Steven Label invests in tools that help our customers develop products quickly. This includes a variety of computer controlled cutting systems, digital printing capabilities and small format presses. For each small format capability, we have a matching high volume capability that allows us to scale up to provide superior production pricing. Speed-to-market and competitive volume pricing are both critical to supporting the needs our world-class manufacturing customers.
The following is a list of our most common prototyping services. In reality, these offerings are simply points along a continuum of hundreds of possible combinations ... all targeted to meet a specific engineering or marketing requirement.
Sample materials and ribbons. We can provide samples of any of the hundreds of materials used in our products. Even without printing or cutting, adhesion can be tested, rough mock-ups can be created, surface texture and appearance can be evaluated relative to other alternatives.
Thermal transfer printable sample materials are fanfolded in 50ft lengths to allow testing in a printer. Matching thermal transfer ribbons are available in sample form as well.
There is normally no charge for sample materials.
Die cut parts. We can cut almost any material to size using plotter-cutters like our Binford I-Cut, or laser cutters. Parts can be cut in minutes directly from a .dxf file or any type of supplied vector art. If needed, we will create vector art from a definitive blueprint or sketch ... it doesn't matter how formal it is, as long as it is complete and clear.
It is very common to use this service well before a blueprint is finalized. This is an easy and inexpensive way to prove the fit and feel of a part, or in the case of an insulator or spacer, to test functional performance.
We would normally charge $100 for 10 cut samples, depending on complexity. Parts can be delivered anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Graphic overlays. Our digital printers are not limited to specially prepared substrates. We can digitally print overlays on all of the materials that are used in production. This includes a full range of polycarbonates, polyesters, acrylics and others. These samples are production quality and can be used for marketing demonstrations, product introductions at trade shows, initial production runs, or even for small quantity ongoing production.
Digital printing can be combined with all our other capabilites, like embossing, doming (encapsulation), and screen printing to make sophisticated low-cost production quality parts.
A fully functional prototype run would normally cost about $350 for 10 pieces, and take 3-5 days to produce.
Membrane switches. Our full range of cutting and printing capabilities can be employed to produce working membrane switch prototypes in 8-15 days. Conductive circuits are printed on conventional small format presses. Then laser cut spacer layers are assembled with digitally printed overlays to complete the switch. Prototypes can include embossed buttons, tactile feedback, a variety of connectors ... everything that is needed to make a fully functional part.
Prices vary, depending on complexity, but average about $2,000 for 10 pieces.
We are ready to swing into action ... just give us a call!
800-SLC4YOU www.stevenlabel.com