermal resistance, and strength, are commonly used in high-performance applications like electrical components, automotive parts, and construction materials.
The lecture covered key topics such as:
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Thermal Behavior and Processing: How thermoplastics can be remolded and recycled, while thermosets undergo irreversible curing, making them more suitable for specific high-performance uses.
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Material Selection Criteria: Understanding the considerations when selecting materials for design, such as temperature resistance, mechanical stress, and environmental impact.
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Applications in Industries: Practical examples from Tata Steel and other industries where these materials play a crucial role in production, manufacturing, and product durability.
Additionally, Mr. Jeevith Pranav shared insights from his personal experience in the field of Production Engineering, discussing challenges faced in material selection and the impact of engineering decisions on overall product performance. His stories from working at Tata Steel, one of the leading steel manufacturing companies, gave students a clear understanding of how theoretical knowledge translates into industry practices.
The lecture also included a discussion on the sustainability aspect of both thermoplastics and thermosets, touching upon recent innovations aimed at improving the environmental impact of materials used in manufacturing.
Student Engagement and Takeaways:
The first-year mechanical engineering students greatly benefitted from Mr. Jeevith Pranav’s real-world insights. The interaction allowed them to ask questions and gain a deeper appreciation for how material science influences design engineering and production processes.
The students were particularly interested in learning about the job roles in production engineering, and Mr. Jeevith Pranav’s personal anecdotes from his career helped them envision the practical applications of their academic knowledge.
This guest lecture was a valuable experience for all attendees, fostering a greater understanding of material selection and design considerations that are critical in engineering design and manufacturing processes.
