The core of Plenco's research and development facilities is a complete synthesis laboratory for the production of prototype resins: resins are designed for specific applications; process improvements are scrutinized; additives and curing agents are blended to produce finished resin products. This versatility facilitates the testing of specific ideas, but more important , it enables the use of experimental design and optimization techniques.

With experimental design the variables are adjusted to give the maximum amount of information in the minimum number of experiments. This data is used to produce mathematical models that predict real properties. These models are then used to determine the best possible direction for further inquiry.

The research and development process is completed by analytical verification. Plenco's analytical laboratory provides a full range of thermal, spectroscopic, and chromatographic capabilities. From identifying surface imperfections, to characterizing rheological properties, to measuring monomer levels, these capabilities provide the data necessary to ask informed questions and to formulate meaningful answers.

The combination of instrumental analysis, design and implementation of experiments, and statistical modeling results in research that is useful to Plenco and its customers. This is because "rules of thumb" are replaced by an understanding that can be drawn upon whenever needs change or problems arise.