USG Casting Fireplace Surrounds - Manual (Page 22)

Decorative Finishing After the part is fully dried, it can be painted, sealed, or finished with a number of different treatments. Finishes can
vary dramatically, so experiment on samples until you achieve the desired look. Apply finishes in a clean location to
avoid contamination of finished parts.
Packaging Once the parts are finished, you will need to provide packaging so they can be shipped without in-transit damage.
Shipping large pieces safely is difficult, regardless of how the item is made, but proper fabrication with glass fiber
reinforcement is the best insurance. Parts that are properly supported internally, with a design that avoids easily
chipped square corners, will have the best chance for safe arrival.
The packaging method will depend on how far the part will travel, the mode of transportation, and the design
of the finished piece. Pallets increase the incidence of safe arrival. If individual packages are used, they may easily
be dropped and you need to take necessary packaging steps to avoid damage.
The packaging approach should be developed to fit the market segment, but a few general possibilities are:
– Formed-in-place packaging, where a container is designed to fit the product and foam fills the open space around
the part inside the container.
– Pre-formed foam, which is made to fit the product and is fastened around the piece with plastic banding. The piece
is then placed in a crate or on a pallet or in some other type of container.
– Attachment of a rigid sheet (usually plywood) to the support inside the finished piece with protection between the
sheet and the part. This assembly is secured inside a crate or carton and is protected on the side opposite the rigid
sheet with some type of plastic material.
The final packaging may be a combination of the above, or it may be custom-designed by a packaging
company. Often planning for packaging is an afterthought, because the emphasis is on production and marketing.
Any packaging method that uses a sealed container, foam, or a tightly wrapped part will require that the finished
product is completely dry. If not, the product will sweat, and mold could form on the part and inside the packaging.
Since the arrival of an undamaged piece ready to be installed is your best marketing tool, consider packaging
designs from the beginning of the planning process.
Shipping Ship with a carrier who understands your needs. It is worth spending more for a conscientious carrier who will
deliver your products undamaged and ready to install. Discuss the importance of treating the shipment with
care and delivering parts on time. As business increases, you may want to design your own method of packaging,
shipping, and delivery. This might include specially designed trucks and trailers to accommodate your products.
Production
Process Flow
22 Casting Fireplace Surrounds