Don't lock your profits into costly remnants.
In the ever-evolving world of CNC machining, the demand for speed, flexibility and competence in a wide range of materials, is paramount.
It used to be that quality and precision was enough to win the day. A crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed is the ability for your shop to find performance plastics, in smaller job quantities, fast.
HDPE, Polypropylene, PVC, UHMW-PE, Polycarbonate (Lexan®), Acrylic (Plexiglas®), Nylon, Acetal, PVC, PVDF, PEEK, PTFE (TEFLON®).
These materials are now commonplace in CNC projects, requiring machine shops to quote an ever widening range of unique high performance polymers for intricate and high-quality components. This calls for a a supplier that has access to a variety of plastic sheet, rod and tube stock, in a wide range of sizes.
Let’s review the advantages of working with a trusted, local supplier who stocks a variety of performance plastics. Providing these materials quickly, with documentation when required, is vital for modern CNC machine shops to succeed.
The Importance of Small Quantity Stock Shapes
- Versatility and Flexibility
- Job Shops spend a lot of time optimizing setup and run times to squeeze every dollar out of the project. The same approach should go into your sourcing. Being able to trust your supplier has or can quickly find what you need, offers versatility. Availability of small quantities allows CNC shops to take on diverse projects without the need for large inventory investments.
- Cost-Effectiveness
- For many CNC machine shops, especially smaller operations, managing costs is crucial. Performance plastics can be expensive, and standard stock shapes may provide a significantly larger quantity than the job may need. Purchasing materials in job-specific quantities reduces material costs and minimizes waste. This approach ensures that shops can maintain a lean inventory while still having access to the necessary materials for various projects.
- Quick Turnaround Times
- Having a reliable supply of small quantity stock shapes means that CNC shops can respond swiftly to customer demands. This agility not only enhances customer satisfaction but also gives shops a competitive edge in the market.
The Advantage of Local Stock
- Speed
- Ensuring your vendor has multiple local stocking points, and can get orders out quickly, often same day, can lead to significant cost savings. Local suppliers often have lower shipping costs and shorter delivery times, which can reduce overall expenses.
- Avoiding Over-Buying
- One of the biggest challenges for CNC machine shops is managing inventory efficiently. By sourcing materials locally in small quantities, shops can purchase only what they need for each project. Buying only what is needed for a specific job helps avoid over-stocking, reduces your job costs and minimizes the risk of being left with costly remnants.
- Reliable Quality
- The quality of the raw materials directly impacts the final product. Your supplier must offer high-quality materials from reputable manufacturers. Look for a supplier that can provide credibly “physical properties” documentation and authentic material certifications upon request. Avoid suppliers that offer “commodity” grades of imported or untraceable materials.
Conclusion
The ability to source a wide-range of performance plastics in job-specific stock sizes is now a core competency of the modern machine shop. Partnering with a trusted, local supplier, ensures a steady and reliable supply of these materials, allowing CNC job shops to maintain their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to deliver high-quality products with quick turnaround times.
Set-up your B2B Wholesale account with Industrial Plastics & Paints and start sourcing from the authority on industrial performance plastics for over 70 years.
To check stock at one of our 7 Western Canadian warehouse locations call 1-800-667-1757.
