10 Things to Expect from Your Thermal Management Partner

Key Points

• When choosing a thermal management partner, prioritize those with a vertically integrated supply chain, diverse manufacturing capabilities, and swift quoting processes to ensure seamless project execution.
• Opt for partners with clear objectives for on-time delivery and quality, coupled with specialized knowledge in materials and thermal management techniques to meet project requirements effectively.
• Emphasize transparent communication and scalability, ensuring the partner supports various volume needs, from rapid prototypes to full-scale production, for a successful and streamlined project journey.

Finding the right thermal management partner can make or break your next product development project. But not all providers bring the expertise and processes required for smooth execution from design through delivery. When evaluating options, what should you expect in an ideal thermal management partner?

Here are 10 things you should expect:

-- Article Continues Below --

Essential Guide to Thermal Management: Get it Here

Vertical Integration

If you’ve known Modus for any length of time, you know that we’re big fans of vertical integration. But if you’re new here, or need a refresher, let’s go over what exactly that means.

Your thermal management partner should have a vertically integrated supply chain, encompassing all aspects of production, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and testing. This integration allows them to oversee and optimize quality control, turnaround times, and coordination across disciplines. With in-house prototyping, engineering, production, and testing capabilities, changes can be implemented faster without relying on external vendors. Whether you need rapid prototypes or eventually transition to full-scale manufacturing, choose a partner equipped to support various volumes under one roof.

Ultimately, the benefits that come from selecting a vertically integrated thermal management partner include:

• Faster lead times: finding a partner who has enough capabilities to provide multiple concurrent manufacturing processes on a single part means you don’t have to worry about shipping back and forth between sub-tier vendors in between steps in the process.
• Lower total cost: reduce the cost of shipping by leveraging a single manufacturing partner end-to-end.
• Higher quality: managing several vendors and their different quality standards can mean you have to spend time managing each vendor to ensure your quality standards are met. A partner who can do more under one roof and meet your quality standards is a match made in heaven.
• Lower risk: a high number of touches can translate into higher risk levels. Continuity can dramatically reduce your risk of miscommunications between vendors and mismatches between requirements. 

Multiple Supported Manufacturing Processes

Look for diversified manufacturing strengths spanning multiple production methods relevant to your project. Your partner should support various manufacturing processes like form-in-place dispending, CNC machining, die cutting, waterjet cutting, CNC and digital cutting, and more.

This versatility allows them to select the ideal process for your specific application. The wider their capabilities, the better they can optimize for factors like cost, time, and quality.

Fast Quoting and Design for Manufacturing (DfM) Reviews

Defined Goals for On-Time Delivery and Quality

Quality is king. Reputable partners commit to clear objectives for on-time delivery and quality. Whether it's first pass yield or industry certifications, make sure your partner has proven processes in place and can confirm their track record. Defining these goals upfront aligns expectations and ensures accountability.

• Registry certifications: ISO 9001 is non-negotiable, and is a great place to start.
• Quality goals: do they have organizational goals for quality? At Modus, our goal is always 99.5% quality rating.
• Published quality metrics: if they can’t prove it in print, you may want to look elsewhere. At Modus, we check our quality metrics every day in our operational meetings and they are published for our entire manufacturing staff to see and adhere to. When our customers ask, we are glad to share these metrics with them as well.
• Quality feedback system: a constant feedback loop on reporting metrics is important for improving processes. Your thermal management solutions partner should meet the bar and always push to exceed it. Quality is in our blood here at Modus – it’s in our DNA.

Specialized Materials and Manufacturing Expertise

Your partner should have in-depth knowledge of materials, coatings, manufacturing techniques, and other specializations related to thermal management. Your partner should have extensive experience with a wide range of materials, including thermal interface materials, phase change materials, and heat sinks. This expertise allows them to quickly zero in on the right solutions to meet durability, performance, and budget needs. Make sure they can leverage this specialized experience for your application.

-- Article Continues Below --

Parker Chomerics EMI Shielding Material Guide

Transparency and Dependability

From prompt project updates to progress reports and test results, you need transparency every step of the way. Prioritize partners who communicate frequently and openly. You also want to confirm you can depend on them deliver – ask about their historical reliability in meeting customer commitments.

Support for Prototype or Production Volumes

Whether you need rapid prototypes or full production runs, make sure your partner can support your volume needs. This scalability prevents having to switch partners as your project moves from concept to commercialization. Having one partner through the full process also builds invaluable familiarity with your product which translates to a well-oiled partnership.

Up-to-Date Systems and Processes

Utilizing the latest tools and technologies improves efficiency and results for your project. Expect your manufacturing partners to have up-to-date Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES),  Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and Quality Management Systems (QMS). The better job your partner has done with integrating these systems, the better and faster they will be able to deliver for you.

Registry Certifications

Reputable partners comply with relevant quality and security certifications for their industry. These credentials validate that best practices are being followed in areas like IT security, data protection, quality control processes, and more. Look for certifications like ISO 9001, AS9100, and ITAR registration. 

The first step is understanding what certifications are needed in your industry and then finding a manufacturing partner that holds them. Acquiring these certificates is no small feat, and manufacturers must jump through many hoops to be able to claim the certification. Always confirm your partner has the certifications matching your product and industry – this is one way that they can prove to you they’re a valuable partner.

High Security Standards

For many companies, products contain sensitive intellectual property, and maintaining security is non-negotiable. If applicable, ensure your partner adheres to strict security standards regarding cybersecurity, data, facilities, and staff access. Address any related requirements or concerns upfront before engaging further. The right partner will welcome the discussion around security measures.

Work With The Best: Partner With Modus

Here’s the thing – you need, and deserve, a partner you can trust that has access to the materials you need and has the technical competencies for a successful project. Finding the right thermal management partner ensures you get the expertise and service your project requires. Use this list as a guideline while evaluating providers, and don't be afraid to probe further about their capabilities aligned to your needs. The ideal partner makes the entire process seamless so you can focus on bringing your product innovation to life.

Work with the partner that checks the boxes and is ready to run the long game with you. Work with Modus Advanced. Contact us today.