Quality 3DL Information

Quality Levels of 3DL Finished Components Both Commodity Grade and Cabinet Finish Grade

While the base substrate of most 3DL or RTF finished products is MDF the degree in expected quality of finish vary greatly depending on 2 factors. Either the end product is manufactured with the smooth top surface intact or the surface is removed. Regardless of how a product is machined on the surface the edges should always be semi smooth with a very light “orange peel effect”.

A finished part that is free of any disruption of the surface such as interior routing or large drilled areas will be the best possible finish and this type of product will be void of most defects. This product will most likely be used in higher end office, homes or point of purchase displays. The finish lends itself to be used as both commodity (a good or service whose wide availability typically leads to smaller profit margins and diminishes the importance of factors (such as brand name, quality and point of origin) and non- commodity. The difference between the two is simple in 3DL finishes and it’s the reject rate based on the quality program required. Typical goods manufactured by Stratis in a standard commodity range is produced with a quality inspection requiring arm’s length inspection in normal lighting and an allowance of 1-   .25” blemish for every 234 square inches and a non-commodity product will be allowed only 1-   .125” blemish for every 234 square inches.

Quoting is always based on commodity grade unless the customer requires additional quality inspections and product pricing will be impacted by those choices.

The second factor is the part that has been disrupted on the surface or CNC machined. Most MDF will have a smooth finish on the surface but after machining it requires generally a high level of sanding to bring the product back to a similar finish as the original surface. These parts always fall into the commodity category and have a lower threshold at the quality level. Visible tool marks and voids in MDF core will always cause imperfections and cannot be sanded to a smooth imperfection free surface. This is the least expensive way to procure dished out table tops, Shaker style doors and over-bed trays.

Option for Machined surface

To attain a higher degree of finish in a machined component Stratis has the ability to add a second operation to any dished out surface. The part is carefully machined to a depth slightly deeper than the finish is called for then we add back a smooth thin layer that has an extremely low level of imperfections as to mimic the original surface before machining. This option has been very well received and is easily incorporated into most components and the customer then can have a choice depending on the market they are in. To add this option is generally very inexpensive and usually adds only 50 cents per square foot.

Warranty policy applies to other possible imperfections or manufacturing defects such as holes, tears, cuts or damage.