Design Review
Senior-engineer CAD review before tooling with 3D annotated findings and a live implementation walkthrough.
The book on plastic part design? We wrote it. Now we'll review yours.
For 41 years, ETS has caught the wall-thickness, draft, and gate failures that cost manufacturers six figures after tooling. Get a senior-engineer review in days — or an AI assistant that has read every failure we've ever seen.
A $3,500 review catches errors that cost $50,000–$200,000 after tooling.
Clients we support
Attendee comments
Why Your CAD Lies to You
Walls look fine in CAD — and warp in the mold. Draft looks adequate — and the part galls on ejection. Our reviews are built on 41 years of real failure data from the floor, not theory. Here's what we catch, and what it costs if you don't:
| Error Type | Typical Cost After Tooling | With Pre-Tooling Review |
|---|---|---|
| Wall thickness issues | $25,000–$75,000 — Major tool rework or re-cut | Caught in review |
| Draft angle errors | $15,000–$50,000 — Ejection damage, surface defects | Caught in review |
| Gate location problems | $10,000–$30,000 — Visible flow marks, weld lines | Caught in review |
| Undercut design | $20,000–$60,000 — Additional slides or lifters needed | Caught in review |
| Rib/boss proportions | $15,000–$40,000 — Sink marks, structural failure | Caught in review |
New feature:
ChatETS — Your AI‑Powered Engineering Assistant
Tap into 40+ years of plastics engineering expertise with a modern AI assistant trained on ETS knowledge.
What we do
40+ years of plastics engineering expertise, delivered through six service lines.
From pre-tooling risk reduction to retained technical leadership and applied team training, ETS supports engineering organizations wherever cost-of-failure is highest.
41+
Years of real-world plastics failure data
500+
OEM and Tier-1 organizations supported
10th
Edition of the industry reference textbook
6
Focused service lines from one expert team
Core services
Consulting Retainers
Embedded principal-level support for high-consequence programs requiring rapid decisions and continuity.
ETS Academy
Subscription curriculum with live coaching, plus on-site and in-person training options for team-wide capability building.
AI Design Validation
Engineering judgment layer for edge cases, material interactions, and failure modes AI-only tooling can miss.
800V EV Plastics
Material and architecture support for high-voltage systems, thermal durability, and compliance-sensitive components.
Advanced Polymer Programs
Hands-on guidance for PEEK, CF/PEEK, and complex polymer systems used in high-reliability markets.
Textbook
The centerpiece of Paul A. Tres' Designing Plastic Parts for Assembly and Automotive Plastics Part Design seminars is his best-selling book, Designing Plastic Parts for Assembly, now at its 10th edition.
Click to read
- An excerpt of the book on the publisher's website
- Forewords + Prefaces to each of the book's ten editions
- Preface to the 8th Chinese edition
Training Paths
Need self-paced, on-site, and in-person options? ETS combines Academy access with live instructor-led programs so teams can train at the right depth and pace.
See Training OptionsHow It Works
01
Upload Your STEP/IGES
Send your CAD file through our secure intake form. NDA? We'll sign one first.
02
We Assign a Senior Reviewer
An engineer with 41 years of failure-knowledge reviews your design — not a junior.
03
3D-Annotated Markup + Report
You receive a full written report with 3D markups in days, not weeks.
04
1-Hour Walkthrough
We walk you through every finding live. Ask questions. Then go build it right.
Consulting Services
Beyond training. Strategic engineering partnerships.
Design Review as a Service
Single-project review of your CAD before tooling. Fast path to catching what your team missed before steel is cut.
$3,500 per review
Get Design ReviewConsulting Retainers
Ongoing access to senior ETS engineers embedded in your development cycle. Priority access and rapid response.
$15,000 / month · 3 retainer slots remaining this quarter
Explore RetainersETS Academy
Subscription training for your team with structured plastics curriculum, progress tracking, and continuing education coverage.
$4,995 / month
Browse AcademyNews & Events
Transform Your Team with Expert On-Site Training
Upcoming On-Site Seminars
- Vuteq Technical Center Americas - Woodstock, Ontario, CANADA
Don't let your talent fall behind in today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape. ETS brings world-class expertise directly to your facility with customized in-plant and on-site training seminars that have already transformed dozens of organizations just like yours.
Our proven approach combines decades of real-world experience with cutting-edge technical knowledge, delivering targeted training that addresses your specific challenges. From materials engineering to failure analysis, our experts work with your team where they're most comfortable – in your own environment, with your equipment, facing your actual production challenges.
Why settle for generic training when you can have solutions tailored to your needs?
Join the ranks of industry leaders who have already invested in their team's success. Our client roster includes Fortune 500 companies, innovative startups, and everything in between – all united by their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Ready to upskill your talent? Contact us today to discuss how our on-site training can be customized for your organization's specific needs.
Open Enrollment
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Next Session: TBDMichigan State University, Management Education Center - Troy, MichiganAutomotive Plastics Seminar Details
Contact us to express interest or be notified when the next session is scheduled.
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Strengthen Your Case with World-Class Expert Witness Testimony
When technical complexity meets legal scrutiny, you need more than just credentials – you need proven expertise that stands up under cross-examination. ETS delivers authoritative expert witness services that have shaped outcomes in hundreds of high-stakes legal cases across multiple industries.
Our multidisciplinary team of engineers, materials scientists, and failure analysis experts brings decades of real-world experience to the courtroom. We don't just analyze evidence – we translate complex technical concepts into compelling, understandable testimony that resonates with judges and juries alike.
Why risk your case on anything less than world-class expertise?
From product liability and patent disputes to construction failures and automotive accidents, our experts have provided decisive testimony in cases involving Fortune 500 companies, major insurance carriers, and leading law firms nationwide. Our track record speaks for itself: thorough analysis, clear communication, and unwavering credibility under pressure.
Need expert testimony that will withstand scrutiny? Contact our legal services team to discuss how our expertise can strengthen your case strategy.