Daeng Hawkins • September 10, 2025

Choosing the Right Plastic

Selecting the appropriate plastic material is a complex yet vital factor for project success. This course introduces systematic techniques to simplify the process, guiding you from initial part concept to material selection. We will draw on past project successes by examining parts Jim Brickley has worked on, providing real-world insights into effective material choices. By the end, students will grasp the essential considerations for choosing the right plastic.


Agenda:

 

-Polymer basics needed for material selection

-Why is picking the right resin early so important

           -Time

           -Cost

           -Failures

           -Recalls

           -Long Term Failures

           -Liabilities

-Four pillars of making parts right the first time.

-CTQ: What does it mean? How do you define it?

-Industry specific needs, certifications, requirements, etc

-Off the shelf resins versus custom compounds

-Effect of additives to dial in the material properties

-Industry specific workout using checklist:

           -Automotive

           -Sporting Goods/Firearms

           -Medical

           -Telcom

           -Aerospace

           -Consumer Products

 



When: November 11, 2025 at 11:30 to 2 pm includes (complimentary lunch provided)

Where: Polymer Center of Excellence

Speaker: Jim Brickley - Director of Engineering at Conventus Polymers

Cost:  Free


To register: Email Jim Brickley and Marley Persch

jbrickley@conventuspolymers.com and mpersch@conventuspolymers.com

Speaker Bio:


Jim Brickley brings 33 years of expertise in the plastics industry, spanning diverse market segments. His career encompasses the four critical phases of plastics part development—design, material selection, mold making, and process optimization—providing him a comprehensive understanding of transforming concepts into tangible products. He has held key engineering roles at General Electric Plastics, United Technologies, Lear Corporation, C-MOLD Molding Simulation Software, SABIC Plastics, AMCO Polymers, and United Plastic Group, and currently serves as Director of Engineering at Conventus Polymers.

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