More and more OEMs are shifting from fiberglass and sheet metal to thermoformed plastic for panels, housings, and exteriors. Others are specifying thermoformed plastic in new products they are developing, or product enhancements or updates. Many OEMs are learning that early involvement with the thermoformer in the concept, design, and engineering stages pays off in a finished product that is more durable, more functional, more elegant and, often, cheaper and easier to build.

Early thermoformer involvement can provide these and other benefits:

• Better Fit and Finish: A thermoformer can recommend which resin will produce the optimal surface in terms of color, finish, texture, durability, and adaptability.


• Reduced Post-Thermoforming Labor: A thermoformer who partners with its OEM in the initial design of the product can help develop thermoformed parts that need minimal post-thermoforming trimming or finishing.


• Added Durability: Thermoformers know how to add strength and durability to the parts they produce. This can enable the OEM to reduce the amount of internal supports or braces that are needed, reducing weight and cost, or design panels that are less susceptible to cracking or breaking.


• Reduced Assembly Costs: Working early in the design cycle, a thermoformer can show its OEM partner how to design parts that assemble faster and require less handling and reworking.


• Better Appearance: Thermoformers can work with the OEM to create a product that is more attractive, and that stays more attractive by creating thermoformed parts that are not susceptible to dents, scratches, and discoloration.


• Improved Functionality: Twin-sheet thermoforming creates a much more functional panel or component, but the thermoformer must build holes into the unit to allow cool air to be drawn in as hot air trapped in between the sheets cools. An enlightened thermoformer will work with its OEM to place these holes where they will be covered by a bracket, hinge, or support, or where the OEM would need to make a hole anyway to insert insulation, hardware, or internal components.


• Better Surfaces: Selecting a thermoformer with in-house painting or screen printing capabilities will save time and money, and result in a superior external finish.


• ISO Consideration: OEMs with ISO registration are always better off partnering with suppliers -- especially a supplier as critical as a thermoformer -- that are also ISO registered to insure that consistent quality standards are met and documented.

Kintz Plastics Inc has been partnering with its OEM customers since 1976 to produce parts, panels, housings, exteriors, and components that add value. The company's in-house engineering staff and tooling capabilities enable it to provide value early in a product's development, and to respond quickly throughout the concept-to-production process.