At AFT Fluorotec, innovation, precision, and performance are at the heart of everything we do. Collaborative Product Development (CPD) plays a vital role in how we bring ideas to life through uniting cross-functional teams, streamlining processes, and ensuring our solutions are engineered to the highest standard. 

 

Why Collaborative Development Is the Future of Material Engineering

Products are increasingly getting more demanding. In industries such as aerospace, automotive, oil and gas and medical, you especially can’t afford ‘good enough’ materials - you need precision-engineered materials. 

Collaborative Product Development involves multiple parties working together from engineering teams, manufacturers and designers to suppliers and clients. It’s an approach that leverages the collective expertise of different teams to innovate, design and bring a product to life. 

At AFT Fluorotec, we pride ourselves on collaboration to give our clients exactly what they need. Our team of over a hundred individuals each bring their own strengths, expertise and experience to the table. Since we strive not to be limited by a rigid product portfolio, we constantly innovate and provide brilliant solutions that other suppliers cannot. 

 

Benefits of Effective Collaboration

 

1. Drives innovation 

Cross-team collaboration leads to more innovative solutions in the product development process. Our collaborative thinking allows us to identify more opportunities and tackle  complex technical challenges. This leads to the engineering of advanced products that push the boundaries of performance and functionality. 

2. Knowledge and expertise sharing 

By collaborating across internal teams and with our subsidiaries such as SW Plastics, we share specialist knowledge and technical insight - resulting in more effective problem solving for our clients. We’re well known for being able to find solutions to complex problems and client pain points, and knowledge sharing plays a huge role in this. 

3. Business processes are improved 

One of the things that sets us apart is our fast response, high quality service. We utilise effective collaboration to enhance communication, streamline coordination, and align our project goals across departments. We know that some projects require a quick turnaround especially in high pressure environments where you can’t afford to halt operations to wait for a component. So we’ll always aim to work to your deadlines and deliver a rapid response without compromising on quality.

How does AFT Fluorotec utilise Collaborative Product Development?

Client-centric Design and Engineering

At AFT Fluorotec, we offer an end-to-end product design service, working with our clients from the initial concept to the final product. This collaborative process involves understanding the unique challenges and specifications of each project, enabling the development of bespoke solutions that address specific needs. Our team of experts leverage decades of industry experience to provide guidance on material selection, design optimisation, and cost-effective manufacturing strategies.

 

Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art machining technologies, such as the Mazak Integrex i100 BARTAC S and Haas 5-axis CNC milling machines. These advanced tools allow for the efficient production of complex components with high precision. By integrating these technologies into their collaborative development process, we’re able to rapidly prototype and refine designs based on client feedback, ensuring that your final products meet exacting standards.

 

Commitment to Sustainability

Our collaborative approach extends to our sustainability initiatives. We worked with our key suppliers to develop environmentally friendly solutions, such as transitioning to water-based solvents and implementing recycling initiatives for our cardboard waste which is repurposed for product packing. These efforts not only reduce the environmental impact of our operations but also align with the sustainability goals of our clients.

 

Ready to collaborate with us?

If you require a high quality tailor made plastic parts created to your exacting needs, we can help. Our collaborative approach, expertise in engineering polymers and dedication to innovative solutions enables us to provide you with the best in fluoropolymer components and coatings. 

 

We’ll work with you to create a bespoke material that's ideal for your application. Get in touch to find out more.