Plastics and composites offer designers a unique opportunity to reduce part cost while improving part and assembly quality. However, when undertaking a project that is looking to convert a part or assembly from more traditional materials to these polymeric based materials, extra attention needs to be given to the performance requirements of the end assembly, and how material selection and manufacturing may influence the overall part quality of the final molded product. This talk will highlight what properties of these composites and plastics need to be evaluated to make the conversion a success. Additionally, the speaker will highlight how simulation tools like structural FEA and Moldflow can be proactively utilized to help minimize failure modes or late design changes that will derail your project.

Erik Foltz is a Senior Managing Engineer at The Madison Group. For over 15 years, Erik has worked with his customers, across all industries, to successfully design and manufacture plastic components through all phases of the product design process. His specialties include plastic part design verification, process optimization and troubleshooting for injection and compression molding, and plastics failure root cause analysis. He has experience with thermoplastic, thermoset, elastomeric, and composite materials. Erik is also a Certified Professional Moldflow® Consultant.