Wayne Matthews, Sales Manager at Tecman explains why material selection is so important, and how to choose the right ones.
When developing a product, it can be tempting to select materials based on their suitability for cheap and efficient manufacture. While this may seem logical, this approach often leads to the creation of an underwhelming product which fails to meet customers’ expectations.
This is because there is a difference between cheap and cost effective, as materials with a higher initial cost often perform better and have increased lifespans than those at a slightly lower price point.
There are a huge number of choices available with almost unlimited product applications, but you need to select the right material to get the best performance and value. Sometimes, it is a material that has been automatically overlooked that can be the most effective.
Materials are the starting point around which the rest of a product is designed and manufactured. They determine the performance of the product, and whether it will meet the needs of its users. If you want to augment the performance of your product and guarantee its success, choosing the correct material is essential.
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For example, it is common for automotive OEMs to specify A-Surface components to have the fashionable, piano black finish, however these are notoriously delicate and easy to mark. Many therefore seek a protection film, and though very effective, they sometimes leave witness marks, adhesive residue or other surface damage during removal. The selection of a film that prevents witness marks and avoids outgassing, and the use of finger tabs, is therefore important. This knowledge and expertise, which we applied to a project recently, is a major benefit to understanding the properties of different materials.
Marginal gains come from this careful selection, which set exceptional solutions apart from good ones. Whether it’s a thermally conductive foil, surface protection film, or double-sided adhesive tape, dedicating resources to trying and evaluating different materials will reap rewards.
The most experienced and innovative manufacturers will take a contrarian approach to testing and selecting materials, examining a product from first principals and questioning every aspect of it. Does it make the product more efficient? More effective? Is it affordable and scalable? If it doesn’t meet these requirements after vigorous testing, it might not be suitable.
You should also consider the compatibility of an adhesive with the substrate it’s bonding to, if applicable. External factors such as temperature, moisture, UV exposure, and chemicals can impact the bond’s longevity. The surface energy of the substrate is crucial – low surface energy (LSE) materials may require surface modification, such as plasma treatment to enhance adhesion, for example.
Undertaking such a process requires specialists with both a depth and breadth of experience. With depth comes specialist insights into a vast range of materials, giving you the largest possible pool to pick from, and the knowledge to select those most appropriate for a project. With breadth comes fresh ideas and perspectives, and the ability to find new applications for existing materials.
Bringing together a team with cross-sector insights can be an excellent way to achieve breadth. Applying automotive expertise to aerospace, or vice versa will lead to materials being used in unexpected and more innovative ways, augmenting the product. Innovation in this sector is not just about the material, but how the material is applied to a given context.
This shouldn’t feel forced as the best innovation happens naturally. At Tecman, individuals’ roles align with their strengths and skills, so that we’re always adding the most value to our customers projects. A dynamic team with the skills to take a thorough, contrarian approach to material selection and product development is key to success.
Only by taking this approach can a product be developed that delivers results which are better than expected. This is extremely important for any material converter or manufacturer. Developing a film or foil-based solution that performs above and beyond others, and above the expectations of the customer, will ensure that it has a competitive advantage.
This comes through innovation, and choosing the right materials is at the heart of the innovation process.
