FAQ
What kind of quality control checks do you have in place as far as the process flow of work?
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
Do you have the ability to change my design and make something different?
No, we cannot change your design if you send us TIFF files, but if you send over DXF/DWG/SolidWorks files, we can help you improve the way it’s going to form.
How tightly can you control the tolerances of our specs?
Our cutting tolerances (from laser) is controlled within three-thousandths of a degree and our bending/forming is controlled to .003 degrees.
What kind fixturing ability do you have?
If fixturing is needed, we would need your SolidWorks model to build the fixture to, and it would be within tolerance of three thousandths.
Why are there so many different types of powder?
Depending on the application, if it’s in the machinery/oily area, you would want to consider epoxy powder, but, on the other hand, epoxy powder is not tolerated by UV light; it will fade. If it’s indoors, it’s fine. However, if you’re looking for something with high UV protection, you’d want to go with a polyester powder. This will give you UV protection, durability, hardness, and longevity.
Can powder coated parts rust?
Powder is absorbent by itself, but to prevent that, we would recommend a zinc-rich powder underneath the topcoat. This will give you a lasting durability without rust.
Does GLPC Fab E-Coat?
No, at this time, GLPC Fab currently sublets this service out.
What’s the difference between E-Coating and A-Coating?
E-Coating does not go inside of a tube. A-Coating goes all the way through the tube, which will give you 100% performance and durability.
Do you do any assembly work?
Yes, we can. Depending on the application, GLPC Fab will assemble our customers’ components.
What type of assembly does GLPC Fab perform?
Depending on the customers’ needs, GLPC can perform light assembly work with up to six work stations.
How do you base your costs on powder?
Powder is based off square footage, metal thickness, metal alloys, length of parts, type of powders, and volume.
What’s the price difference between standard RAL colors and custom colors?
Standard colors are within $3.10 a pound and $7.65 a pound. Custom colors are within $12 a pound and $35 a pound.
How can I find an RAL color chart?
What is the temperature to cure powder?
Powder is cured from 325 degrees all the way up to 425 degrees, depending on the type of powder.
If I gave you something to powder coat, can I give it to you assembled, or does it have to be taken a part?
All components have to be taken apart in order to be powder coated.
What about my threaded studs and tapped holes? I don’t want them to be powder-filled!
We cap or plug all threaded studs/tapped holes, and we tape off any machined surfaces.
What is the maximum length one can powder coat at GLPC Fab?
25’ x 12’ x 10’
Do you have truck loading/unloading docks?
Yes, three.
Do you do media blasting in-house?
Yes, we can media blast up to 30’ x 12’ x 10’.
What is the thickest steel you can cut on your laser?
3/4 of an inch of steel, 3/8 of an inch of stainless steel, and 3/8 of an inch of aluminum
What is the thickest you can with your router, and what material can you cut?
We can cut foam, one inch thick; wood, up to one inch thick; aluminum, up to one inch thick; and machine grade with a finish, within tolerances of three thousandths.
Does GLPC Fab do any CNC machining in house?
At this time, GLPC Fab currently sublets this service out.
What types of metals can you weld?
Ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
Can you stainless steel weld?
Yes, we can.
Can you spot weld?
Yes, we can.
Can you stud weld?
Yes, we can.
Is it necessary to pre-treat before any powder coating?
Yes, it must be done (either by chemical or media blast).
Can your pre-treatment treat extruded aluminum?
Yes, it can, but we use an additional bonding agent for aluminum, or we can media blast it.
Do you guys only spray black?
No, we are custom coater. In other words, we spray everything in the rainbow.
Does GLPC Fab do Teflon coating?
No, not at this time.
Can GLPC Fab do ceramic coating?
No, not at this time.
If I bring in many parts, what type of packaging do you offer and how is this charged out?
We can include the packaging (for a cost) or a customer can supply it. We recommend customers supply their own dunnage for high-volume transporting purposes.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we do.
Do you do prototype work or small volume?
Yes, we can.