Table of Contents
- What Are OEM and Aftermarket Hot Melt Parts?
- Comparing OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts for Nordson Hot Melt Machines
- How to Find Reliable Aftermarket Parts for Nordson Systems
- Get the Right Part for Your Needs
- FAQs
What Are OEM and Aftermarket Hot Melt Parts?
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are parts made from the same manufacturer as the system itself that are designed to meet the exact specifications of the system. In this case, OEM parts for Nordson would be replacement parts made by Nordson to fit their various hot melt systems, including the ProBlue, DuraBlue, 3000, 2000, or another series.
On the other hand, aftermarket parts are parts made by third-party manufacturers that are designed to meet the exact specifications of another brand’s system. Aftermarket hot melter parts for Nordson systems would be parts made by another brand but meant to be compatible with Nordson. Depending on the brand, aftermarket parts can vary in cost and quality.
Comparing OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts for Nordson Hot Melt Machines
When deciding what parts to purchase for your Nordson system, it helps to understand both of your options. Our team created a table that compares some of the key differences between OEM parts and aftermarket parts for Nordson glue machines to help you make an informed decision.
| Feature | OEM Parts for Nordson | Aftermarket Parts for Nordson |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Usually a guaranteed fit | Designed to be an exact match |
| Quality | High-quality parts | Quality can depend on the manufacturer |
| Cost | Higher costs | Generally more affordable |
| Warranty Impact | Maintains machine warranty | May void warranty |
| Part Availability | Can have longer lead times | Often readily available |
| Technical Support | Support from Nordson can be limited | Support varies by supplier |
Fit & Quality
OEM glue machine parts for Nordson are meant to be a guaranteed fit, so long as you are using the correct part. This exact match can not only provide you with peace of mind knowing you got a high-quality part but also ensures reliable and optimal system operation.
Aftermarket glue melter parts for Nordson systems are designed to meet the exact specifications of the associated Nordson parts. A reliable aftermarket manufacturer, like Keystone, has high-quality parts that are perfectly compatible with Nordson systems and will not have any issues with fit. That being said, some third-party manufacturers with cheaply-made products overseas could have compatibility issues. Make sure you choose a reliable manufacturer to ensure the right fit and a high-quality part.
Cost
The biggest pro to aftermarket parts over OEM parts for Nordson glue melters is cost. A huge name in the industry, parts manufactured by Nordson often come with a hefty price tag that includes a markup just for being from them.
Compared to these OEM parts, aftermarket parts for Nordson melters can be significantly cheaper while still meeting high-quality standards. For companies looking to reduce maintenance costs or follow a tight budget, aftermarket glue machine parts for Nordson are a great cost-effective solution.
Warranty
Warranty is another factor to take into consideration when deciding between OEM or aftermarket parts for Nordson glue melters. Using OEM replacement parts can keep your warranty intact, an important benefit if an issue arises in the future.
On the other hand, using aftermarket parts over OEM parts for your Nordson machine could void your warranty if it is still active. In the likely case that your warranty has already expired, choosing an OEM part will not matter. In some cases, aftermarket suppliers also provide their own warranty for parts or repairs.
Part Availability & Support
A big benefit to using aftermarket hot melt parts over OEM hot melt parts for your Nordson system is availability. Many aftermarket manufacturers carry large inventories to get customers parts quickly. This shorter lead time may reduce unnecessary downtime that can be costly. Some of these manufacturers also have their own technical support services to help you troubleshoot any issues that arise.
In contrast, Nordson may have long lead times for their parts that can slow down or even stall your production. They are also not known for speedy customer service. Especially as Nordson pulls back on their technical support for some machines like the ProBlue series, obtaining OEM parts for these systems or technical support will eventually no longer be an option.
How to Find Reliable Aftermarket Parts for Nordson Systems
Compared to purchasing OEM parts for Nordson, aftermarket parts can be a great way to save money and increase your uptime, but the problem can be finding the right manufacturer. A trusted aftermarket hot melt parts supplier for your Nordson system will provide you with these benefits without sacrificing performance or quality.
To help you find a reliable aftermarket parts supplier for Nordson, you should look for a manufacturer that:
- Has technical experience and expertise in the hot melt industry
- Mentions testing standards used to ensure compatibility and part quality
- Makes their parts in the USA versus overseas
- Has a lot of part availability and short lead times
- Has good reviews or a proven track record of success
- Offers other services, such as technical support or equipment repair, rather than just low prices
- Provides warranty coverage for parts or refurbished machines
Once you think you have found an aftermarket hot glue parts supplier, it may be worth testing. If you can, trial an aftermarket part in a less critical system to evaluate its performance before full-scale adoption or purchasing more parts from the same supplier.
Get the Right Part for Your Needs
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts for Nordson hot melt glue machines involves balancing cost, reliability, budget, and more. OEM parts deliver a guaranteed fit but at a higher price. Aftermarket parts offer budget-friendly alternatives with greater availability but may require some vetting.
To help, we have a selection of genuine OEM parts from Nordson for purchase as well as an extensive catalog of aftermarket parts for Nordson from a trusted supplier.
Hotmelt.com is not affiliated with the Nordson® Corporation. All OEM part numbers are for reference only. Nordson® is a registered trademark of the Nordson® Corporation.
