Beyond the Data Sheet: Plastic Material Selection for Optimal Performance

Cost: $1,500 USD
CEU's: 1.6
Instructor: Eric R. Larson

Course Overview

This course presents a methodology for plastic material selection. Using common layman's language, we will translate generic terms about a material's characteristics – such as stiffness, strength, and toughness - into specific technical properties that are relevant – and quantifiable – to the intended application. We will review industry standard tests that are used to quantify these properties, and discuss how to interpret and understand the behavior of the material in the intended application based on the available property data.

Key Topics

Attendees will also be introduced to the world of commodity and engineering plastics. Using case histories and commercial examples, we will explore how these materials are used, and why they are used, and – most important of all – costs (including raw material costs, processing costs, and cost of secondary operations). At the conclusion of this course, attendees will have sufficient knowledge to write a comprehensive material specification for any given application.

Note: while this course is primarily focused on injection molding, the methodology is applicable to most thermoplastic processing technologies, including blow molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, extrusion, et al.

Recommended Attendees

This course is suitable for technical professionals involved in the design and manufacturing of products made from plastic, including designers, engineers, technical managers, and technical sales and marketing staff. A basic understanding of materials is a prerequisite.

Instructor Biography:

Eric R. Larson is a mechanical engineer with over thirty years experience in plastics engineering. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he spent his early career as an Application Engineer for DuPont Engineering Plastics, providing support on plastic part design and material selection.

For the past twenty years, he has worked as a consultant, helping companies bridge the gap between “what if” and “wow.” He has helped bring to market products that are used by people from all walks of life, from boogie boards, water basketball games, and SCUBA diving equipment to disposable lighters, cell phones, and hand-held medical devices. He is founder and Chief Engineer of Art of Mass Production (AMP), an engineering consulting company based in San Diego, California.