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Latest Industry News for CNC Machining and Fabrication

The market for plastic fabrication and Lexan machining is constantly evolving. So companies that utilize these products and services would do well to stay abreast of the latest industry news and trends. This can help them better understand how to effectively utilize services like CNC machining and content support. And it can even lead to a better overall experience throughout the process. 

CNC Machine used in plastic fabrication
Big CNC Lathe and Milling Machine

The CNC machining and plastic fabrication market has seen some major changes this year specifically – and these changes can impact a huge variety of companies and organizations. Here’s a rundown of some of the top trends and impacts in the industry as of late. 

Skyrocketing Demand for Plastic Fabrication

Demand for Lexan fabrication and CNC machining has gone up dramatically since the start of 2020. And that’s basically because of one factor: the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic first hit, hospitals, organizations, and essential businesses scrambled to find solutions that would improve safety at their facilities. And many implemented sneeze guards and other clear plastic barriers. This provided a sensible way to promote physical separation in areas where keeping significant distance between individuals was not always possible. 

Now, as schools, offices, retail stores, and other facilities begin gradually reopening, the demand for these products has remained high. Some companies and organizations need Lexan products that are simple and ready to install quickly. And others require custom CNC machining to create barriers that are made to suit their specific facilities. 

The huge rise in demand for these materials has made it difficult for some smaller CNC machining and plastic fabrication providers to keep up. It takes significant resources for these companies to provide the necessary options for the huge array of businesses, healthcare centers, schools, and other facilities throughout their area. And it can be especially tough to offer options that work both for facilities that want fast, easy solutions and those that want to fabricate completely custom barriers. 

With this information, facilities that need CNC machining and plastic fabrication services can adjust their expectations and find providers that are better equipped to meet their needs. For example, those that need ready to install solutions should find providers that have standard sneeze guards and similar products already available. And those who are looking for custom solutions should seek out facilities with a lot of resources and efficient equipment to complete projects as quickly as possible. Starting the process early can also help some receive the materials they need by their targeted reopening dates. 

Contributing to Local Economies

This increase in demand has also brought about positive economic impacts. While many industries are struggling due to shutdowns and social distancing recommendations, the market for CNC machining and custom fabrication has grown. And that often leads to more job opportunities in communities that need them most. The industry provides an essential service that helps to keep workers, customers, and communities safer. So they’ve sometimes been able to amp up production and hire in areas that have not seen much job growth over the past handful of months. 

This may not make a major impact for companies that utilize CNC machining and content support services, but it simply offers a wider view of how the industry can impact communities and the economy as a whole. When businesses and organizations invest in Lexan machining and plastics, they can feel good about the impact that their purchase is making on workers and the nationwide job market. 

Providing Essential Products and Services

To better serve those who need plastics most during this time, many providers are changing up their offerings temporarily to focus on the items that are most essential. Some small plastic fabrication companies focus on providing small parts or components for companies in specific industries. But since the pandemic, companies ranging from grocery stores to carryout restaurants have started to demand more custom plastic solutions. So many providers are adjusting to meet this need. And this often means switching up their supplies, inventory, and equipment. 

Of course, this is good news for the facilities that want to invest in sneeze guards and other protective barriers. But it could also impact those that require plastics or CNC machining for other purposes. Those organizations need to find fabrication providers that are well equipped to handle a high volume of jobs at once. For example, facilities with a wide array of machining equipment and the resources of a nationwide provider are often better equipped to serve the industries that normally rely on their services while also responding to increased demand from those who want to improve safety at their facilities in the short term. 

If you’re looking for CNC machining, Lexan machining, content support, or any other plastic fabrication services, contact Polymershapes today. We offer a wide array of high quality plastic materials from top manufacturers. We’re equipped to support clients in various industries, from transportation providers and energy companies to hospitals and schools. Our Dayton fabrication center is outfitted with state of the art CNC machining equipment. So we can offer expert conversion capabilities and Lexan machining options for each client. And since we’re part of the Polymershapes network of nationwide plastics fabrication providers, we have the resources to support clients quickly, whether they’re looking for standard or custom solutions. If you’re ready to request a quote, simply fill out the form on our website and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours.