Contract Manufacturing FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
At Pepin Manufacturing, Inc. (PMI), we understand that choosing the right contract manufacturing and custom fabrication partner is a significant decision. To help you better understand our services, processes, and capabilities, we’ve compiled this detailed FAQ section covering everything from contract converting and fabrication to MarFree urethane, electrotherapy components, rotary die-cutting, precision cutting, flatbed die-cutting, contract packaging, and custom electrode manufacturing.
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General Questions
What industries does Pepin Manufacturing serve?
PMI provides contract converting and fabrication solutions to a wide range of industries, including medical, industrial, aerospace, defense, cosmetic, and retail. Our expertise in precision cutting, die-cutting, and custom component manufacturing allows us to support various applications across these sectors.
Where is Pepin Manufacturing located?
Our ISO-13485-certified facility is based in Lake City, Minnesota. From this location, we serve businesses across the U.S. and beyond, providing high-quality contract manufacturing and fabrication services.
Is PMI ISO certified?
Yes, Pepin Manufacturing is ISO-13485-certified, ensuring that our processes meet stringent quality management standards, particularly for medical device components and related products.
Can PMI handle custom projects outside of the medical industry?
Absolutely. While medical devices and components are a major focus, our experience spans across aerospace, defense, industrial, cosmetic, and consumer retail. If you have a custom fabrication need, we can adapt our capabilities to fit your project.
Does PMI offer assistance with regulatory compliance?
Yes. Our team is experienced in FDA, ISO, and other industry-specific compliance requirements. We can help ensure your product design, packaging, and documentation meet necessary regulatory standards.
Contract Converting & Fabrication
What is contract converting and fabrication?
Contract converting and fabrication involve the transformation of raw materials into finished components or products according to customer specifications. Our services include precision cutting, die-cutting, and assembly.
What materials can PMI work with?
We specialize in processing a variety of materials, including medical-grade adhesives, conductive films, foams, nonwovens, and custom urethane films. Our team sources high-quality materials to ensure the best performance for your application.
Can PMI manage multi-layer laminations?
Yes. We provide precision lamination services that allow us to bond multiple materials into a single composite structure. This is ideal for projects requiring adhesives, films, or foams to be combined for improved performance.
Does PMI offer cleanroom converting?
Yes, we have white room capabilities for medical and high-precision projects where contamination control is essential. This ensures your components are manufactured in a controlled environment.
Rotary Die-Cutting, Flatbed Die-Cutting, and Precision Cutting
What is rotary die-cutting?
Rotary die-cutting is a high-speed process that uses cylindrical dies to cut materials with precision and efficiency. It is ideal for high-volume production runs and intricate designs.
When should I choose flatbed die-cutting over rotary die-cutting?
Flatbed die-cutting is best suited for lower-volume production or projects that require deep cuts and thicker materials. It offers excellent accuracy for specialty applications that demand high precision.
What are the advantages of PMI’s precision cutting services?
Our precision cutting capabilities ensure minimal material waste, tight tolerances, and consistent quality across production runs. Whether you need intricate shapes or large-scale components, we deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to your needs.
Can PMI handle large-format cutting projects?
Yes. Our cutting technologies allow us to work with both small, intricate parts and larger-format materials. We can scale our processes to fit your project’s requirements.
Does PMI offer kiss-cutting services?
Yes. Kiss cutting is one of our specialties. This process allows materials with adhesive backing to be cut through the top layer while leaving the liner intact, making them ideal for easy peel-and-stick applications.
What tolerances can PMI achieve with precision cutting?
Our advanced equipment allows us to maintain tight tolerances, often within thousandths of an inch, ensuring consistency and accuracy for demanding applications.
Supply Chain and Logistics
Does PMI offer just-in-time (JIT) delivery?
Yes. We partner with clients to provide JIT delivery options that minimize inventory holding costs while ensuring products are available when needed.
Can PMI manage inventory for clients?
Yes. We provide vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and warehousing solutions for clients who require consistent supply without managing storage themselves.
Does PMI offer international shipping?
Yes. We work with clients across the U.S. and internationally, offering flexible logistics support to ensure products are delivered efficiently and on time.
MarFree Urethane Solutions
What is MarFree urethane?
MarFree urethane is a high-performance protective film used in metal fabrication to prevent die marks and scratches when bending polished metals such as stainless steel, painted metal, and aluminum. It extends the lifespan of dies and tooling while reducing the need for costly refinishing.
How does MarFree urethane improve manufacturing processes?
By using MarFree urethane in press brake applications, manufacturers can significantly reduce rework, lower maintenance costs, and improve the quality of finished metal components. It acts as a protective barrier that minimizes surface damage during bending operations.
Can MarFree urethane be customized for specific applications?
Yes. Depending on your application, we can tailor MarFree urethane films to different thicknesses, widths, and roll lengths. Custom options are available to maximize tool protection and efficiency.
Is MarFree urethane reusable?
Yes. Unlike single-use protective films, MarFree urethane is highly durable and in many cases can be reused multiple times before replacement is necessary, making it a cost-effective solution.
Electrotherapy Components & Custom Electrode Manufacturing
What electrotherapy components does PMI manufacture?
We specialize in manufacturing high-quality electrotherapy components, including custom electrodes, conductive films, iontophoresis patches, and accessories such as lead wires and TENS unit supplies.
What are the benefits of PMI’s custom electrode manufacturing?
Our electrodes feature uniform current dispersion, improved reusability, and ultra-low impedance for optimal performance. We also provide customized electrode shapes, sizes, and materials tailored to specific applications.
Are PMI’s electrotherapy products FDA-cleared?
Yes, our Advantrode brand electrodes are FDA 510(k) cleared, ensuring they meet regulatory standards for safety and effectiveness.
Can PMI customize electrodes for branding purposes?
Yes. We provide private labeling and custom branding options for electrode products. This allows healthcare providers and distributors to present electrodes under their own brand names while ensuring PMI’s high-quality performance.
What testing methods does PMI use for electrotherapy products?
We perform rigorous testing, including impedance testing, adhesion performance, and current distribution validation, to ensure all electrotherapy components meet industry and regulatory standards.
Contract Packaging
What types of contract packaging does PMI offer?
We provide a full range of contract packaging services, including private labeling, custom packaging, and assembly solutions. Our team works with clients to create packaging that meets their branding and regulatory requirements.
Can PMI handle both small and large packaging runs?
Yes! Our flexible production capabilities allow us to accommodate both small-scale and large-volume packaging projects with the same level of quality and efficiency.
Does PMI provide kitting services?
Yes. We offer kitting services where multiple components are assembled into a single package. This is especially useful for medical kits, retail sets, or bundled product offerings.
Can PMI package products for sterile applications?
Yes. For medical and pharmaceutical clients, we can provide packaging solutions that are compatible with sterilization methods such as gamma radiation or ethylene oxide (EtO).
Why Choose Pepin Manufacturing? At Pepin Manufacturing, we combine decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology to provide innovative solutions across various industries. Our commitment to precision, quality, and customer satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in contract converting, custom fabrication, electrotherapy solutions, and packaging services.
If you have further questions or would like to discuss your project, contact us today! Our team is ready to assist you with expert guidance and customized solutions.
Looking for a reliable manufacturing partner?
Fill out our contact form or call us at 651.345.5655 to discuss how Pepin Manufacturing can support your business with high-quality, precision-engineered solutions.