Ferris State University adds electric Zeres to expand plastics lab during the pandemic
BIG RAPIDS, MI., (November 10, 2020) – The Ferris State University Plastics Engineering Technology Lab took delivery of a Zhafir Zeres electric molding machine in the first week of October. The consigned ZE 400/120 (44 U.S. tons) is helping to address social distancing requirements posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the new ZE, the University has been able to add an additional lab section for applied learning with one student at each machine rather than two, reducing the number of lab partners.
Jason Holbrook, Absolute Haitian’s Midwest Regional Sales Manager and member of the Ferris State Plastics Engineering Technology Advisory Board, facilitated the consignment machine. Although stock machines are currently in high demand, Jason made the case for Absolute Haitian to deliver the ZE 400/120 to the university as quickly as possible.
Said Tom Van Pernis, Assistant Professor at Ferris State University, “Once we understood the machine requirements, it was a quick turnaround. We were pleased with how fast the new machine arrived. We had students running the molding machine the day after it delivered for six hours. Jason has been a great supporter of our program over the years.”
Currently, the Ferris State lab is using the ZE for an Advanced Injection Molding course, and in the spring, they will add Introduction to Injection Molding on the Zeres.
The Zeres is an electric machine complemented by a hydraulic circuit dedicated to injection carriage movement, core pull, ejectors and valve gates, providing students with the opportunity to see both electric and hydraulic technologies in action.
“In my classes, I typically review the ins and outs of the molding machines first, focusing on the controller. Students in the advanced class were all familiar with our existing machines. This semester, I’ve been able to simulate an actual work situation with the new Zeres,” said Van Pernis. “Here’s the manual now go to it. All the students have been successful, quickly understanding the control and making parts on their own.”
“As our students graduate, they become plastics processors who may influence machine selection at their companies,” noted Van Pernis. “It is a win for our students as well as for Absolute Haitian.”
About Ferris State University
The Ferris State University Plastics & Rubber Engineering Technology Program offers an A.A.S. degree in Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Science degrees in Plastics Engineering Technology or Rubber Engineering Technology. Alumni of the program are employed in a variety of positions which include process engineering, product design/ development, tool/mold design, polymer materials development, and a wide variety of program management positions. Graduates are among the University's most heavily recruited as Ferris State has Michigan's only B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology.
Learn more at https://www.ferris.edu/CET/design-mfg/Plastics/
About Absolute Haitian
Absolute Haitian, based in Worcester, Massachusetts, is the exclusive sales and service partner in the U.S. and Canada for Haitian International based in Ningbo, China. Ningbo Haitian Machinery Co., Ltd. is the world’s largest supplier of plastics injection molding machinery, shipping more than 32,000 machines in 2019. Haitian products are sold in more than 130 countries with machine sizes ranging from 44 to 7,425 U.S. tons of clamp force. More information is available by visiting the Absolute Haitian website at www.absolutehaitian.com
CONTACT:
Patrice Aylward, Communications Consultant, 216/618-3174 or paylward@absolutehaitian.com
Tom Van Pernis, Assistant Professor, 231/591-2634 or TomVanPernis@ferris.edu
