In this Review Report Dr Lewis surveys the current state of the art in designing with plastics, in terms of materials properties and processing technologies. He also considers the legal implications of intellectual property and product liability, as well as ergonomic and aesthetic design, parts consolidation and recyclability. His review is supported throughout by references to key processes and applications, including many well known consumer products, and further information can be derived from the 435 abstracts of published papers from the Polymer Library, which complete the report.

Dr Peter Lewis is a senior lecturer in materials at the Open University, and Chairman of the Design Committee of the Institute of Materials. He has also gained considerable experience acting as a consultant to industrial clients, insurance companies, solicitors and consulting engineers in areas of product design and failure.