Custom Plastics Machining: What to Look for in a Supplier
1. Technology base
It will always be preferable to work with suppliers who have the latest CNC production technology allied to skilled workers. These suppliers will be able to produce parts to close tolerances while keeping part quality and finish consistently high.
2. Materials expertise and selection
There are a wide variety of plastic materials available on the market today. The best suppliers know their materials and know the latest materials available on the marketplace. These suppliers will be able to provide superior guidance on material selection, ensuring that the right material is chosen for a given application. Choosing the wrong material, or a material which is not exactly right, can result in misapplication challenges later on.
3. Application expertise
Material knowledge is one thing, application knowledge is another. The latter should always precede the latter. Choose a supplier who knows how to undertake a comprehensive application review to determine how a finished part will be used. A good application review will identify all the requirements that the finished part must satisfy, and is critical for ensuring that the right material is chosen.
In addition, some suppliers will specialize in serving a narrow range of industry applications, while other suppliers will serve a broader range. It is important to choose a supplier who has experience in serving your particular application – choosing a supplier with limited experience in servicing your specific application may increase the risk of misapplication issues arising post-sale.
