The increasing use of plastics, especially in structural applications, is generating more demand for testing. From the labs of resin manufacturers to the plants of processors,data gathered from physical and analytical testing of plastics plays a crucial role. But belt-tightening has put a squeeze on major research centers, giving more prominence to independent. laboratories. This report examines new developements and recent trends in plastics testing, and also covers new equipment for analyzing and testing mechanical properties, melt rheology, combustibility, and other important variables, that drive improvements in plastics.