stopwatch“What is your gasket material lead time?”

This is the question that everyone asks. In a world centered around instant gratification, any wait is too long. In reality, especially in a manufacturing environment, lead times are a way of life.

Most manufacturing companies do try to have some of the more popular items in stock at all times. Customer satisfaction is the number one priority, but not far behind is the need to keep the business solvent (and in our case, that can’t be done by stocking every single gasket material that we have ever sold).

Reducing lead times is always a major goal. Anything that can be done to increase the speed of the ordering cycle benefits all who are involved. Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and predicting the needs of customers and future customers as best as possible is key in this process. However, communication throughout the entire supply chain is what is ultimately going to make or break the ordering process.

Get the Answer You Want

1. Communication

Without a doubt, constant communication with your supplier is a must – especially if the item you order is not a stocked item. The more you talk with us about your upcoming needs, the more we are able to plan for a successful delivery when you need it. If you can find a supplier with a very high OTD% (on time delivery), that is going to help you build trust in the ability of your supplier to meet delivery commitments. We understand that sometimes there is a fire to put out, and we will bend over backwards for you to help when this is the case. However, if every order is a fire….see #2.

2. Planning

There is a rather blunt saying out there “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part.” We don’t know of anyone that actually subscribes to this theory, but there is a little bit of truth in it. If you are constantly flying by the seat of your pants in your planning and ordering, it makes it very difficult as a supplier to continually meet your needs AND still meet the needs of our customers that are already waiting for their orders. A little bit of planning goes a long way. If you are always in this situation because your customer does the same to you, talk with your supplier. We have helped many of our customers figure out some sort of purchasing pattern to try to alleviate this issue.

3. Be Realistic

Lead times don’t generally change. If the product you order is always a 10 week lead time, there is a 99.9% chance that it is going to be a 10 week lead time the next time you order. Lead times are not arbitrarily set, and there is a very good reason why it is the way it is (in our case, receipt of some raw materials takes a while). If a 10 week lead is the norm for your material, please don’t always call your supplier with a delivery date of 8 weeks out. You need to be cognizant of the calendar and place your order with realistic expectations. If you continue to find yourself in this position, talk to your supplier. Most suppliers will take a look at purchasing patterns with you and figure out the best way to match your need dates with the lead times.

4. Be Flexible

In the spirit of customer satisfaction, sometimes if you are in a pinch and need something ASAP your supplier is able to immediately meet your needs. Sometimes, they may be able to get you partway there with a partial shipment of what is in stock, or can build a partial order with the raw materials that happen to be on hand. In even rarer circumstances, there may even be a substitute product that you can take in a pinch. Regardless, if proper planning couldn’t happen, anything your supplier can do for you will usually put you in a better situation than if they did nothing. Taking an “all or none” approach in these situations doesn’t get you on the way to meeting the needs of your customer, which is everyone’s #1 goal.

The Next Order

Most problems in our lives can be solved with communication. A customer/supplier relationship is no different. The more you can communicate with your supplier on your needs, plan the best you can, and work with your supplier to figure out the best way to handle the situations where you can’t plan, you will hopefully never be out of material when you need it most.

In those instances where planning isn’t an option, remember to be flexible – a good supplier will do whatever they can to ensure your order is delivered as timely as possible. If they are willing to get a bit creative to try to help you achieve your goals, jump on the bus – you might like where it goes!

What else would you add to this list? If you are interested in subscribing to Sealed-In’s blog posts, email sales@mtigasket.com.

8 Ways to Find a Reliable Gasket Material Manufacturer
If the thought of finding a new supplier is enough to make your palms sweat and your heart palpitate, this week’s post is right up your alley. While it certainly isn’t a task that people love to do, it shouldn’t be something that you are afraid to do. There are many reasons why you could be looking for a reliable gasket material manufacturer. We put together a short list of ways to start your search to help ensure you find someone that could soon fall into the “reliable” category for you.
4 Ways to Try to Reduce the Price of Your Gasket Material
In most applications, the gasket tends to be less of a cost driver than other parts, but it doesn’t get any less scrutiny. Everything adds up when you’re trying to stay competitive and it doesn’t matter how big or small your piece of the puzzle is. We get calls all the time from our customers asking how they can save money. Continue reading to see how you can try to reduce the price of your gasket material.
How Much Should Gasket Material Cost?
In all seriousness, cost of material is a valid question. Cost is one of the most difficult aspects to deal with in life, let alone when you are going to be spending someone else’s money. How should you deal with cost when you’ve been placed on a shoestring budget and need to get approval before you can go too far forward with your project? The answer is (drumroll, please)…..Value. Let’s break it down.
3 Reasons Why You May Want to Utilize an Insulating Gasket
Head gaskets are one of the more difficult repairs on an engine. They require substantial removal of parts, careful cleaning and preparation of surfaces, and methodical replacement and reassembly of the engine components. Nobody really WANTS to replace a head gasket, but sometimes, it’s just necessary. How do you know when this is needed? Here are a few warning signs.
Jacketed Gaskets: Here’s Why & Where You’d Use One.
Have you ever dealt with applications that require jacketed (or sometimes called double jacketed) gaskets? While the technology may not be as commonly used as others, it is one that definitely has its place in the sealing world. In today’s post, we’re going to address what they are, as well as why and where you would use one.
I Need A Gasket With a Tanged Insert…What Is That?
The other day we received a call inquiring about gaskets with tanged inserts, what type of material they required, and if we sold the materials. Quite simply, the answer is yes, we do sell gasket material with a tanged insert, that’s exactly what we do! We could have left it at that, but in the spirit of educating our loyal readers, here’s what you need to know about gaskets with a tanged insert.
How Do I Know How Much Gasket Compression is Too Much?
If you’ve never given much thought to gasket compression (gasket what?), you likely have the mindset of “clamp ‘er in there the best you can”. In some cases, over-compression can happen, and that can lead to problems. What are some of the warning signs of a gasket that is or has ever been compressed beyond what is recommended?
Tang (It’s Not Just For Astronauts)
When you hear the word “tang” what conjures up in your mind…an orange-flavored drink, a fish, a style of gasket material, or other definitions? The list goes on. We’ll let you guess which one we’re here to talk to you about. Is anyone thirsty for some Tang? If not, let’s start our discussion.

stopwatch

“What is your gasket material lead time?”

This is the question that everyone asks. In a world centered around instant gratification, any wait is too long. In reality, especially in a manufacturing environment, lead times are a way of life.

Most manufacturing companies do try to have some of the more popular items in stock at all times. Customer satisfaction is the number one priority, but not far behind is the need to keep the business solvent (and in our case, that can’t be done by stocking every single gasket material that we have ever sold).

Reducing lead times is always a major goal. Anything that can be done to increase the speed of the ordering cycle benefits all who are involved. Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and predicting the needs of customers and future customers as best as possible is key in this process. However, communication throughout the entire supply chain is what is ultimately going to make or break the ordering process.

Get the Answer You Want

1. Communication

Without a doubt, constant communication with your supplier is a must – especially if the item you order is not a stocked item. The more you talk with us about your upcoming needs, the more we are able to plan for a successful delivery when you need it. If you can find a supplier with a very high OTD% (on time delivery), that is going to help you build trust in the ability of your supplier to meet delivery commitments. We understand that sometimes there is a fire to put out, and we will bend over backwards for you to help when this is the case. However, if every order is a fire….see #2.

2. Planning

There is a rather blunt saying out there “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part.” We don’t know of anyone that actually subscribes to this theory, but there is a little bit of truth in it. If you are constantly flying by the seat of your pants in your planning and ordering, it makes it very difficult as a supplier to continually meet your needs AND still meet the needs of our customers that are already waiting for their orders. A little bit of planning goes a long way. If you are always in this situation because your customer does the same to you, talk with your supplier. We have helped many of our customers figure out some sort of purchasing pattern to try to alleviate this issue.

3. Be Realistic

Lead times don’t generally change. If the product you order is always a 10 week lead time, there is a 99.9% chance that it is going to be a 10 week lead time the next time you order. Lead times are not arbitrarily set, and there is a very good reason why it is the way it is (in our case, receipt of some raw materials takes a while). If a 10 week lead is the norm for your material, please don’t always call your supplier with a delivery date of 8 weeks out. You need to be cognizant of the calendar and place your order with realistic expectations. If you continue to find yourself in this position, talk to your supplier. Most suppliers will take a look at purchasing patterns with you and figure out the best way to match your need dates with the lead times.

4. Be Flexible

In the spirit of customer satisfaction, sometimes if you are in a pinch and need something ASAP your supplier is able to immediately meet your needs. Sometimes, they may be able to get you partway there with a partial shipment of what is in stock, or can build a partial order with the raw materials that happen to be on hand. In even rarer circumstances, there may even be a substitute product that you can take in a pinch. Regardless, if proper planning couldn’t happen, anything your supplier can do for you will usually put you in a better situation than if they did nothing. Taking an “all or none” approach in these situations doesn’t get you on the way to meeting the needs of your customer, which is everyone’s #1 goal.

The Next Order

Most problems in our lives can be solved with communication. A customer/supplier relationship is no different. The more you can communicate with your supplier on your needs, plan the best you can, and work with your supplier to figure out the best way to handle the situations where you can’t plan, you will hopefully never be out of material when you need it most.

In those instances where planning isn’t an option, remember to be flexible – a good supplier will do whatever they can to ensure your order is delivered as timely as possible. If they are willing to get a bit creative to try to help you achieve your goals, jump on the bus – you might like where it goes!

What else would you add to this list? If you are interested in subscribing to Sealed-In’s blog posts, email sales@mtigasket.com.

8 Ways to Find a Reliable Gasket Material Manufacturer
If the thought of finding a new supplier is enough to make your palms sweat and your heart palpitate, this week’s post is right up your alley. While it certainly isn’t a task that people love to do, it shouldn’t be something that you are afraid to do. There are many reasons why you could be looking for a reliable gasket material manufacturer. We put together a short list of ways to start your search to help ensure you find someone that could soon fall into the “reliable” category for you.
4 Ways to Try to Reduce the Price of Your Gasket Material
In most applications, the gasket tends to be less of a cost driver than other parts, but it doesn’t get any less scrutiny. Everything adds up when you’re trying to stay competitive and it doesn’t matter how big or small your piece of the puzzle is. We get calls all the time from our customers asking how they can save money. Continue reading to see how you can try to reduce the price of your gasket material.
How Much Should Gasket Material Cost?
In all seriousness, cost of material is a valid question. Cost is one of the most difficult aspects to deal with in life, let alone when you are going to be spending someone else’s money. How should you deal with cost when you’ve been placed on a shoestring budget and need to get approval before you can go too far forward with your project? The answer is (drumroll, please)…..Value. Let’s break it down.
3 Reasons Why You May Want to Utilize an Insulating Gasket
Head gaskets are one of the more difficult repairs on an engine. They require substantial removal of parts, careful cleaning and preparation of surfaces, and methodical replacement and reassembly of the engine components. Nobody really WANTS to replace a head gasket, but sometimes, it’s just necessary. How do you know when this is needed? Here are a few warning signs.
Jacketed Gaskets: Here’s Why & Where You’d Use One.
Have you ever dealt with applications that require jacketed (or sometimes called double jacketed) gaskets? While the technology may not be as commonly used as others, it is one that definitely has its place in the sealing world. In today’s post, we’re going to address what they are, as well as why and where you would use one.
I Need A Gasket With a Tanged Insert…What Is That?
The other day we received a call inquiring about gaskets with tanged inserts, what type of material they required, and if we sold the materials. Quite simply, the answer is yes, we do sell gasket material with a tanged insert, that’s exactly what we do! We could have left it at that, but in the spirit of educating our loyal readers, here’s what you need to know about gaskets with a tanged insert.
How Do I Know How Much Gasket Compression is Too Much?
If you’ve never given much thought to gasket compression (gasket what?), you likely have the mindset of “clamp ‘er in there the best you can”. In some cases, over-compression can happen, and that can lead to problems. What are some of the warning signs of a gasket that is or has ever been compressed beyond what is recommended?
Tang (It’s Not Just For Astronauts)
When you hear the word “tang” what conjures up in your mind…an orange-flavored drink, a fish, a style of gasket material, or other definitions? The list goes on. We’ll let you guess which one we’re here to talk to you about. Is anyone thirsty for some Tang? If not, let’s start our discussion.

stopwatch

“What is your gasket material lead time?”

This is the question that everyone asks. In a world centered around instant gratification, any wait is too long. In reality, especially in a manufacturing environment, lead times are a way of life.

Most manufacturing companies do try to have some of the more popular items in stock at all times. Customer satisfaction is the number one priority, but not far behind is the need to keep the business solvent (and in our case, that can’t be done by stocking every single gasket material that we have ever sold).

Reducing lead times is always a major goal. Anything that can be done to increase the speed of the ordering cycle benefits all who are involved. Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and predicting the needs of customers and future customers as best as possible is key in this process. However, communication throughout the entire supply chain is what is ultimately going to make or break the ordering process.

Get the Answer You Want

1. Communication

Without a doubt, constant communication with your supplier is a must – especially if the item you order is not a stocked item. The more you talk with us about your upcoming needs, the more we are able to plan for a successful delivery when you need it. If you can find a supplier with a very high OTD% (on time delivery), that is going to help you build trust in the ability of your supplier to meet delivery commitments. We understand that sometimes there is a fire to put out, and we will bend over backwards for you to help when this is the case. However, if every order is a fire….see #2.

2. Planning

There is a rather blunt saying out there “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part.” We don’t know of anyone that actually subscribes to this theory, but there is a little bit of truth in it. If you are constantly flying by the seat of your pants in your planning and ordering, it makes it very difficult as a supplier to continually meet your needs AND still meet the needs of our customers that are already waiting for their orders. A little bit of planning goes a long way. If you are always in this situation because your customer does the same to you, talk with your supplier. We have helped many of our customers figure out some sort of purchasing pattern to try to alleviate this issue.

3. Be Realistic

Lead times don’t generally change. If the product you order is always a 10 week lead time, there is a 99.9% chance that it is going to be a 10 week lead time the next time you order. Lead times are not arbitrarily set, and there is a very good reason why it is the way it is (in our case, receipt of some raw materials takes a while). If a 10 week lead is the norm for your material, please don’t always call your supplier with a delivery date of 8 weeks out. You need to be cognizant of the calendar and place your order with realistic expectations. If you continue to find yourself in this position, talk to your supplier. Most suppliers will take a look at purchasing patterns with you and figure out the best way to match your need dates with the lead times.

4. Be Flexible

In the spirit of customer satisfaction, sometimes if you are in a pinch and need something ASAP your supplier is able to immediately meet your needs. Sometimes, they may be able to get you partway there with a partial shipment of what is in stock, or can build a partial order with the raw materials that happen to be on hand. In even rarer circumstances, there may even be a substitute product that you can take in a pinch. Regardless, if proper planning couldn’t happen, anything your supplier can do for you will usually put you in a better situation than if they did nothing. Taking an “all or none” approach in these situations doesn’t get you on the way to meeting the needs of your customer, which is everyone’s #1 goal.

The Next Order

Most problems in our lives can be solved with communication. A customer/supplier relationship is no different. The more you can communicate with your supplier on your needs, plan the best you can, and work with your supplier to figure out the best way to handle the situations where you can’t plan, you will hopefully never be out of material when you need it most.

In those instances where planning isn’t an option, remember to be flexible – a good supplier will do whatever they can to ensure your order is delivered as timely as possible. If they are willing to get a bit creative to try to help you achieve your goals, jump on the bus – you might like where it goes!

What else would you add to this list? If you are interested in subscribing to Sealed-In’s blog posts, email sales@mtigasket.com.

8 Ways to Find a Reliable Gasket Material Manufacturer
If the thought of finding a new supplier is enough to make your palms sweat and your heart palpitate, this week’s post is right up your alley. While it certainly isn’t a task that people love to do, it shouldn’t be something that you are afraid to do. There are many reasons why you could be looking for a reliable gasket material manufacturer. We put together a short list of ways to start your search to help ensure you find someone that could soon fall into the “reliable” category for you.
4 Ways to Try to Reduce the Price of Your Gasket Material
In most applications, the gasket tends to be less of a cost driver than other parts, but it doesn’t get any less scrutiny. Everything adds up when you’re trying to stay competitive and it doesn’t matter how big or small your piece of the puzzle is. We get calls all the time from our customers asking how they can save money. Continue reading to see how you can try to reduce the price of your gasket material.
How Much Should Gasket Material Cost?
In all seriousness, cost of material is a valid question. Cost is one of the most difficult aspects to deal with in life, let alone when you are going to be spending someone else’s money. How should you deal with cost when you’ve been placed on a shoestring budget and need to get approval before you can go too far forward with your project? The answer is (drumroll, please)…..Value. Let’s break it down.
3 Reasons Why You May Want to Utilize an Insulating Gasket
Head gaskets are one of the more difficult repairs on an engine. They require substantial removal of parts, careful cleaning and preparation of surfaces, and methodical replacement and reassembly of the engine components. Nobody really WANTS to replace a head gasket, but sometimes, it’s just necessary. How do you know when this is needed? Here are a few warning signs.
Jacketed Gaskets: Here’s Why & Where You’d Use One.
Have you ever dealt with applications that require jacketed (or sometimes called double jacketed) gaskets? While the technology may not be as commonly used as others, it is one that definitely has its place in the sealing world. In today’s post, we’re going to address what they are, as well as why and where you would use one.
I Need A Gasket With a Tanged Insert…What Is That?
The other day we received a call inquiring about gaskets with tanged inserts, what type of material they required, and if we sold the materials. Quite simply, the answer is yes, we do sell gasket material with a tanged insert, that’s exactly what we do! We could have left it at that, but in the spirit of educating our loyal readers, here’s what you need to know about gaskets with a tanged insert.
How Do I Know How Much Gasket Compression is Too Much?
If you’ve never given much thought to gasket compression (gasket what?), you likely have the mindset of “clamp ‘er in there the best you can”. In some cases, over-compression can happen, and that can lead to problems. What are some of the warning signs of a gasket that is or has ever been compressed beyond what is recommended?
Tang (It’s Not Just For Astronauts)
When you hear the word “tang” what conjures up in your mind…an orange-flavored drink, a fish, a style of gasket material, or other definitions? The list goes on. We’ll let you guess which one we’re here to talk to you about. Is anyone thirsty for some Tang? If not, let’s start our discussion.