Case Study: Nanyang Technological University boosts student engagement and practical polymer design skills with SolidWorks

Improving Polymer Technology Course With Solidworks Education Edition

Nanyang Technological University turned to SolidWorks to revamp its polymer technology course, replacing lecture‑heavy instruction with a flipped learning model and a virtual laboratory. The School of Materials Science & Engineering implemented SolidWorks Education Edition — including SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation and SOLIDWORKS Plastics — to give students hands‑on experience in 3D design, CFD analysis, and injection‑mold‑filling simulation tied to real industry workflows.

Using SolidWorks, NTU created team‑based projects (13‑week smartphone cover design tasks for teams of four), in‑class simulation labs, and certification opportunities. The change drove markedly higher student engagement and more interactive learning (student feedback called the course “fun and engaging”), reinforced practical understanding of polymer flow and manufacturing, and allowed students to pursue CSWA certification — better preparing graduates for industry roles.

Nanyang Technological University

Terry W.J. Steele

Assistant Professor