ABSTRACT
Selecting the appropriate material is an integral part of the successful implementation of an engineer’s design. To begin with, the functional requirements of the design must be carefully considered if the appropriate material is to be identified. A design engineer’s ability to objectively quantify the combined marketing, technical, and manufacturing requirements as they apply to the material selection is critical to the actual as well as the perceived success of the product. Further, most products are composites of numerous materials that must work in harmony when performing their intended function. This complication necessitates balancing the material needs with the product requirements or expectations while avoiding excessive costs.
