The handle from a consumer product exhibited an apparent surface defect. The handle had been injection molded from a medium viscosity grade ABS resin. The anomalous appearance was objectionable to the assembler of the final product and resulted in a production lot being placed on quality-control hold. Investigation included visual inspection, 24x micrographs, and FTIR in the reflectance mode. The spectrum obtained on the included material was characteristic of polybutadiene, the rubber-modifying agent present in ABS. This supported the conclusion that the inclusion's most likely source was an undispersed gel particle formed during the production of the molding resin.

A design may be improvable without presenting an unacceptable risk related to safety or performance. However, design-related failures can result from an oversight in performing one of the major design activities or from a failure to balance the competing demands inherent to part design. This article focuses on design-related failures in products utilizing polymeric materials, and reviews important considerations of the design envelope of plastic parts. The article provides a non-exhaustive list and descriptions of design tools that can support the design process and the prevention of design-related failures. It also discusses the most common causes of design-related failures of plastic parts. The article can assist in both failure analysis and in the prevention of failures in which design may be a contributing factor or a root cause.

As a failure investigation progresses, the time arrives when the data and results of the various testing and analyses are compiled, compared, and interpreted. Data interpretation should be relatively straightforward for results that align well. However, interpretation can be challenging when results from various tests seem contradictory or inconclusive. Regardless, conclusions must eventually be drawn from the data. This article discusses the processes involved in reviewing data, formulating conclusions, failure analysis report preparation and writing, and providing recommendations and follow-up with appropriate personnel to prevent future failures.

This article is a compilation of terms and definitions related to failure analysis and prevention. This glossary is intended to help promote clear thinking and useful failure analysis. The definitions presented are those used in this volume and reflect common and modern understanding of these terms as used in the literature and in reports by practicing failure analysts.

This glossary is a compilation of terms related to the analysis and prevention of component and equipment failures. It is intended to help promote clear thinking and useful failure analysis. The definitions presented are those used in this Volume and reflect a common and modern understanding of these terms as used in the literature and in reports by practicing failure analysts.