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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Madison Group
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270101
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20230523T200520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T150507Z
UID:6055-1767225600-1798761599@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:TMGPLASTICEDU On Demand Webinars
DESCRIPTION:On demand webinar events from The Madison Group for plastic industry professionals.\nAt The Madison Group we believe that success relies heavily on continuous education\, especially in the ever evolving landscape of polymeric materials. This is a value that holds true not just for our own staff but for our clients as well. We want to further our client’s knowledge and understanding of polymer materials to help them be more successful. We are pleased to offer these complementary on-demand webinars.
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/tmg-on-demand-events/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260601T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20260501T220745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T223123Z
UID:8268-1780300800-1782838800@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:June Summer School - Mastering Failure Analysis
DESCRIPTION:While our live webinar series takes a summer hiatus\, the learning doesn’t stop. This June\, we are opening the archives for a month-long intensive on Plastic Failure Analysis. Whether you are designing for long-term durability or troubleshooting a field return\, understanding how and why polymers fail is the first step toward a more robust product. \nWe’ve curated three essential on-demand sessions to help you master the mechanics of failure: \n\nLesson 1: Fatigue Failure of Plastics – Learn how cyclic loading leads to progressive structural damage and how to predict service life under repetitive stress. Watch Now\nLesson 2: Creep Failure of Plastics – Explore the time-dependent deformation of polymers and how to account for long-term “flow” in your material selection process. Watch Now\nLesson 3: Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC) – The Plastic Killer – Dive into the single most common cause of plastic part failure. Understand the synergy between chemical exposure and mechanical stress. Watch Now
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/june-summer-school-mastering-failure-analysis/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madisongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/June-Summer-School-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T110000
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20260316T184346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T184346Z
UID:8119-1789466400-1789470000@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:WEBINAR - Essentials of Plastic Failure
DESCRIPTION:This webinar will cover a considerable range of topics important in understanding\, diagnosing\, and preventing plastic component failure. The most efficient and effective approach to solving plastic component failure is by performing a systematic failure analysis. Someone once said\, “if you don’t know how something broke\, you can’t fix it”\, and this certainly highlights the importance of a thorough understanding of how and why a product has failed. The material covered will include: \n\nEssential knowledge of why plastic components fail\nThe five factors affecting plastic part performance\nThe process of conducting a failure investigation and methods for understanding how and why a product has failed\nThe major plastic failure mechanisms\nThe failure analysis process\n\nThe webinar series will focus on practical problem-solving techniques and will utilize case studies to illustrate key aspects of plastic failure and prevention. By attending this webinar participants will: \n\nBetter appreciate the factors that play a role in plastic part performance.\nRecognize the most common plastic failure mechanisms.\nUnderstand what can be done when a failure occurs.\nUse this knowledge to prevent plastic component failure.
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/webinar-essentials-of-plastic-failure/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madisongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/failure.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260929
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261002
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20260221T213710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T011629Z
UID:7984-1790640000-1790899199@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:LIVE AND IN PERSON - Beyond the Surface: A Deep Dive into Plastic Material Selection for Performance (2026)
DESCRIPTION:Mastering Plastic Material Selection\nA Comprehensive 2.5-Day LIVE & IN-PERSON Training Course\nIn today’s competitive market\, selecting the right plastic material is paramount to product success. With a vast array of resins available\, understanding how your material impacts performance\, design\, and manufacturability is a critical engineering skill. \nThis in-depth\, practical program guides you through a systematic approach to material selection\, empowering you to optimize design\, minimize risk\, and prevent costly product failures. \n\nCourse Logistics & Investment\n\nDates: September 29 – October 1\, 2026\nDuration: 2.5 Days\nLocation: Plustech\, Inc. |111 Northwest Point Blvd. | Elk Grove Village\, IL 60007\nCost: $1\,500 (Includes daily lunches and course materials)\n\n\nWhat You Will Learn\nOur curriculum is designed to take you from foundational theory to real-world application through four core modules: \n1. The Selection Process & Strategy\n\nThe “Why”: Explore the primary motives behind selecting or switching materials.\nSetting the Stage: Learn how to define requirements before the search begins to ensure a successful outcome.\n\n2. Structure\, Properties\, and Design\n\nThe Molecular Foundation: Delve into the basics of polymers and how their structure dictates behavior.\nLearning from Failure: Analyze how plastic failure provides the best roadmap for future selection.\nBeyond the Datasheet: Recognize the limitations of standard material datasheets and where to find the “real” data.\n\n3. Navigating Candidate Materials & AI Integration\n\nMaterial Families: Become familiar with various resin families and their unique characteristics.\nEnvironmental Suitability: Evaluate how chemicals\, temperature\, and UV impact long-term performance.\nAI-Assisted Selection: The benefits\, challenges\, and engineering judgement.\nAdvanced Tools: Discover how to leverage simulation and risk management tools to narrow down candidates.\n\n4. Hands-On Case Studies\n\nApply your knowledge to real-world industry examples. Practice and refine your skills in a collaborative\, practical environment led by our expert engineers.\n\n\nMeet Your Instructors\nLearn directly from the industry leaders at The Madison Group. Our instructors bring decades of forensic failure analysis and design experience to the classroom. \nDr. Javier Cruz | Senior Managing Engineer & Partner | Dr. Cruz completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is a leading expert in aging\, compatibility\, and analytical testing for medical devices\, electronics\, and consumer products. \nDr. Paul Gramann  | President & Founding Partner | Dr. Gramann holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A specialist in plastic failure analysis and design\, he has authored over 100 publications and is a frequent international speaker on polymer performance. \nJeffrey A. Jansen | Senior Managing Engineer | A Fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)\, Jeff has over 30 years of experience and has performed thousands of failure investigations. He is a renowned expert in material identification and lifetime prediction. \n \n\nRegistration & Billing Information\nTo ensure a seamless experience\, we utilize a structured invoicing timeline for our in-person courses. \n\n\n\nMilestone\nDate/Timeline\n\n\n\n\nRegistration Confirmation\nImmediately upon sign-up\n\n\nInvoice Issued\nJuly 31\, 2026 (60 Days Prior)\n\n\nPayment Deadline\nAugust 30\, 2026 (30 Days Prior)\n\n\nCourse Kick-off\nSeptember 29\, 2026\n\n\n\nPlease note: Full payment is required 30 days prior to the start date to secure your seat and course materials. \n\nBenefits of Attending\n\nMinimize Risk: Reduce the likelihood of field failures through better material choices.\nOptimize Production: Enhance design for manufacturability (DFM) to streamline your production.\nNetwork: Engage with fellow industry professionals and the experts at The Madison Group.\n\nReady to secure your spot?
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/beyond-the-surface-a-deep-dive-into-plastic-material-selection-for-performance-2026/
LOCATION:Plustech\, Inc.\, 111 Northwest Point Blvd.\, Elk Grove\, IL\, 60007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Live in Person
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260929T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260929T110000
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20260430T173038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T173038Z
UID:8263-1790676000-1790679600@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:WEBINAR - Robust or Bust: Designing for Long Term Loading
DESCRIPTION:A product is only as reliable as the data behind its design. While the first step in avoiding failure is a comprehensive product definition\, the second is ensuring your material can actually withstand the environment you’ve defined. Many engineers fall into the “datasheet trap”—relying on single-point values that fail to capture how a polymer behaves under real-world stresses\, temperatures\, and time scales. \nPassing short-term testing requirements is no guarantee of long-term durability. For parts subjected to constant or cyclic stress\, the most dangerous failures are often the ones that take years to develop. In the third installment of the Robust or Bust webinar series\, we dive deep into the science of “Time Under Tension” and the critical mechanisms that govern long-term material performance. \nThis session focuses on two often-overlooked failure modes: creep—the progressive deformation of a material under constant load—and fatigue—the gradual weakening caused by repeated stress cycles. We will explore the materials science behind these phenomena\, identifying why certain materials are inherently susceptible to deformation and which specific properties provide the resilience needed for demanding environments. \nMoving from theory to practical application\, we will demonstrate how to utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Time-Temperature Superposition (TTS) to model and predict a product’s lifespan. Through a real-world case study\, you will see how minor adjustments in part geometry or material selection can dramatically extend a component’s durability. Join us to learn how to identify potential risks early and prevent catastrophic\, costly failures before they occur. \nKey Takeaways: \n\nThe Physics of Failure: A clear breakdown of how creep and fatigue lead to catastrophic collapse in constant and cyclic stress environments.\nMaterial Selection: Identifying materials with high resistance to long-term loading and understanding the properties that drive that resilience.\nPredictive Modeling: Using FEA and TTS to simulate years of wear and tear in a digital environment.\nDesign Optimization: Practical strategies for refining geometry to maximize durability and product lifespan.
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/webinar-robust-or-bust-designing-for-long-term-loading/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madisongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/robust-or-bust.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T110000
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20260316T185158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T185158Z
UID:8124-1791885600-1791889200@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:WEBINAR - Design and Material Considerations for Elastomeric Seals
DESCRIPTION:O-rings are generally one of the first considerations when choosing a sealing feature between assembled components. They can be a simple and effective way to prevent air and water ingression or egression. However\, following proper design guidelines as well as appropriate material selection are needed to ensure robustness. This presentation will discuss common applications for O-ring seals along with design and materials considerations for the O-ring and mating components. \nAt the conclusion of this presentation\, you will understand: \n\nThe best seal for a variety of applications.\nImportant dimensional factors for seal design.\nHow material selection can impact seal performance.
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/webinar-design-and-material-considerations-for-elastomeric-seals/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madisongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/O-rings-e1773687151450.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261027T110000
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20260410T205729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T205729Z
UID:8164-1793095200-1793098800@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:WEBINAR - DFMA for Common Joining Techniques in Plastic Parts
DESCRIPTION:Many presentations have been given that highlight the fundamentals of proper plastic part design. However\, an individual plastic part is rarely used as a stand-alone product. Rather these plastic components are typically integrated into a larger assembly or assembled with other molded components. Additionally\, in today’s design environment multiple individuals could be designing mating components in different sub-assemblies that have little knowledge of the downstream assembly or performance requirements. This can lead to costly rework\, and poor system performance. This presentation will highlight how selection of common secondary joining operations could influence your part design\, and material selection considerations. \nFrom this presentation\, the attendee will come away with a better understanding of how plastic component design and material selection decisions may need to be influenced by the use of the following secondary joining/assembly operations: \n\nPress-Fits\nFasteners and Threaded Inserts\nSnap-Fits
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/webinar-dfma-for-common-joining-techniques-in-plastic-parts/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://madisongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/molded_metal_insert_plastic_part.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T110000
DTSTAMP:20260617T140429
CREATED:20260316T185951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T185951Z
UID:8127-1794304800-1794308400@madisongroup.com
SUMMARY:WEBINAR - The Degradation of Plastics
DESCRIPTION:Nothing lasts forever and degradation is just one of the many mechanisms that dictates the end of life of plastic products. Importantly\, the degradation of plastic is a central concern for both manufacturers and consumers. Degradation can be introduced through multiple sources. From the compounding stage\, to the processing stage\, and all through the lifetime use of the product. This webinar will introduce the concept of degradation and present different mechanisms that can lead to degradation of plastic materials. In addition\, techniques for identifying degradation of plastic will be discussed and methods for degradation prevention will be presented. This webinar is recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about plastics and the mechanisms that can lead to their useful end of life. Moreover\, understanding degradation of plastic is vital for the sustainability of plastic products.
URL:https://madisongroup.com/event/webinar-the-degradation-of-plastics/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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