The book on plastic part design? We wrote it. Now we'll review yours.

For 41 years, ETS has caught the wall-thickness, draft, and gate failures that cost manufacturers six figures after tooling. Get a senior-engineer review in days — or an AI assistant that has read every failure we've ever seen.

41+ Years
500+ OEM/Tier-1 Clients
10th Ed. Textbook

A $3,500 review catches errors that cost $50,000–$200,000 after tooling.

Engineering concept design

Clients we support

Attendee comments

Why Your CAD Lies to You

Walls look fine in CAD — and warp in the mold. Draft looks adequate — and the part galls on ejection. Our reviews are built on 41 years of real failure data from the floor, not theory. Here's what we catch, and what it costs if you don't:

Error TypeTypical Cost After ToolingWith Pre-Tooling Review
Wall thickness issues$25,000–$75,000 — Major tool rework or re-cutCaught in review
Draft angle errors$15,000–$50,000 — Ejection damage, surface defectsCaught in review
Gate location problems$10,000–$30,000 — Visible flow marks, weld linesCaught in review
Undercut design$20,000–$60,000 — Additional slides or lifters neededCaught in review
Rib/boss proportions$15,000–$40,000 — Sink marks, structural failureCaught in review
New feature:

ChatETS — Your AI‑Powered Engineering Assistant

Tap into 40+ years of plastics engineering expertise with a modern AI assistant trained on ETS knowledge.

What We Do

For over 41 years, ETS Inc. has delivered advanced plastics design and assembly consulting across regulated and high-reliability programs where engineering mistakes are expensive.

  • Medical device programs, including projects involving First Safety, Pria Diagnostics, Philips Healthcare, Hill-Rom, Conmed, Pall Gelman, and Stryker
  • Defense and aerospace support, including Raytheon Defense Systems and Collins-linked programs
  • Marine and powersports work, including Bombardier Recreational Products (Sea-Doo)
Learn More

Textbook

The centerpiece of Paul A. Tres' Designing Plastic Parts for Assembly and Automotive Plastics Part Design seminars is his best-selling book, Designing Plastic Parts for Assembly, now at its 10th edition.

Designing Plastic Parts for Assembly book cover

How It Works

01

Upload Your STEP/IGES

Send your CAD file through our secure intake form. NDA? We'll sign one first.

02

We Assign a Senior Reviewer

An engineer with 41 years of failure-knowledge reviews your design — not a junior.

03

3D-Annotated Markup + Report

You receive a full written report with 3D markups in days, not weeks.

04

1-Hour Walkthrough

We walk you through every finding live. Ask questions. Then go build it right.

Consulting Services

Beyond training. Strategic engineering partnerships.

Design Review as a Service

Single-project review of your CAD before tooling. Fast path to catching what your team missed before steel is cut.

$3,500 per review

Get Design Review

Consulting Retainers

Ongoing access to senior ETS engineers embedded in your development cycle. Priority access and rapid response.

$15,000 / month · 3 retainer slots remaining this quarter

Explore Retainers

ETS Academy

Subscription training for your team with structured plastics curriculum, progress tracking, and continuing education coverage.

$4,995 / month

Browse Academy

Industry Insights

White papers, policy briefs, and expert analysis on reshoring, AI in manufacturing, 800V EV plastics, and R&D tax incentives.

Explore Insights

News & Events

Transform Your Team with Expert On-Site Training

Upcoming On-Site Seminars
- Vuteq Technical Center Americas - Woodstock, Ontario, CANADA

Don't let your talent fall behind in today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape. ETS brings world-class expertise directly to your facility with customized in-plant and on-site training seminars that have already transformed dozens of organizations just like yours.

Our proven approach combines decades of real-world experience with cutting-edge technical knowledge, delivering targeted training that addresses your specific challenges. From materials engineering to failure analysis, our experts work with your team where they're most comfortable – in your own environment, with your equipment, facing your actual production challenges.

Why settle for generic training when you can have solutions tailored to your needs?

Join the ranks of industry leaders who have already invested in their team's success. Our client roster includes Fortune 500 companies, innovative startups, and everything in between – all united by their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Ready to upskill your talent? Contact us today to discuss how our on-site training can be customized for your organization's specific needs.

Open Enrollment

  • Next Session: TBD
    Michigan State University, Management Education Center - Troy, Michigan
    Automotive Plastics Seminar Details

    Contact us to express interest or be notified when the next session is scheduled.

As of today, the following companies are registered:

Strengthen Your Case with World-Class Expert Witness Testimony

When technical complexity meets legal scrutiny, you need more than just credentials – you need proven expertise that stands up under cross-examination. ETS delivers authoritative expert witness services that have shaped outcomes in hundreds of high-stakes legal cases across multiple industries.

Our multidisciplinary team of engineers, materials scientists, and failure analysis experts brings decades of real-world experience to the courtroom. We don't just analyze evidence – we translate complex technical concepts into compelling, understandable testimony that resonates with judges and juries alike.

Why risk your case on anything less than world-class expertise?

From product liability and patent disputes to construction failures and automotive accidents, our experts have provided decisive testimony in cases involving Fortune 500 companies, major insurance carriers, and leading law firms nationwide. Our track record speaks for itself: thorough analysis, clear communication, and unwavering credibility under pressure.

Need expert testimony that will withstand scrutiny? Contact our legal services team to discuss how our expertise can strengthen your case strategy.