Resources - Poly Evolution

[ 01 ] FEATURED GUIDE

GUIDE · MATERIAL SELECTION

Engineering Resin Selection:
A Procurement Manager's Field Guide

A practical guide to reading polymer datasheets, understanding the difference between commodity and engineering grades, knowing when to qualify a second source, and asking the right questions when a supplier sends you a TDS. No chemistry degree required.

32-PAGE PDF · PUBLISHED SEPT 2026 · FREE DOWNLOAD

Download Guide →

[ 02 ] TECHNICAL ARTICLES

REFERENCE

MFI vs. MVR: Which Flow Test Do You Actually Need?

MFI and MVR measure the same thing - almost. This is when each one matters and why specifying the wrong one gets you in trouble at the press.

5 MIN READ · SEPT 2026

ARTICLE

The UL 94 Flame Ratings Explained for Non-Chemists

V-0, V-1, V-2, 5VA - what each rating means, what test produces it, and why your customer might care about one but not another.

8 MIN READ · AUG 2026

GUIDE

How to Write a Resin Specification That Procurement Can Actually Use

A good material spec locks in the grade, the supplier, the test method, and the incoming inspection criteria. Here's the template we use with our clients.

10 MIN READ · AUG 2026

ARTICLE

When a Material Substitute Isn't Really a Substitute

Your supplier wants to swap a grade. "Equivalent" on the datasheet doesn't mean equivalent in your process. The questions to ask before you approve it.

6 MIN READ · JUL 2026

REFERENCE

Polymer Families Quick Reference: Properties at a Glance

One-page property comparison across PP, PE, PC, Nylon, ABS, TPU, and PEEK. Download and post it next to your desk.

REFERENCE SHEET · JUL 2026

GUIDE

Gamma vs. EtO vs. Autoclave: Choosing a Sterilization Method for Plastic Components

Each sterilization method degrades plastics differently. This guide maps common medical resins against the three primary sterilization chemistries and what survives each.

12 MIN READ · JUN 2026

[ 03 ] QUICK REFERENCE

Standard test methods by property. Reference these when reading a supplier TDS or writing an incoming inspection procedure.

Property	ASTM Method	ISO Method	Unit	Notes
Melt Flow Index	D1238	ISO 1133	g/10min	Load and temperature must be specified - D1238 and ISO 1133 use different default conditions
Tensile Strength / Elongation	D638	ISO 527	MPa / %	Type I or IV specimens; speed affects elongation result significantly
Flexural Modulus / Strength	D790	ISO 178	MPa	Span-to-depth ratio matters for filled grades - 16:1 is ASTM default
Izod Impact (Notched)	D256	ISO 180	J/m or kJ/m²	Notch radius and conditioning temperature must match your end-use environment
Heat Deflection Temperature	D648	ISO 75	°C	66 psi (0.45 MPa) and 264 psi (1.82 MPa) - always specify which load was used
Flame Rating	UL 94	IEC 60695	V-0 / V-1 / V-2 / 5V	Rated at specific thickness - confirm the rated thickness matches your part geometry
Specific Gravity / Density	D792	ISO 1183	g/cm³	Required for part weight calculation; use actual grade value, not family average

Reference materialfor material people.

Reference material
for material people.