Relate allowable strain, deflection, engagement, repeated operation and time-dependent behavior to the actual material.
ETS · engineering that holds up
Design the joint as carefully as the part.
Assembly decisions change the loads, tolerances, serviceability and manufacturing risks of a plastic component. Compare joining methods against the material, geometry and life of the product.
Engineering scope
Start with the decisions that matter.
Assess load paths, hoop stress, interference, torque, relaxation and manufacturing variation.
Consider material compatibility, geometry, process windows, inspection and evidence of joint performance.
How the engagement works
A structured path from question to evidence.
Identify load transfer, sealing, service access, assembly rate and product life.
Compare mechanical joining, welding, bonding and molded assembly against design and process constraints.
Examine geometry, stress concentrations, tolerance stack, process control and failure modes.
Agree on tests and documentation that demonstrate performance across the intended duty cycle.
Agree the output before work begins
A decision record—not an unexplained verdict.
Agree the question, available inputs, limits of the review and the expected decision before technical work begins.
Document the information considered, alternative explanations or candidates, trade-offs and outstanding uncertainty.
Define recommended changes or tests and the evidence required to judge whether the result meets the application.
Prepare the discussion
Bring the part context. Protect confidential information.
Useful starting information includes photographs, drawings, material grade, process history, loading, environment, timeline and available samples. Start with a non-confidential description; arrange an appropriate transfer method for sensitive files after scoping.
Testing capabilities, schedule, deliverables and fees are agreed for the engagement. A database comparison alone does not establish compliance or suitability.
Before the conversation
Explore the engineering foundations.
Free toolsCalculate and compare
Use the material screener, snap-fit and hinge calculators as preliminary tools—not final qualification.
Explore →ReferenceDesigning Plastic Parts for AssemblyRead the book overview, contents and available excerpts.
Explore →Legal mattersExpert-witness practiceFor a dispute or litigation matter, request a conflict check before sharing confidential case information.
Explore →Put the next step on the calendar.
Tell us the application, the decision and what is at stake. We will help identify the appropriate next step.
Discuss an assembly →