Describe the part before choosing a family
A polymer abbreviation alone does not describe every condition your product must meet. Start with the part’s function, geometry, manufacturing process and operating environment. If a grade is already in production, identify it and explain the reason for the change.
Organise the requirements
- Processing: planned process, available equipment and known limitations.
- Use: loads, exposure, service temperature and relevant contact conditions for the project.
- Appearance: colour, transparency, texture and finish.
- Documentation: customer requirements and documents to review for this application.
- Supply: indicative quantity, lead time, packaging and expected supply continuity.
Distinguish essential requirements from negotiable ones. Where a requirement has a target value, include the evaluation method or conditions. This avoids comparing figures that describe different situations.
Compare specific products
The nine product families help guide the initial search. Then request information on specific commercial grades. Record their identification, the documentation received and outstanding questions. Do not treat a general family description as a guaranteed property of a grade.
Validate and keep records
Prepare a trial with agreed criteria. Record processing conditions, observations on the parts and results of the selected checks. If you change several variables at once, record each one so the comparison can be interpreted. Before deciding, also review the documentation and supply terms.