Things To Do if Your Material is Discontinued

We’ve all received the dreaded email that begins, “We’re very sorry to inform you that our company will no longer be producing the following…” 

While replacing your current material can be a lengthy and frustrating process, it shouldn’t be an end-of-the-line scenario. 

Over the years, Strouse has helped numerous businesses source new materials based on their existing products. If you’re looking for an alternative to fit your current manufacturing process, we can help you. 

Read on to figure out how to proceed when your material is discontinued. 

Discontinued or Under a New Name? 

There are a range of scenarios in which materials are altered, renamed, or replaced entirely. 

For example, 3M changed the chemical makeup of 6035pc and renamed it 6035pc+ due to the VOCs it contained. However, because of the new chemical composition, some materials were no longer compatible with the new version, which meant that certain products needed to find alternatives. 

Even if the change seems minor, the best course of action is to test any altered materials before making your final decision. You have to treat it like you are speccing in a brand new material because you effectively are. The best way to determine whether the material works for the application is to test it in context. Looking at a data sheet is not enough to say whether it's similar enough to replace the original product.

Steps to Take if Your Material Gets Discontinued

So, your material has been discontinued. What should you do? 

1. CONTACT YOUR MANUFACTURER

Admittedly, there are multiple routes you can take when your material is discontinued:

1. You can search for your replacement material on your own
2. A converter can help you source one
3. You decide whether the product is necessary 

If you’re committing to either of the first two options, notifying your current manufacturer will allow them to prepare and inform you of their existing inventory, which will help you plan your timeline. 

If you’re working with a converter like Strouse, we can help you source new materials that align with your specifications. Thanks to our existing supplier relationships, we may have access to a wider range of materials at cheaper prices. 

Of course, you’ll always have the option to reevaluate your product and decide whether switching materials is worth the delay and potential cost increase. 

2. EVALUATE YOUR TIMELINE

A discontinued material can mean a race against time, so your needs will dictate your next steps. Ultimately, you’ll want to determine how much time you have left until lines down to remain adequately stocked and ensure the replacement material is ready in time. 

3. DEFINE YOUR MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

“Hey, I need something like this material. Could you find something with the same attributes and properties?” 

One question you’ll need to answer is how closely your replacement needs to match the original material. Does it need to be a 1:1 or just functional? 

Suppliers offer direct replacements for some but not all materials. For example, switching between Ultra High Bond (UHB) and Very High Bond (VHB) tape will be easier than finding a replacement for, say, a highly specialized ceramic particle-filled foam adhesive. 

If a direct replacement is available, your converter can acquire it for testing to ensure it behaves the same. If not, locating a substitution that functions as desired may take additional time. 

4. TEST MATERIALS 

Testing materials is a necessary part of this process, but each project will have its own testing requirements. Even a “direct replacement” of your material can behave unexpectedly once introduced to your application, so you’ll want to perform thorough testing before you declare a definite alternative.

Material Sourcing Issues That May Arise

Here are some factors to keep in mind when you’re sourcing a new material. 

PRICE CHANGES

One of the most common fears when sourcing replacement material is a price increase, which may occur depending on your material. However, this isn’t always a guarantee, as your converter might be able to find a comparable alternative at the same price. 

DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING SOURCE 

If the manufacturer of your new material has changed, additional shipping expenses, delays, or issues arising from changing legislation (e.g., tariffs) could occur based on their location and other factors. 

Navigating a Change of Material

Whether you’re swapping out one material or multiple (ship of Theseus, anyone…?), rest assured that most of the time, you or your converter will be able to find something close enough to the original to remain functional. 

If you are currently navigating a material change, reach out today to discuss potential alternatives. Our experts will guide you based on your project requirements and create custom samples so you can begin the testing process. 

For more details on our capabilities and testing processes, see Strouse’s Learning Center.