List of factors to be considered in selecting polymeric materials Mechanical Type and magnitude of normal service stresses Loading pattern and time under load Fatigue resistance Allowable deflections Overloads and abus t resistance Thermal Normal range of operating temperatures Maximum and minimum service temperatures Environmental Solvent and vapor attack Reactions with acids alkalis water etc Water absorption effects Ultraviolet light exposure and weathering; oxidation Erosion by sand, rain, etc. Attack by fungi, bacteria, or Insects Electrical Resistivity Dielectric loss Antistatic properties Tracking resistance Flammability Toxicity of additives or degradation products Appearance Transparency Surface finish Color matching and color retention General Tolerances and dimensional stability Weight factors Space limitations Expected service life Acceptance codes and specifications Environmental acceptability Leaching of additives Permeability to vapors and gases Wear resistance Manufacturing Choice of process Method of assembly Finishing and decoration Quality control and inspection Economics Materials costs Cost of capital plant: moulds, and processing machines Speed of production Number of moldings/units required Operating costs of component, including maintenance and fuel consumptionList of factors to be considered in selecting polymeric materials Mechanical Type and magnitude of normal service stresses Loading pattern and time under load Fatigue resistance Allowable deflections Overloads and abuse; impact resistance Thermal Normal range of operating temperatures Maximum and minimum service temperatures Environmental Solvent and vapor attack Reactions with acids, alkalis water, etc. Water absorption effects Ultraviolet light exposure and weathering; oxidation Erosion by sand, rain, etc. Attack by fungi, bacteria, or Insects Electrical Resistivity Dielectric loss Antistatic properties Tracking resistance Flammability Toxicity of additives or degradation products Appearance Transparency Surface finish Color matching and color retention General Tolerances and dimensional stability Weight factors Space limitations Expected service life Acceptance codes and specifications Environmental acceptability Leaching of additives Permeability to vapors and gases Wear resistance Manufacturing Choice of process Method of assembly Finishing and decoration Quality control and inspection Economics Materials costs Cost of capital plant: moulds, and processing machines Speed of production Number of moldings/units required Operating costs of component, including maintenance and fuel consumption