Articles about Blogs

Case Study: Troubleshooting Tricky TPO Consoles

Crestliner is a world-class manufacturer of fishing, sport and utility boats used by both recreational and professional fishers. However, they were running into a problem that threatened to put a stain on their glowing reputation - consoles were cracking. And it wasn't just once or twice. It was ...

a roll of rubber stripping

SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) Applications: What to Know

Styrene-butadiene rubber is a popular choice for various parts, equipment and applications. But how does it differ from regular rubber? What makes it an attractive material choice? In this blog, we’ll discover what styrene-butadiene rubber is, explore the material makeup of SBR, note its advantages ...

die-cut silicone pieces

EPDM Rubber for Fabricated Parts: What You Need to Know

In the parts manufacturing world, it can be hard to determine what works best for your parts. Today, we’re focusing on EPDM rubber for fabricated parts and discussing what you need to know when reviewing this material. This article will cover EPDM rubber: its advantages and disadvantages and ...

a series of gaskets

Best Materials to Use for Die-Cut Gaskets

Gaskets are an unsung hero of manufacturing. They don’t push the envelope, they don’t break new barriers, but they do one thing really, really well: keep the entire machine, product or part working as intended. For these heroes, choosing the right material is the source of their power. Not all ...

plastic color swatches

Proper Material Selection in the Vacuum Forming Process

Thermoforming is a plastic production process that combines heat and vacuum to carefully form custom plastic parts. Though the process can seem simple on the surface, it still requires much expertise and some significant know-how to consistently create a result that satisfies both you and your ...

a 5-axis cnc machine

5-Axis CNC Trimming vs Hand Trimming Thermoformed Plastics

A key step in any plastic part production is cutting the part to size and removing any unnecessary material to create grooves and other shapes. For 3 dimensional parts, there are two common trimming methods: hand trimming and 5-axis CNC trimming. Between the two options, which one is best? Our team ...

chart comparing ABS, HDPE, and TPO plastic properties

Comparing Thermoplastics – ABS vs HDPE vs TPO

Not all thermoplastics perform the same. Material selection is vital for any plastic part fabrication, to ensure a desired result. ABS, HDPE and TPO are all “strong” plastic choices in different ways – whether it’s physically strong & stiff, resistant to corrosion, UV resistant or all of the ...

ATOM Flashcut dieless knifecutting machine

Waterjet Cutting Versus Flash Cutting – What’s the Difference?

Two of the fastest cutting methods for industrial products are waterjet cutting and flash cutting. These remarkable machines carve through materials at lightning speeds. But while similar, these two speedy processes are suited for different applications.

colorful plastic pellets

Thermosets vs. Thermoplastics: Understanding the Advantages of Each

Many manufacturers have already turned away from pricier metal options to use high-quality plastics. When choosing plastics for fabrication, there are two primary plastics of choice: thermoplastics and thermosets. Both thermoplastics and thermosets come with inherent characteristics that make them ...

die cut silicone gaskets

Silicone Selection Guide for Gaskets and Seals

Material selection for gasketing and sealing applications is crucial for ensuring protection, particularly under repeat compression and water exposure. Silicones can be a fantastic choice for these applications since they are resistant to temperatures and have a low compression set. This means two ...

CAS International ISO 9001:2015 Registered Company Certificate No. US1919

ICP is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company: Why It Matters

ISO 9001:2015 is an industry standard for manufacturing businesses. But what is it, exactly? And why should ICP’s customers care?

a close up of a thermoformed part

Injection Molding vs. Thermoforming: What’s Better?

Manufacturing plastic parts can be executed several ways – but the two most common are injection molding and thermoforming. Both injection molding and thermoforming use thermoplastics and can produce similar end results – however, they differ in tooling costs and lead time.

Two Books Beside Two Chalks

Thermoforming Design Basics

Thermoforming can be a very cost-effective means of production for precision parts where tooling costs would be excessive. Knowing the basics is critical for ensuring manufacturability and cost efficiency at each stage of the process. Use this guide to understand the critical terms and ...

a roll of 3M adhesive tape

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Selection Guide

When affixing two different materials together or adding a layer of lamination or other finishing options, pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are the most effective method. However, there are a great number of options to choose from – so how do you know which one is the best for your application?

man staring at computer, with a cartoon lightbulb above his head

Key Considerations for Processing 2D Plastic Parts

When it comes to cutting plastics, there are many different ways to process your part. Precision die-cutting involves steel rule dies, dieless knife cutting involves a vacuum table with an oscillating knife, and CNCing involves a 3-Axis CNC with a vacuum table and route.

a small part made out of rubber

What’s the Difference Between EPDM and Neoprene Rubber?

Synthetic rubbers come in many forms. Two of the most common for the automotive, HVAC and roofing industries are Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) and Neoprene. Both types of rubbers have many uses, but what is the difference between them?

Disappointed senior man holding a shrunken blouse inside a bathroom

Planning for Material Shrink Rates for Thermoformed Parts

When you’re planning your plastic projects and designs, you need to take everything into account from prices and materials to aesthetics and marketability. But truly understanding the nuance of each of these facets can be overwhelming in a fast-paced marketplace. Some details such as shrink rates ...

two people pointing at a computer

Thermoforming vs. Injection Molding

Trying to decide between injection molding and thermoforming? Industrial Custom Products is here to help you choose the method that best suits your project needs. Becoming familiar with the pros and cons of thermoforming and injection molding can help you make a clear and guided decision that will ...

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