If you’re an OEM, you’ve undoubtedly heard of custom thermoforming—but are you familiar with the many advantages of thermoforming for OEM components? Now more than ever, OEMs are looking for value-add processes to create high-performance plastic components for their products.
This manufacturing technique has seen a boost in popularity due to innovative technological developments, but it is by no means a new process; manufacturers have been using it for over 90 years. It offers an ideal balance of durability, weight, aesthetics, and cost providing value-added answers to modern challenges like rising oil and steel prices, long lead times, and overall business costs in the 21st century.
In this blog, we’ll explore the significant advantages of thermoforming for OEM components, touching on how LINDAR leverages these advantages to benefit our clients. Read on to learn how this innovative process can lead to cost savings, increased product performance, a greener footprint, and more!
Advantages of Thermoforming OEM Components at a Glance
Here’s a quick run-down of the many advantages of thermoforming OEM components. We’ll talk about each benefit listed here in greater detail below:
Cost-Effective Manufacturing
Talk about bang for your buck: the biggest advantage of thermoforming is a cost-effective manufacturing process, especially for low- to medium-volume production runs. The cost-savings and efficiencies come down to three main features: The process, the materials, and the efficiency.
Process: The process requires a relatively low level of pressure to form the components, so thermoforming tooling construction is less costly than the tooling used in other manufacturing processes. The same is true for permanent molds and prototypes, both of which are less expensive compared to injection or sheet molding.
Materials: Plastics offer significant cost-savings in comparison to other materials, especially when you factor in today’s rising costs of resources like steel and fuel. Additionally, plastic has remarkable longevity, even in harsh environments and conditions—it does not rust, it is not brittle, and it lends itself well to value-add coatings. These features reduce the likelihood that the user of the finished OEM product will need to make costly replacements of the component down the line.
Efficiency: OEMs know that time is money, and the advantage of thermoforming is a quicker, more efficient manufacturing process compared to others. These gains in efficiency make the process an attractive choice for clients looking for budget- and timeline-friendly options for their OEM components.
Customization for OEM Components
As the name suggests, the advantages of thermoforming allow for the creation of highly-customized OEM components tailored specifically to the needs of a particular product or application. The LINDAR team is highly experienced in manufacturing OEM components, and we’ve found that our innovative process leads to better performance in the final product and increased efficiency across the board. By listening carefully to our OEM clients’ needs for all facets of their project—from the fundamental function and performance of the OEM components to the budget, timeline, volume and beyond—we can make expert recommendations that optimize the manufacturing process, the components, and the clients’ final products.
Durable OEM Components
Another advantage of thermoforming is the durability of components. Resistant to wear and tear, these components become suitable for use in demanding applications. They are also less susceptible to damage from impact or exposure to harsh environments, making them ideal for use in outdoor environments. At LINDAR, we’ve manufactured OEM components for use in agriculture, construction, landscaping, and powersports, all to great effect. We offer value-add capabilities as part of our process, like the use of UV-protected, high-impact plastics, that increase the overall longevity of both the components and the final product.
Lightweight OEM Components
One of the advantages of thermoforming is that it produces lightweight components, making them ideal for use in OEM products that require portability and ease of handling. In turn, clients benefit from lower shipping costs and reduced fuel consumption, providing additional cost-saving benefits.
Sustainable Manufacturing
LINDAR uses recyclable materials in the vast majority of our manufacturing solutions, like ABS, PS (polystyrene), polycarbonate, TPO and others. We also regularly custom thermoform OEM components using a variety of PET blends, including:
- APET
- RPET
- Post-consumer PET
Recyclable plastics vs. petroleum-based plastics have very few differences when it comes to performance elements like durability, so we strive to use recyclable plastic materials and blends in our process whenever possible and when appropriate for the application.
Versatile Manufacturing Process
An additional advantage of thermoforming is its exceptional versatility, allowing for the easy production of a wide range of OEM components. From small parts to large panels, the capabilities are extensive. This versatility also facilitates easier adaptation to changes in a component’s design or material choice compared to other manufacturing methods.
Speaking of material choices, the process is compatible with an equally expansive variety of plastic materials, thicknesses, coatings, and more. LINDAR works with ABS, TPO, HIPS, PE, PETG, PC, and many others.
Although many OEMs are familiar with the types of plastics commonly used, the LINDAR team is happy to walk clients through their options after listening to their unique needs and specifications for the component’s application. The versatility of our manufacturing process and the materials we use means there are many potential solutions to whatever problem or challenge is presented by an application or design, so requesting a consultation with our expert team is the best way to determine the right material for your project!
Looking for a Custom OEM Components Manufacturer?
LINDAR is the leading thermoforming manufacturer of OEM components with the capabilities and expertise to meet your needs. The OEM components we produce are precisely manufactured, highly efficient, and backed by our commitment to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional customer service. Contact us today to tell us more about your OEM product and its component needs. Together, we can form something amazing.
