Welcome to Plastics Analytical Laboratory

Proven expertise, knowledgeable staff with practical experience in a multitude of materials. Whether you need a single sample analyzed or are looking to outsource all of your analytical and technical needs, consider PAL. Quality results you can trust.

PAL provides the fastest turn around – our average lead time is 3-5 business days; some testing may require extensive preparation and may take longer to complete. All testing includes a standard report and summary which are emailed and stores electronically as a PDF file. 24 hour service is available at an additional cost.

Failure Analysis

PAL has a proven track record of helping manufactures determine the reason for product failure. Our qualified technical specialists are able to provide the material testing and analysis of process issues that can affect the integrity of their parts.

Reverse Engineering

PAL can provide answers when you need to know the type of resin a plastic part is made from. We have the tools and techniques needed to assess parts via De- Formulation for the purpose of competitive analysis.

About Us

PAL provides complete analytical and technical services to the plastics industry. Services include new product development, material de-formulation, failure analysis, solving process or quality related issues and the development training programs.

PAL is an established laboratory with dedicated employees that are committed to helping our customers. We are confident that with our experience in materials and plastics engineering, we will earn your business and respect.

PAL operates with the utmost integrity, offering unsurpassed value to our customers.

Mission Statement

Deliver Laboratory, Technical and Engineering services for the plastics industry that continually meet and exceed customer expectations. We are a team of dedicated plastics professionals, with 75 years of combined industry experience in:

  • Material Formulations
  • OEM Application Development
  • Custom / Captive Molding
  • Quality Assurance Management

Team Bios

Don Jackson
Director of Technology

Don has been working for over 30 years in the plastic industry and we are pleased to have his engineering and analytical expertise now as the Director of Technology of PAL. Overseeing not only the QC lab for resin production quality and color modification consistency, but is also leading the way with cutting edge R & D of new Biodegradable plastics. He has created over 1200 formulas that have spanned a variety of applications ranging from, computers to sporting goods to aerospace. He has been integral in development of (non Halogen) in conjunction with industry specialists. He has knowledge of alloying of materials (Polycarbonate and ABS, PC/PBT, PC /PET, Nylon and Polypropylene), impact modifications systems for Nylon, PC, ABS, ASA, Polypropylene and wear resistant materials. In addition he has expertise in conductive material ranging from inherently conductive polymers to Nickel coated carbon fiber and RFI Emi shielding materials. He has worked with ASTM standards for over 20 years and has helped to set up 6 plastics testing labs. He has worked in extrusion for over thirty years and has worked side by side with injection molders with development of new materials and processing issues.

Curt Schmuhl

In 1992, Curt started to work in the plastic manufacturing industry for his father’s company, Cal Wes-Tech. His father was a journeyman mold maker for 43 years and owned Cal Wes-Tech from 1972to 2012. Cal Wes-Tech was a premier Orange County mold design and manufacturer until its recent sale.

Initially, Curt was an apprentice mold maker and due to the personal and hands-on training from his father he quickly became a journeyman mold maker. Throughout his tenure at Cal Wes-Tech, his father ensured that Curt add to his day-to-day plastic molding experience with constant education in molding design.

From 1992 through 2012, Curt was very fortunate to acquire a diverse experience with numerous industry molds. Moreover, he was exposed to a wide spectrum of plastic parts, materials, and processing, including aerospace, medical, mechanical, and consumer goods.

At PAL, Curt uses his diverse and unique mold design/manufacturing experience to provide consulting and product development to OEMs and other customers. Additionally, his duties include testing and certification of plastic resins

Finally, few plastic testing laboratories have employees with Curt’s background and working knowledge of molds and plastic flow principles. Ultimately, he provides PAL’s customers the critical and valuable input for their product development.

Hernan Soto

  • Hernan Soto joins the Modified Plastics team with over 10 years of experience in the plastics industry.
  • He graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering with a concentration in Polymer Technology.
  • He also obtained a degree in Production and operations Management.
  • He has built an extensive history in the field of Applications Development and as a Process Technician in the world of Plastics.
  • On his free time, he likes to go hiking through Southern California’s various hiking trails and enjoys afternoon walks on the beach.
  • On his down time he enjoys watching “American Pickers” and listening to Bob Marley.