This week ODM visited a moulding foam factory in the Guangdong province. The visit was made to have a better understanding of details with one another. Communication via email and phone calls is a good first step, but confirmation in person, where you can visibly and physically show exactly what you’re looking for is key to ensuring that production is successful and that everyone is happy with the outcome.

Moulding Foam Uses

Moulding Foam Uses

ODM find moulding foams particularly important, and as such we want to ensure we have the best possible connection with the factory. We find it so important because, as you can see above, it has so many uses and is the key element in a huge range of products.

Why does ODM visit the factories that they work with?

Ultimately it comes down to taking advantage of the fact that we have relatively easy access to most factories in Southern China. For the clients we work with, we want to ensure that we are experts in the industry that they’re dealing with. Being able to witness the manufacturing process, and having experts explain each part, allows us to provide detailed explanations and advice to our clients.

Moulding Foam Factory

Moulding Foam Factory

Firstly, we visit factories in order to run a QC on the products. Running a QC (quality check) on products manufactured in China is essential. Reason being if products are found to be defective after shipment, it is an expensive mistake. One party will have to pay for shipment back – in some cases, it would not be possible. So simply checking the products are in good, working condition before they are sent out can save you a lot of time & money.

Moulding Foam Machines

Moulding Foam Machines

Factory visits allow for better relationship building, leading to better prices to be passed on to our clients. Eventually, leading to more cost- savings. Real-life negotiations are also more effective compared to online negotiations. Prices, quantities, materials and production times can all be negotiated. With this relationship, a sense of the reliability and trust of the factory can be assessed to create high-quality products, in time to meet our client’s deadline.

Preparing to Stamp

Preparing to Stamp

Unlike over the phone or via email, we are able to fully demonstrate the product in-person, either by showing a sample from the client or through drawings done by our in-house design team, MindSparkz. Information not understood through the emails or phone calls can be clarified in person. Samples and materials can be shown during the visit and passed on to the client for confirmation.

Moulding Foam Stock

Moulding Foam Stock

What are the uses for moulding foams?

The use of 3D drawings and CNC machines allows moulding foam to be used for virtually anything. Despite this, moulded foam’s primary use remains as a holder for various products inside of packaging. CNC machine’s accuracy makes it possible to mould foam into any shape and size for packaging. An example of using the foam inside of packaging can be seen with our aluminium perfume case.

Moulding Foam Factory Floor

Moulding Foam Factory Floor

In addition to protection, moulding foam gives the product a high-end look. The success of achieving a high-end look can depend on the type of foam inserts. For example, EVA foam is used for more extreme shapes. The downside of it will be its hard feel and cheap look. Whereas a higher-end option is PU foam, for products such as perfume or game cases in collector edition products. Moulding foam both protects the collector’s gift you’re giving to your customers and maintain its luxury appearance.

Moulding Foam

Moulding Foam

Regardless of which type of foam is used, it ultimately gives any product a higher perceived value, which can allow you to justifiably charge more than your competitors – be it a promotional product, or for retail.

Moulding foam isn’t only used for packaging, it has various key uses in numerous products, for example:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are factory visits really beneficial?

Yes, they are. They can help a company by building relationships, improved communication, better knowledge, assessments, and effective negotiation.

What should be checked during a factory visit?

Factory organization, factory capacity, working conditions and instructions, production equipment, warehouse, and material inventory, and lastly their product samples.

What's the disadvantage of moulding foams?

The process of moulding foams will take longer. Which means investing more time in producing structural foam moulded components.