Incorporating Autodesk Moldflow as a Tool for Promoting Engaged Student Learning

In this paper, we provide a discussion on implementation of Autodesk Moldflow Software for enhancing and promoting teaching activities and enhancing course content offered as one of mandatory courses in Manufacturing Engineering curriculum of one of the Higher Education Institution in United States. The target audience of the course is undergraduate students at junior or senior level. In the paper, implementation of Autodesk Moldflow as an instructional tool for promoting a dynamic interactive classroom environment and providing seamless integration of classroom activities such as traditional classroom teaching, computer simulation of manufacturing process, and actual physical laboratory experience related with the process. In that regard, Autodesk Moldflow is used as one of the tools that would be used for promoting positive outcomes associated with the student learning. Autodesk Moldflow is used for modeling and simulating of the plastic injection molding process. During computer simulation laboratories, specific examples of Autodesk Moldflow is introduced for providing ideas to students on how the manufacturing process would be improved by employing the tools based on computer simulation of associated process. In that regard, corresponding examples on discovering potential manufacturing problems that might arise are introduced. Role of software for providing visual aid for understanding filling, packing, and cooling stages of the manufacturing process is emphasized. In order for promoting active learning experience, and providing association between classroom teaching, physical laboratory demonstration, and computer simulation of plastic injection molding process, required references are made. Feedback obtained from the oral communication and Student Evaluation of Instruction Report indicate that suggested approach help achieving learning outcomes and promote a classroom environment conducive to engaged student learning.