What Do You Expect From a Composite Materials Supplier?

Composite materials companies exist all over the U.S. Here at Axiom Materials, we understand that we are just one company in a very large industry. This motivates us to always do our best to ensure customers get everything they expect, and more. Considering customer needs leads to an interesting question: what do you expect from your composite materials supplier?

Whatever your expectations might be, working with a supplier unable to meet them is bad for business. So if your current supplier is making the grade, perhaps it’s time to go elsewhere. Maybe it’s time to start looking for a new supplier who understands your needs, is capable of meeting them, and is as committed to your success as you are.

Products and Expertise

From our perspective, a composite material supplier should always be at the top of its game in terms of product selection and expertise. Buyers often don’t know the best way to attack a particular project. Not only do they need the right materials, but they also need expert guidance in selecting and using those materials.

A good supplier offers:

A wide range of materials. Giving buyers access to carbon fiber, aramid fiber, fiberglass and other fiber choices is non-negotiable. Buyers should also have access to a full range of resin systems, including epoxy and polyester. Prepregs should also be on the table.

Help selecting the right materials. A good composite materials supplier doesn’t allow buyers to guess and hope for the best. Knowledgeable staff guide buyers to the right material choices for each project.

Data for all materials. When buyers purchase composite materials, they need access to technical data sheets and other pertinent information. Information is part of the package. If a supplier is not providing it, there is a problem.

You should be able to depend on your supplier for exactly the right materials and all the help you need utilizing them. Otherwise, you could be wasting time and money.

Product Quality and Consistency

It goes without saying that you want your composite materials supplier to guarantee product quality and consistency. Furthermore, you expect quality and consistency across multiple purchases. The materials you buy next week should be consistent with those you buy a year from now. You need all of them to be high quality materials.

In addition, you have the right to expect:

Certifications – Examples include ISO 9001 and AS9100. Certifications are like gold when it comes to quality control.

Traceability – Material traceability is a critical component in heavily regulated industries. Therefore, a composite materials supplier should be able to trace the origin and production history of all the materials it carries.

Product quality and consistency are never negotiable. The quality and consistency you get from your supplier impacts the consistency and quality you can offer your customers. You cannot afford to compromise.

Full Supplier Support

Wrapping everything up in a complete package is full supplier support. A good composite materials supplier starts with solid customer support manifested in transparent pricing, minimum order quantities, and access to a dedicated sales manager. Solid customer support is further enhanced with technical support. Inadequate technical support leaves a customer hanging when things don’t go as planned.

It is not hard to find a composite materials supplier. Most major cities are home to several of them. But not all suppliers do things equally well. You have certain expectations of your supplier. If those expectations are not being met, we would like the opportunity to show you what we can do.