Hello and welcome to a new blog post. Over the course of my career as a polymer engineer, I have sought to delineate the requisite skills for effective polymer material selection. Through discussions with polymer engineers responsible for successful plastic product development over the past decade, it has become evident that proficiency in six distinct areas is consistently demonstrated. These individuals not only possess comprehensive knowledge but also apply it rigorously across multiple product development cycles. Through iterative refinement and detailed analysis, these six areas have been systematically mapped. Consequently, I have formalized these competencies into what I now refer to as the "6 POMS" skills (Figure 1).
The 6 Polymer Material Selection Skills
 |
| Figure 1: Overview of the 6 POMS skills helping to become a Master in polymer material selection [1]. |
Let us discuss each of the 6 P's:
P- Properties: Understanding key polymer properties
To effectively select polymers for specific applications, a thorough understanding of their key properties is essential. This includes familiarity with polymer structure properties like morphology, molecular weight, and thermal transitions. Knowledge of mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact strength, stiffness, and elongation is crucial. Additionally, a grasp of thermal properties, including glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and heat resistance, is necessary. The ability to assess chemical resistance to acids, bases, solvents, and oxidation is also vital. Furthermore, awareness of both long-term and short-term properties and their relationship to application requirements is paramount. Finally, understanding multi-point property data and its relevance to application needs ensures optimal material selection.
P - Part Design: Defining Application Requirements for Plastic Part Design
The success of a plastic part depends heavily on its ability to meet the specific demands of its intended application. To ensure this, a structured approach to defining requirements is essential. This involves using tools like requirement checklists and methodologies such as the FLERP approach (Function, Loading conditions, Environmental Factors, Regulatory requirements, and Processing requirements).
A crucial aspect of this process is the ability to write clear and concise product specifications. This requires a deep understanding of the part's true functions, load cases, and material requirements. Additionally, it is important to consider the data needed for plastic part design, including material properties, processing parameters, and environmental factors.
Finally, cost considerations should be integrated throughout the design process. This involves evaluating material and manufacturing costs to optimize the overall design and ensure economic viability. By following these steps, engineers can effectively define application requirements and design plastic parts that meet the needs of their intended use.
P - Polymer material values: Translating application requirements to qualitative and quantitative material values
Translating plastic application requirements into actionable material values is a critical step in the selection process. This involves understanding how qualitative and quantitative application needs correspond to specific material properties. A systematic approach, such as listing all application requirements and their translated material values in a dedicated system or sheet, significantly enhances the selection process by providing a clear and organized framework for evaluation.
P - Process: Polymer material selection process
The process of selecting polymer materials involves several key considerations. It's important to determine if a structured, step-by-step approach is currently in place. Utilizing online databases like CAMPUS or Omnexus for material identification is common practice. A fundamental understanding of how to interpret technical datasheets for plastics is also crucial. Furthermore, the selection process should involve a degree of critical thinking, including challenging the use of established materials and exploring alternative options. Questioning the rationale behind choosing specific resins and ensuring they align with actual requirements is vital. Finally, the use of decision-making tools can significantly facilitate the selection of appropriate plastics.
P - Performance: Evaluation of material and part performance
Evaluating plastic material and part performance requires a comprehensive approach. Utilizing CAE tools, like injection mould filling simulation and FEA, enables virtual testing and optimization of plastic parts. Familiarity with standard ISO tests, such as tensile tests, is essential for quantifying material properties. Physical prototyping plays a critical role in verifying material and part functionality. Ultimately, experience in testing both material and part performance is crucial to confirm the suitability of the chosen plastic for its intended application.
P - Plastic supplier: Selection of material and supplier
The selection of plastic materials and suppliers involves active engagement and collaboration. Regularly discussing application requirements with polymer application engineers is crucial for ensuring material suitability. Direct contact with material suppliers to obtain samples supports the selection process by allowing for physical testing and evaluation. Seeking recommendations from plastics experts and material suppliers on new material developments ensures access to the latest advancements and potential solutions.
How to train the 6 POMS skills and become a master in polymer material selection?
Start by taking my new developed Polymer Material Selection test and discover your polymer material selection score. Assess where you are currently ranking at the different POMS skills and increase your ability to select plastics better. It is a simple test which consists of 26 Yes/No questions. After submitting, you will receive a report containing your overall POMS score, the detailed score and recommendations for improvements.
I invite you to take the test, get your POMS-score and review the suggested improvements.
Thanks for reading & #findoutaboutplastics!
Greetings,
Herwig
Literature:
[1] https://www.polymermaterialselection.com/poms-score
[2] https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Polymer-Material-Selection-practical-systematic/dp/B0BSWM6BPD
