6 Things You Should Look for in a Composite Material Manufacturer
Composites are big business in the 2020s. So much so that there is growing competition among manufacturers. But as in any other industry, not all manufacturers are equal. Our industry has its standouts. Likewise, there are others that simply do not impress.
If you are looking for a new composite material manufacturer capable of meeting your unique needs, we hope you will consider Axiom Materials. Spend some time on our website to learn more about what we do. When you are ready to talk in person, contact us by phone or through our online contact form.
In the meantime, here are six things you should look for in a composite material manufacturer:
1. Expertise in Materials
Composites are manufactured by combining multiple materials. We work with things like carbon fiber, glass fiber, and aramids, combining them with a variety of matrices. Different materials and combinations result in products with different properties. We say all this to remind you to look for a manufacturer with demonstrable expertise in the materials you’re interested in.
2. Proven Processes
Manufacturing processes are as important two composites as the materials they are made from. A reliable composite material manufacturer utilizes proven processes throughout. Examples include prepreg layups, filament winding, pultrusion, and tape layering.
Regardless of the manufacturer you ultimately settle on, the company needs to be able to utilize the most effective production process for your needs. Production processes impact everything from quality and consistency to efficiency.
3. Proven Quality Control
Speaking of quality and consistency, it’s absolutely critical that the composite materials you invest in meet the highest standards of quality. Therefore, your chosen manufacturer should demonstrate proven quality control measures. The manufacturer should demonstrate adherence to specific standards like ISO 9001 and AS9100.
In addition, employees should be fully trained to guarantee product quality. The company should use rigorous testing methods and have adequate measures in place to trace products once they go out the door.
4. Modern Facilities
The pace at which composites are evolving requires state-of-the-art production facilities capable of keeping up. In short, your composites manufacturer should be operating out of modern facilities equipped with the latest technologies. The best facilities are equipped with things like climate controlled clean rooms and in-house testing labs.
Bear in mind that a manufacturer’s capabilities are closely tied to the facilities it operates in. A dated facility with dated tools and equipment will struggle to produce high quality composite materials at scale.
5. R&D Capabilities
Research and development (R&D) is a big part of modern composite manufacturing. Thanks to new materials, processes, and technologies, manufacturers are pushing the envelope daily. Your chosen composite materials manufacturer should be part of that progress. But to make that possible, a significant investment in R&D capabilities is necessary.
R&D is so critical to modern composites that it is hard for a manufacturer to compete if it’s lacking in such capabilities. We are guessing you want a manufacturer on the leading edge rather than one bringing up the rear.
6. Production Flexibility
Finally, your composite material manufacturer should be flexible with production. You might need rapid prototyping for a new product but reliable mass production for another. The manufacturer should be able to accommodate all your production needs.
Searching for a new composite material manufacturer is not an easy task. It requires a lot of research and questioning. Axiom Materials is up to the task, so do not be afraid to contact us to learn more about our business. We would love nothing more than to be your manufacturer of choice.