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is anticipated to be a familiar and comfortable environment supporting engineering work on
large scale in years to come.
Fig. 3. Example of virtual environment for plastic material selection
8. Conclusion
Modern engineering work is computer dependent. Although computer tools assist the
engineer during product development there are still limitations at offering some advice or
recommendation at decision-making process. Designer's aim is to have as many optimal
solutions as possible, meaning results on diverse queries from designing a product shape,
defining its tolerances or choosing adequate material. Plastics are extensively present in
everyday life. However it is not a trivial decision when selecting polymer material for a
new product. Due to wide spectrum of plastics at disposal, the plastic material selection is
about knowledge and experiences, where inexperienced designers are in thwart position
at decision-making. SMEs' as well are sometimes kept in the background in case they do
not possess the polymer engineer and are forced in hiring an expert. This chapter is an
attempt of presenting the engineering dilemma at plastic material selection. Several
system models with different applications on material selection are also introduced to
enlighten the state-of-the-art in the field discussed. Future expectations from our side at
decision support system for plastic products are also explained. This idea is then
upgraded with application of graphic mode, which is expected to be added value to the
system as designers will have the opportunity to work in reliable, user-friendly
environment. Consequentially, the design process is anticipated to be faster, more
efficient, and less experience-dependent.
9. Acknowledgment
The special acknowledgement goes to students of industrial design in 4
th
year of study, who
provide the basic idea of graphical appearance of the decision support system for plastic
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