Plastics Failure Analysis in Practice

Identifying failure in plastic parts is often difficult [never as easy as in theory] as it is induced by a combination of many factors (additive/polymer used, processing conditions, environment…). By lack of failure analysis experience, you may feel lost not knowing which test to run first... or even worst, mix up primary and secondary causes and focus your time & efforts on the wrong factor!

1. Strengthen your ability to better identify the main cause of failure by generating the right data from your test methods (FTIR, DSC, TGA...)
2. Explore strategies to best combine & interpret tests through step-by-step analysis of real cases: design, use in electrical, medical, automotive...
3. Set-up a fool-proof failure prevention strategy for your plastics parts by efficiently using prediction methods (accelerated testing, simulated trials...)

Product Managers, Manufacturing/Design Engineers, Quality Control Staff, Warranty/ Return Team Members interested in a structured methodology to analyse failures in their plastic parts, thereby minimising all risks.

The following sections will be covered during this course:

1. Failure Analysis Approach
   • Flowchart depicting steps for efficient analysis
2. Analytical techniques used in Failure Analysis (FTIR, DSC, TGA, Gas Chromatography, Mechanical Testing….)
   • Generating the right data
   • Key differences between different tests, when to use what?
   • Practical Strategies to best combine data from different tests
   • Identifying Primary vs Secondary Causes
3. Strategies for prevention of different failures
   • Life Performance Factors (stress, temperature, time…)
   • Monitoring Plastic Property Loss
   • Prediction Methods: Accelerated Testing, Creep…
   • Limitations
4. Step by Step Analysis of Real life Case Studies
   • Failure due to manufacturing, design, molding, field-use in electrical, medical, automotive & other applications