Separate immediate overload from accumulated damage, stress concentration, time-dependent deformation and environmental effects.
ETS · engineering that holds up
Understand why the plastic part failed—and what to change.
A cracked part is evidence, not a diagnosis. Examine material, geometry, processing, assembly and service conditions together to define an investigation and corrective-action path.
Engineering scope
Start with the decisions that matter.
Review resin grade, conditioning, lot history, molding conditions and changes across suppliers or production periods.
Consider interference, fastener load, weld integrity, residual stress, chemicals, temperature and the actual duty cycle.
How the engagement works
A structured path from question to evidence.
Identify what failed, when, under what conditions and which engineering or legal decision the investigation must support.
Collect photographs, drawings, material identification, process records and service history. Preserve samples and document handling.
Develop hypotheses and identify the inspections or tests that can discriminate between them. State uncertainty rather than assume a single cause.
Document supported findings, limitations, recommended changes and a 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.
Discuss a failure →