Custom Field Templates
The Process
In the thirty-one years since Field Template came into being, folks have asked us to design, consult, and produce custom templates. In some cases we've been provided with computerized documents showing the symbols and designs clients want cut into plastic. Other times we've been given a sketch on a cocktail napkin. Regardless of the input, we pride ourselves on a 100% satisfaction rate for the final product, delivered to the client. Honest. We know what we're doing.
When we're initially contacted by clients interested in creating a unique template, they're inevitably curious about the final cost of the project. Typically, the cost of producing a unique template is based on seven factors:
- Outside dimension and shape: Bigger plastic = more expensive template.
- Plastic thickness: We produce all of our own templates on the industry standard size of .030" thickness. Thicker plastic = more expensive template.
- Plastic color: The lowest price applies to two basic colors: Green or clear. Other plastic colors are easily achieved with flood coating, for an additional cost.
- Color and number of ink colors: Black ink is typical, but we can provide any Pantone Color. More than one color requires a second setup, and increases cost.
- Number and complexity of shapes (if you will, holes) cut into the plastic: More holes = more cuts = more time.
- How many: More templates = lower cost per unit. In these sketchy economic times, our entry order is 500 pieces.
- Timeframe: Rush orders are welcome - but costly.
We also provide template design consultation. After years of experience, we know when symbols may be cut too close to one other, resulting in deflection while tracing. We can predict when the amount of plastic between cutout holes may be insufficient, and potentially result in plastic fatigue and breakage. We understand the intuitive interaction that should exist between graphics screened onto the plastic and their related cutout holes underneath. And since we we think of templates as working tools, we can see where plastic cutouts need to be relatively placed, so that creating a multi-cutout tracing is an intuitive flow.
If you have an idea for a template, we can make it happen. Send an email to Steve Shelley.
Examples
Open Plan Systems
Office design and furniture retailer.
Give Steve a call, you'll have a nice chat and learn something about making templates - your friends will be amazed!
