Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions posed to Artisan Industries. If you do not find the information you are looking for and/or need a more robust or detailed answer, please do not hesitate to call or email us with your exact informational needs.
Is Artisan Industries ISO certified?
Yes. Artisan industries has been certified by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to the ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 (aerospace) international quality standards. BSI auditors visit our facility at regular intervals to help us ensure continued compliance to these standards.
Do you have any minimum or maximum order restrictions?
No. Artisan Industries works with customers that purchase anywhere from 50 parts a year, to those that do millions of parts a year. We cater to customers of all sizes with vastly differing order quantities, frequencies, and release schedules; we will work with you to find a tailor-made delivery schedule based off of your specific needs and cost requirements. We also encourage our customers to take advantage of aggregate buying, blanket purchase orders, and scheduled release programs for added savings. (See the following FAQs for further details.)
Do you offer your customers aggregate pricing?
Yes! Aggregate pricing allows our customers to save money by combining the quantities of similar parts being made and then taking the larger price break for the aggregate of the total quantity ordered (Example: identical parts made in multiple colors, identical parts with different inserts, parts molded at the same time in family molds, etc.) Sometimes, we also allow an aggregate price break for parts that are very similar to each other, made from the same material, running in the same mold during the same production run. If your product qualifies for aggregate pricing, we will let you know extend you further cost savings.
Does Artisan allow blanket purchase orders and/or scheduled releases?
Yes! Artisan allows customers to place Blanket Purchase Orders in larger volumes in order to receive a better price break. When a customer product qualifies for a blanket PO, they submit a PO for a larger quantity (usually the annual quantity) and then take smaller releases against the PO as needed. This not only saves our customer’s money, but also allows them to be more flexible with release schedules while at the same time decreasing their lead-times. Furthermore, Artisan has scheduled release programs and Kanban programs that ease the burden of buyers always needing to submit updated release requests. Get on a release schedule, and we will have your parts delivered whenever you need them. *A schedule release program is not necessary for you to take advantage of the blanket purchase order offer. * Further details will be provided if a product qualifies for a Blanket Purchase Order.
Are there ever any fees or charges in addition to the quoted “part price”?
No. Artisan Industries believes in simple straightforward pricing; therefore, there are no additional charges on top of the quoted piece price (unless otherwise stated in the quote for specific circumstances) Just find the correct quoted price break, multiply the part price by the quantity ordered, and that is the total charge your invoice will reflect. You will never find additional charges for routine tooling set up, color changes, packaging, etc. (Please note, that shipping is FOB Arlington, WA unless otherwise noted on the quote.)
Can Artisan Industries help manage my tooling design and injection mold construction?
Yes. We regularly make tooling purchases, removing the burden of understanding a complex process for those not familiar with the industry. We drastically simplify the tooling process for our customers by encompassing all tooling related expenses into one easy to understand quote, with no hidden charges or fees. We have the managing ability and technical expertise to ensure your tool is built correctly, at a competitive price, on schedule. Although we do not do the design and tool building in-house, Artisan has the ability to facilitate a customer project from the initial concept all the way to the final finished product. Rather than having an in-house facility which can limit capabilities; we work with an assortment of expert designers and mold-makers. By doing so, we are able find the perfect fit based on the particular strengths and expertise needed for each individual project. From economy tooling options to tier-1 tooling perfection, our product development strategy ensures the right tool is built for the right price every time. All tooling procured through Artisan includes test shots and a First Article Report at no additional cost!* * This is our standard for tooling quotations; other options are available if project requirements deem necessary.
What are Artisan’s payment terms for tooling, product, and miscellaneous items?
Upon approval of credit, standard payment terms for Artisan Industries, Inc, unless otherwise stated are as follows:* Injection molded products – 1% 10, Net 30 (receive a 1% discount on any invoice paid within 10 days) Tooling – 50% down, 50% due upon first article approval Test shots – Due on receipt (no charge for testing if tooling is purchased through Artisan) Material sales – material sales are due on receipt. * This information is meant as a quick reference only; a full disclosure of binding payment terms for specific transactions will be provided to customers prior to ordering of any items. ** All sales and terms are contingent on credit approval. A credit application with all terms disclosed will be provided by Artisan Industries prior to initial sale.
What size presses does Artisan Industries operate?
We currently operate presses ranging in size from 40 to 300 tons. We also have a vertical press with a six station rotary table.
What colors are available for plastic parts?
Most color compounders for plastic resin do not have standard or “stock” colors. With some exceptions, most resins can be colored to any color you need. All we need to get started on a color match is the color you’re looking for and the material you want to use it in. Typically, providing a Pantone number is the easiest way to match a color. However, absent this, a color match can be obtained by submitting a “target” such as a sample part, color chip, or even in some cases a paint chip.
Does Artisan Industries do insert and/or overmolding?
Yes. Artisan engages in both these processes. Insert molding typically involves molding a plastic part around a metal insert. Overmolding usually involves molding a softer rubber like material over a harder material usually to make things like more ergonomic handle grips or different types of sealing devices.
How long does it take to build a new injection mold?
Typically, a complete injection mold of average size and complexity takes anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks to complete after the customer has signed off on the final design and submitted the down payment. However, small molds or relatively simple mold inserts can be completed in as little as a week or two in some cases. On the other hand, very large or extremely complex molds can sometimes take several months to build.