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.
What sets PMI apart from competitors?
We combine decades of experience with in-house engineering, material expertise, and ISO-13485 certification. This allows us to maintain strict quality control while offering flexible solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Can PMI support startups or smaller companies?
Absolutely. We regularly partner with emerging businesses to provide scalable production and design support. Our flexible manufacturing approach ensures you can grow without facing large upfront costs.
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.
What industries commonly use contract converting services?
Industries such as medical devices, automotive, aerospace, and electronics frequently rely on contract converting for custom component fabrication. Our versatility allows us to meet the unique specifications of each sector.
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.
What industries rely on PMI’s die-cutting capabilities?
Our die-cutting solutions are used in medical device manufacturing, aerospace insulation, automotive gaskets, and consumer electronics. Each industry benefits from our precision and repeatability.
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).
Precision Slitting: Everything You Need to Know
What is precision slitting, and how does it work?
Precision slitting is a process that involves cutting large rolls of material into narrower, custom-width rolls with exceptional accuracy. The process uses sharp rotary or razor blades and controlled tension to produce clean, uniform edges. At Pepin Manufacturing, our advanced slitting systems are designed to handle both delicate and durable materials while maintaining tight tolerances. This ensures that every finished roll meets your exact width, edge quality, and performance requirements.
What types of materials can be slit using precision slitting?
We can slit a wide range of materials, including medical-grade films, foils, foams, adhesives, nonwovens, and conductive materials. Each material requires specific blade types and tension controls to achieve optimal results without fraying or distortion. Our experienced team understands the nuances of different substrates and adjusts machinery settings accordingly. This level of customization allows us to maintain product integrity and ensure consistent quality across all runs.
Why is precision slitting important for high-performance applications?
Precision slitting directly impacts product performance, especially in industries where accuracy and consistency are critical. For example, medical components, electronic films, and adhesive tapes all require clean, uniform edges for proper function. Even minor deviations can cause defects, waste, or bonding failures in assembly. Our precision slitting capabilities help eliminate those risks by maintaining extremely tight tolerances and uniform tension throughout the process.
What tolerances can Pepin Manufacturing achieve with precision slitting?
We can achieve tolerances as tight as a few thousandths of an inch, depending on the material and application. Our advanced slitting equipment uses precision controls to maintain consistent roll width from start to finish. Each job is carefully monitored to verify alignment, tension, and blade sharpness. This ensures every roll we produce meets or exceeds client specifications for precision and repeatability.
Can PMI handle both large and small slitting runs?
Absolutely. Our flexible production setup allows us to efficiently manage both prototype and large-scale production runs. Whether you need short custom test runs or continuous, high-volume slitting, we tailor our processes to meet your needs. Every order receives the same attention to detail and quality verification to ensure consistent results.
How does PMI ensure edge quality during the slitting process?
Edge quality depends on precise blade alignment, tension control, and equipment maintenance. We use automated monitoring systems and perform frequent blade changes to maintain sharpness and prevent burrs or frayed edges. Our operators also inspect materials at multiple points during production to ensure quality consistency. This meticulous approach helps guarantee that every slit roll performs reliably in your end-use application.
Does Pepin Manufacturing provide rewinding and packaging after slitting?
Yes. Once materials are slit to the required dimensions, we can rewind, label, and package them to your exact specifications. Our team ensures each roll is wound to the proper core size, tension, and orientation for seamless downstream processing. We also offer private labeling, barcoding, and customized packaging options to streamline logistics and enhance your supply chain efficiency.
Interested in precision slitting services?
Pepin Manufacturing combines advanced technology, strict quality control, and decades of experience to deliver unmatched slitting precision. Whether your project involves medical-grade films, industrial foams, or specialty laminates, our team can help you achieve the perfect cut every time. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and see how our precision slitting solutions can elevate your production process.
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.