3 FAQs about getting started with Laser Cut Products
1. Why do you prefer to cut Plywood or Card, instead of MDF or Plastics?
The simple one word answer has to be – Environment.
But of course it’s never that simple.
MDF is made from wood dust, mixed with a large amount of resin, after it’s manufactured it releases Formaldehyde gases into the atmosphere, for a long time. Most plastics also release harmful gases when they’re new. This is often called “Off Gassing”.
Plywood and card also release gasses when new, but much less and for a much shorter time. So they’re healthier for us, and better for the environment.
As there’s less resin in Plywood and card, they produce much less smoke and dust when they’re cut. This makes them cheaper to produce.
Some plastic just smells bad when it’s cut. Always an indication that it isn’t good for you or the environment.
Some even release poisonous gasses, Chlorine gas for example, or carcinogenic dust! It’s important to identify the type of plastic, before even thinking of cutting it.
The good news is, we can pick up any piece of plywood, and use it without worrying because it has far less chemicals added. Meaning it’s not only better for the environment but for everyone involved too.
Having said all that, we do everything we can to make sure we cut all materials safely. We use HEPA filters to clean the exhaust from all our machines. Which means the air we pump out into the world is safe to breathe and not full of anything nasty.
But cutting MDF blocks the filters quickly, which increases the manufacturing cost and creates more waste. Which is why we will always recommend plywood first, unless there is a very good reason not to.
Actually, there is a bonus from using Plywood. Plywood can be cut with a clean, mid to dark brown edge, MDF has much darker, often with black edges, due to the amount of resin being cut.
If you want to know more about different materials and their eco-friendliness click here.
2. Do you offer Wholesale prices?
The simple answer is YES. But I guess you’d like a little more detail.
This is our Trade / Wholesale website. www.tawnybarn.com. Most business managers that we work with have their own laser cut product designs.
If you don’t have a design, just an idea, no problem, we’ll help you turn that idea into a laser cut product design.
All trade prices are quoted on an individual basis, it all starts with filling in the quote request form or calling us.
We also have a retail eCommerce store, hosted on Shopify. www.tawnybarn.shop. If you have a look at it, please remember you’re looking at retail prices. As a Trade or Wholesale customer, you can expect discounts of up to 50%, from the retail prices displayed depending on quantities ordered.
For wholesale customers our standard terms are payment in full 7 days after delivery.
3. Do Tawny Barn supply your Laser Cut product in retail packaging?
We can pack products ready for retail display.
Most products are sold loose, but retail packing is possible, if that’s what you’re looking for.
When we package our own products, they’re placed in Cellophane bags, with printed header cards.
We’re happy to pack products your way, depending what materials and equipment are needed.
We can also engrave most products with your branding, contact details or logo.
Any of our standard products can also be supplied with your branding or packaging.
There’s a small charge for the extra work.
For more info, just contact us.
After making your products, we can also make the Bespoke Plywood Packaging, to deliver them to you in perfect condition. This can be bulk packaging for a large order, or individual boxes to enhance your customers Unboxing Experience.