Product designers are continually challenged to develop the “next big thing.” However, novel products call for new, complex components. That leaves OEMs with two options: either invest in additional equipment and labor to manufacture the components in-house, or outsource the task to a custom materials converter. More and more, forward-thinking companies are opting for the latter.
In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of partnering with an experienced converter.
Converting is a general term that refers to any modification of material provided by a supplier. This can be as simple as cutting a large sheet in half or as complex as cutting out unique shapes and assembling multiple materials into a single application.
Whether you’re making a medical device, automotive product, communications components, or anything in between, you will likely want to alter and form materials to fit your unique design. That’s where a custom converter like Tapecon can be a valuable partner.
While the possibilities with converting are virtually endless, there are a few common processes used in product manufacturing:
Partnering with an experienced custom converter will not only allow you to take advantage of these capabilities but also combine them with different materials to improve the design and performance of your product.
In today’s competitive business world, manufacturers across many industries are finding that outsourcing non-core competencies is an effective approach to lower costs and improve profitability.
Specifically, outsourcing converting to a trusted partner can offer many benefits, including:
“It’s more advantageous to focus on your core competency, rather than try to do everything well.” – Billoo Ratual, CEO, Paramit Corporation
Quoted from an article in Medical Product Outsourcing
Once you decide that outsourcing materials converting is the right choice for your organization, it’s important to be selective of the partner you choose. Often, that means not jumping on the first vendor you come across or going strictly on the lowest price. An unreliable or incapable converter can hurt your company’s product quality, supply chain, reputation, and even bottom line.
To realize the full benefits of outsourced converting, the company you choose must have a collaborative approach, not just a transactional one. This means having the people and processes in place to add value to your final product.
When vetting a converting partner for your next project, here are a few questions that you should ask:
At Tapecon, we have over 100 years of experience helping customers solve their complex product challenges. Learn more about our custom materials converting capabilities.