Blogs

For many parts, metal has been the default for decades. It’s strong, familiar, and widely used across industries. But just because it’s the default, doesn’t mean it’s always the best option.

Let’s walk through a common manufacturing scenario: a product team finishes a part design and sends it to a manufacturer, expecting production to move quickly. Then the surprises start.

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?

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

The manufacturing industry is currently dealing with the uncertainty of tariffs and international trade which directly impact your sourcing costs as an OEM. Our clients have asked us how ICP is addressing these upcoming challenges, so we wanted to take the time to explore our Made in the USA ...

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: ...

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 ...

Whether you’re new to thermoforming or just learning about the process, it’s important to know your options when it comes to the different types of thermoforming molds available. In this blog, we’ll give you a refresher on what thermoforming is and how it works, share the benefits of the process, ...

In plastic part production, cutting, routing and shaping tools come in many forms. Die cutting and CNC routing are both methods for customizing plastic parts, but how do you know which one to utilize and when?

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.

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 ...

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 ...