OEMs that make parts or products from flat-rolled steel, aluminum and other metals are outsourcing to experienced coil coaters.
For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that apply laminate films to metal parts or apply coatings as decorative finishes, the in-house manufacturing process requires a significant investment in equipment, plant floor space and ongoing maintenance for what can be a very temperamental process. In addition, failure to precisely control the process can lead to laminates that do not bond properly or wrinkle, leading to excessively high scrap rates and even product returns.
For this reason, OEMs are increasingly outsourcing the application of laminate films to experienced coil coaters that can provide alternatives, including: steel, aluminum or other metals in coil or sheet form with pre-applied (dry) adhesive; or fully laminated product that eliminates in-house processing altogether.