Plastics

Person using a laptop while checking off items on a digital checklist, representing task completion

What to Review Before Sending a Plastic Part Out for Quote

Engineers often send designs out for quote assuming the CAD model contains everything a manufacturer needs. In reality, manufacturers need additional details to produce the most accurate quote.

a graphic representation of swapping, showing two things trading places

Material Substitution Without Redesigning the Entire Part

Material substitution usually enters the conversation at an inconvenient time. Current material costs have jumped. A part is underperforming in the real world. Onshoring becomes a priority. Suddenly a design that has been “good enough” for years is back under scrutiny. Engineers may be open to ...

a US flag against a shipping barge, representing the idea of US-based manufacturing

Onshoring Your Plastic Fabrication: What OEMs Need to Consider

With the uncertainty of tariffs on offshore manufacturing, many companies are weighing the pros and cons of making a switch. If you’re considering onshoring your plastic fabrication, we’ll discuss what OEMs need to consider to make the transition seamless. That way, quality parts can be ...

A puzzle made of wood with a too small piece in the middle that does not fit in.

5 Signs You've Outgrown Your Current Plastic Fabrication Partner

Working with a plastic fabrication partner should be a smooth, easy process. When you first started working with your current partner, you might have thought that they were the one—the plastic fabricator to end your search for good.

a row of agricultural tractors

How to Cut Weight Without Sacrificing Strength in Heavy Vehicles

Heavy vehicles need to cut weight wherever they can - without compromising performance to get there. Fortunately, there’s an existing fix that combines strength and lighter weight parts for heavy duty vehicles like trucks, service vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and more: thermoforming.

Thermoplastics vs. Fiberglass: A Comparison for OEMs

Both fiberglass and thermoplastics are popular material choices for OEMs across a range of industries. Each offers distinct advantages, but they perform differently depending on your specific application. In this blog, we’ll compare thermoplastics vs. fiberglass, breaking down the pros and cons of ...

a comparison of hdpe (High-Density Polyethylene Thermoplastic) vs pp (Polypropylene Thermoplastic)

PP vs. HDPE: Choosing the Right Thermoplastic for Your Needs

When it comes to thermoforming projects, it’s important to select the right thermoplastic for your needs. Polypropylene (PP) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are both popular thermoplastic choices. While both of these thermoplastics are great choices, they have unique characteristics that make ...

a close-up of a user on a riding lawn mower

Key ANSI/OPEI Standards for Lawn Mower Manufacturers

On November 6, 2023 the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved updates to manufacturing standards for combustion-engine-powered lawnmowers put forth by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). These approved standards went into effect the following year as new guidelines: ...

a banner of different types of tooling: Water Cooled Cast Aluminum, Billet Aluminum, 3D-Printed, Polyurethane Board, and Wood Protoype.

A Guide to Thermoforming Tooling Types

When looking at a completed plastic part, it can be hard to see all of the decisions that led to this final form. From design to material selection to the actual manufacturing process - dozens of decisions at each stage culminate in a superior completed project.

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...