Polymer Processing and Testing Lab
Exploring the possibilities of plastic
Swinburne’s Polymer Lab is a cutting-edge research hub for polymer manufacturing, processing and analysis. Here, engineering students get hands-on experience in polymer and material processing and performance evaluation. Research projects range from investigations into 3D printing and robotics for repairing equipment, to recycled plastics for bedding. With a focus on circular product design and sustainable principles for the circular economy, here, students gain real-world skills for a next-gen engineering career.
On this page you'll find:
Explore the lab
With a range of manufacturing and analysis equipment, the Polymer Lab allows for dedicated sustainability research into recycled materials, plastics and polymers
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Student using the APSX-PIM Plastic Injection Moulding Machine to create a test specimen. -
Students using the LabTech LTE16-40 Twin screw extruder to manufacture versatile polymer profiles -
Students using the INSTRON-CEAST Pendulum Impact Testing Machine to determine a material’s impact resilience .
Using the lab
The Polymer Lab is home to the new frontier of innovation in material science. Undergraduate and postgraduate students use the lab alongside industry, with applications ranging from automotive to mining, aerospace, construction materials and more. The lab is available for external hire, to support research in manufacturing, composites and thermoplastics.
Companies and Researchers
Ready to test a new product, but don’t have the facilities? With access to Swinburne’s Polymer Lab, you’ll be able to use our equipment to determine a material’s tensile strength, flexibility and toughness, or explore novel manufacturing avenues.
Students and Staff
Third year Mechanical and Product Design Engineering students will make use of the lab’s equipment in Manufacturing units, as will students completing final year capstone projects related to product analysis and manufacturing.
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A student operating the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D Printer. -
A student using the PolyJet EDEN350 3D printer. -
A student using the Zwich Z010 Universal Testing Machine to evaluate a material’s mechanical properties.
Contact us
If you’re a PhD student, a professional or an organisation looking to partner with us or access our facility, please contact Professor Mostafa Nikzad: mnikzad@swin.edu.au
Equipment
Swinburne’s Polymer Lab houses specialised equipment for material processing, characterisation and performance evaluation.
- 3D printing, including FFF, DLP, PolyJet and HP Jet Fusion 3D printers
- Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA)
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Melt Flow Index test (MFI)
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Nanoindentation
- SEM and XRD, SPX, Raman and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR)
- Ultrasonic Testing
- Radio Frequency Testing
- Micro-CT
- Synchrotron facilities
- Twin screw extruder
- Plastic Injection Moulding Machine
- Pendulum Impact Testing Machine
- Universal Testing Machine
- Scientific Hydraulic Press
Partner with us
Contact us to gain access to the Polymer Lab’s material testing facilities, collaborate with Swinburne researchers or work with engineering undergraduate and postgraduate students through industry-linked projects.
Location and contact
ATC 801 , Hawthorn campus
Associate Professor Mostafa Nikzad, mnikzad@swin.edu.au