Consider strain, creep, fatigue, impact and temperature together, not isolated room-temperature strength.
ETS · engineering that holds up
Choose the material for the real duty cycle—not just the datasheet.
Compare candidate polymers against load, temperature, chemicals, life, manufacturing process and qualification requirements. Turn a property shortlist into an engineering decision with explicit trade-offs.
Engineering scope
Start with the decisions that matter.
Identify chemicals, moisture, sterilization, UV and other exposures that change behavior over the product life.
Review molding, joining, tolerances, appearance, supply constraints and required qualification evidence.
How the engagement works
A structured path from question to evidence.
Capture geometry, loads, life, operating environment, production process and relevant standards.
Build a requirements and trade-off matrix. Identify missing data and questions for material suppliers.
Define tests and acceptance criteria appropriate to the application; database similarity is not qualification.
Document candidates, assumptions, risks, supplier questions and the agreed validation plan.
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.
Scope a material review →