| Furnace MFG |
the competition |
| We use our own specially formulated European compound that provides consistently high-quality records with the lowest surface noise available | They use cheaper PVC from Asia that is known for quality issues and inconsistency |
| We use an earth friendly compound that is free of toxins such as lead, cadmium and toluene found in virtually all other PVC formulation in the industry | Virtually all other PVC compound contains toxins which is bad for workers and the environment |
| We master specifically for vinyl and to the exact specifics for our in-house galvanics and plating lab -producing consistency throughout the process | Outside mastering labs are mostly cutting to their own standard as opposed to cutting to the specs of the pressing plant |
| We offer experience - your record will be cut by our head mastering engineer with over 30 years of cutting records for such heavyweights as Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Green Day and countless others | Most facilities outsource this step, which is one of the most critical steps of the mastering process |
| We master to both lacquer or DMM (direct metal mastering) and choose the best method based on the style of music, length of program and decibel requirements. | Most facilities do not have this option and cut exclusively to lacquer or DMM regardless of the source master and requirements |
| We grow our own copper master blanks for our DMM cutting allowing us to cut grooves nearly as deep as on lacquer while keeping the DMM clarity | Others buy inferior copper blanks that do not offer the same cutting depth and plant specific formulations needed to press a near perfect record |
| We include stamper fees into our vinyl costs | Others tack on stamper fees to the final bill making it impossible to get a true per unit cost until the job is complete - and often times - costing much more than originally quoted |
| We only use automated vinyl presses that are set up specifically for the format and vinyl weight required - allowing us to press a consistent record each and every time without retooling | Others use the same presses for several different formats or different weight vinyl which negatively effects the quality and consistency of pressed vinyl unless perfectly executed |
| We press a perfectly flat record that does not require the need for a groove guard. The record thickness is the same at the edge as it is in the center improving playability and audible clarity | Others press a record that is not flat and requires a groove guard to prevent the stylus from falling off the edge. Concave vinyl also causes inconsistency during playback - pesky physics! |
| We properly prepare metal parts and calibrate our presses for each title so the final product is free of pressing abnormalities | Others press records from improperly made parts causing visible and sometimes audible pits, deformed grooves and poorly tracked stampers |
| With over 50 presses online, we offer the most capacity of any vinyl producer in the world | Most facilities don't have this luxury and can easily be bottle necked during rush seasons or when large orders come through |
| We sleeve all records as they come off the press - preventing scuffs, scratches and other issues that may arise during the curing process | Most others stack vinyl on top of each other as they come off the press and before they are fully cured |
| We only use specially formulated color vinyl compound that is made to meet our high standard of audible clarity - producing quality as close to black vinyl as is currently found in the industry | Others see color vinyl as a gimmick not requiring the same QC attention as black vinyl |
| We offer high quality label printing on blister free bright white stock. All of our labels are pre-baked to withstand the high heat and pressure environment on press | Others use standard paper stock not meant for high heat and pressure application leaving a less than optimal label appearance |
| We offer a smooth label appearance on the final product free of stamper or mold inconsistencies | Others use old vinyl molds that deform the label making it look warped or damaged |
| We only use custom made, high quality dust sleeves made from smooth paper stock to protect the record from press to your customer. Poly-lined sleeves are available for even more protection | Others use cheap, ill-fitting sleeves that don't do much to protect the record - it's sole purpose |
| We offer a large variety of packaging and jacket options to meet any need. We use the heaviest and stiffest board product on all of our standard jacket products | -- |
| We double or triple box all vinyl prior to shipping to ensure that each and every record arrives safely to your doorstep | -- |
| We offer over 25 years of vinyl pressing experience and can advise you through the manufacturing experience and help you avoid mistakes often made by first time vinyl buyers | -- |
| We offer quick and consistent lead times year round so you can always count on us to provide clear communication and the same turn schedule | Others have long or inconsistent lead times which makes scheduling impossible |
| All product is assembled, packaged and shipped from Fairfax, VA USA by American workers in safe working environments | -- |
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