Cutting Services Question and Answer
 
Here’s some examples of how you can use our services to grow and improve your canvas business.
Q: I have lots of paper and plastic patterns that I use repeatedly. They are taking up a lot of space, and they get more wrinkled, torn and faded each time I use them. I don’t have copies of them, and worry that one day they could be lost to fire or vandalism. Can you help?
A: Absolutely! We can scan in your patterns and create dxf files. We can also clean up the scanned files to your specified tolerances, or we can send you the raw data in a dxf format for you to clean up with your own CAD program. If you have paper patterns, this is a great way to get started using technology. Once the files are digitized, you can have your patterns cut out as needed using an automated fabric cutter.
Q: If I have a 3D digitizer and start doing my patterning in CAD, can you cut out the pattern pieces on your cutter?
A: Of course. If most of your work is custom canvas, then buying a 3D digitizer is very tempting. But so much of the time savings comes from being able to cut the pieces out automatically, that you almost have to have a fabric cutter as well. Our 20’ automated fabric cutter can cut your patterns out to the most exacting tolerances, and can cut vinyl, Strataglass, Sunbrella, Top Gun, Stamoid, ¼” foam, and just about any other marine fabric in use.
Q: I know that using technology can save me time. What other advantages are there?
A: Here’s some of the advantages we’ve discovered over the last year:
- Storage space: We no longer have racks of plastic patterns to store and care for.
- Loss prevention: Since our designs are in CAD, we store backups offsite and no longer worry about a total loss of our patterns if there is a fire or other disaster.
- Material savings: It’s amazing how much fabric you can save by nesting your pattern pieces efficiently!
- Eliminate re-work: We have virtually eliminated mistakes by ensuring that each piece is cut exactly right. Our cutter also automatically plots our seam lines and hem lines, and marks for hardware and straps. Now we can hand the pieces to a new sewer, and know that they can put it together correctly.
- Time savings: Yes, it seems obvious, but it bears repeating. We now cut out patterns in minutes that used to take hours. And since they are marked correctly and completely, we can spend much less time training and instead give our sewers concise and easy instructions for each pattern.
Q: You’re marine canvas fabricators too. How do I know you won’t steal my patterns or design ideas?
A: Every one of our employees signed a confidentiality agreement when they came to work here. We will sign a contract with you that states that your designs and files are proprietary and belong only to you. We will not use them for any other purpose.
Q: What kinds of fabrics can you cut? Do I ship you the fabric, or do you have it in stock?
A: We can cut just about any fabric that you might need cut. We stock certain colors of Top Gun and Sunbrella. We also have same day access to virtually every color of Top Gun, Sunbrella, Stamoid, and many other marine fabrics. We recommend letting us supply the fabric so you can save on shipping costs. Fabric pricing would be comparable to what you currently buy it for, depending on quantities used.
Q: What about turnaround time? How long will it take to get my cut pieces? How will you ship them?
A: Our goal is to work with you to get you the pieces when you need them. Obviously, the bigger the job the longer the lead time will be. However, if you have ready-to-cut files, and we have no issues acquiring the fabric that you need, we should be able to send you your pieces within one to five days. Our standard shipping service is UPS, and we can send them rolled if necessary or boxed in a small box to save on shipping costs. Need them next-day? We can ship overnight as well.
Q: How long does it take you to digitize a pattern?
A: That will depend on the completeness and the complexity of the pattern. There are a couple of steps in the process that require your approval before we can continue, so it will also depend on your turnaround time on approving what we have sent you. In a rush the process could be completed in a day. However, we recommend allowing at least two weeks if you anticipate needing the cut pieces soon.
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