An alternative to OEM: The value of aftermarket parts

For almost 35 years, Quality Connection has provided high-quality replacement parts for can closing and can seaming machines. 

The service and products we provide are termed non-OEM parts, simply meaning the parts were not created by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). If a company is seeking an economically friendly solution to source their parts or assemblies, non-OEM or sometimes called aftermarket parts may be a viable choice. The aftermarket serves an important part of the industrial ecosystem by offering an alternative for machine maintenance needs. 

There are common misconceptions towards aftermarket parts. From claims of  “cheap” inferior quality and performance to poor fitting specifications. This is far from the truth. Not only are aftermarket parts required to meet the same quality standards as the OEM parts, they offer a cost-effective, flexible option to keep your production lines running optimally. 

Part manufacturers like Quality Connection constantly refine their processes to create improved non-OEM parts. As a result, the aftermarket solution for can closing machine parts continues to grow. 

So how do third-party companies provide replacement parts to consumers? As with Quality Connection, we house prints for just about every part for the machines they specialize in. Other solutions are to reverse engineer parts for customers.  

For example, our specialty includes Continental/Clostech and Pneumatic Scale Angelus machines. We keep numerous manuals and prints for specific machines, which gives us the exact specifications we need for manufacturing parts. 

For the specific parts we don’t have blueprints for, we utilize reverse engineering. Customers may send the part they need and we disassemble it to get exact measurements of each component, angle, thickness, transition, really every area of the part is analyzed.  This process can be accomplished with 3D scanning and/or CAD modeling or use of a CMM. Once we understand every piece of the part, we analyze the material make up so we can then recreate it. This process is tedious but the most important to ensure the part is manufactured correctly.  

These alternative parts can deliver up to 60% in cost savings while maintaining the strict quality standards that the food and beverage industry demands. 

Access to third-party parts manufacturers like Quality Connection means more availability of parts and better lead times.  All these factors help to minimize downtime during unforeseen breakdowns. 

Additionally, with thorough inspections to identify potential improvement, aftermarket parts can provide a new level of customization and flexibility for the consumer. Being able to better meet the needs of a machine can help extend its lifecycle. Quality is assured with rigorous testing to meet the standards of the industry. Simulating operational conditions verifies that parts fit and can withstand the demands of daily usage. Technological advancements have given parts makers even more tools to enhance the verification process. Remote monitoring, virtual assessments, and automated tracking improve product consistency. 

Aftermarket parts not only serve as a less expensive option to OEM parts but with Quality Connection, they are a reliable, high-quality solution for metal packaging machine maintenance. 

Aftermarket alternatives have established their position in packaging manufacturing and will continue to play a valuable role in an evolving industry. 

If you’re in the can seaming industry and need dependable parts for your production line, Quality Connection would love to talk with you! Whether you need parts now or want to keep in touch for future use, don’t hesitate to contact us on our website at www.qualconnection.com

 

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