Choosing an OEM manufacturer means finding a partner who understands your product, your industry, and the standards your customers expect. With so many capabilities, materials, and quality controls to compare, the selection process can feel overwhelming. But taking the time to evaluate what you truly need up front will make it much easier to identify a manufacturer who can support your current goals and scale with you as you grow. In this guide, we’re breaking down the factors to consider so you can confidently choose the right OEM plastic manufacturer.
Understand Your Product Requirements
The first consideration to keep in mind is your product requirements. What kind of performance needs do you have? Do you need qualities like enhanced durability, chemical resistance, or environmental exposure protection? Do you need to comply with industry requirements? These will all play a factor in which manufacturer is right for your needs.
You should also consider what services you’ll need. Do you need prototyping services? Engineering support? What about assembly or finishing services? Not all manufacturers may offer the processes you need. It’s best to have a clear understanding of your requirements before you start interviewing potential partners.
Evaluate Manufacturing Capabilities
Along with prototyping, engineering, assembly, and finishing services, you should dive deeper into which capabilities your potential manufacturer has. Do they have the ability for small runs and large-scale production? Do they have equipment that can handle tight tolerances or complex geometries? Will they be able to scale with you as you grow? Answering all these questions up front can help you avoid headaches later.
It’s also helpful to understand what type of plastic manufacturing services they offer. At Allied Plastics, we offer a range of processes, including vacuum forming, twin sheeting, pressure forming, drape forming, and sheet extrusion. Combined with our secondary services like engineering support, assembly, bonding, kitting, and more, we’re able to handle your project from start to finish.
Check Material Expertise
Your material needs will depend on your part’s physical requirements. It’s best to go with a manufacturer that has deep expertise in a wide variety of materials. That way, you can be sure that your components will stand the test of time. At Allied Plastics, we work with a range of options, including:
- HDPE
- HMWPE
- TPO
- PETG
- PVC
- ABS
- Polystyrene
- Polypropylene
With expertise in all these materials, we can help you get the final results you’re looking for.
Assess Quality Assurance Policies
It’s also best to ask about which quality assurance policies your potential partner has. In some cases, a manufacturer will hold ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications. ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized standard for quality management. It ensures that organizations meet customer performance needs and expectations through an internal quality management system.
ISO 14001:2015 is similar, but focuses on environmental performance. Adhering to this standard means that a manufacturer is taking steps to minimize its environmental footprint, complying with relevant legal requirements, and achieving its environmental objectives.
Additionally, the company’s technicians should be trained in the production part approval process, initial sample inspection reports, and part submission warrants. This ensures that you get the best results for your business.
Consider Lead Times and Supply Chain Stability
Before partnering with a manufacturer, ask about lead times and supply chain stability. What is the company’s typical turnaround time? Are they known for on-time delivery? Knowing these facts up front can help you make an informed decision for your business.
Work with Allied Plastics for Your Thermoforming Needs
If you’re in need of a qualified OEM plastic manufacturer, turn to Allied Plastics. For over 30 years, we’ve been a leading provider of tight-tolerance plastic components. When you partner with us, you know you’re getting quality products at a competitive price.
Our Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, facility boasts some of the largest plastic thermoforming machines in the country. These machines have twin sheet forming, single sheet forming, drape forming, pressure forming, and sheet over forming capabilities. With lean manufacturing principles and short lead times, we’re ready to take on your next project.
From concept to production, we’re your trusted partner. Our world-class engineering team is well-versed in creating custom components that meet your exact needs. And, our quality professionals are trained in the production part approval process, initial sample inspection reports, and part submission warrants. We also maintain ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications to ensure quality.
Let’s Get Started
Ready to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team for a quote.