Famous Guitarmaker Internet World Headquarters LM Engineering
Product and Policy Explanation
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1. PRODUCT LINES
A.T.A. and A.T.A Style
Available in 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" plywood thickness
Surface Hardware
Available in 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4" plywood thickness
XL Series
Available in 1/4" plywood thickness only
Available in black only unless sufficient quantities permit a color option.
2. PLYWOOD
1/4" plywood is cross laminated, exterior grade
3/8" plywood is high quality, cross laminated exterior grade, with extremely low incidence of voids and knots
1/2" is high quality Fir hardwood, cross laminated exterior grade, with extremely low incidence of voids and knots
Caster board material is strictly 3/4", cabinet grade birch
3. LAMINATING PROCESS
All laminates used by LM Engineering are applied on a fully automated laminating line. This laminating process features an advanced, moisture-cure urethane adhesive. The adhesive is applied as a foam to facilitate maximum area coverage. It is very low in solvents and is therefore very resistant to reactivation under heat. A humid environment is required (and constantly monitored) during the adhesive application and water atomizers are employed to keep the correct humidity constant. The laminated plywood is then placed in a press which exerts a minimum of 5000 psi for a period of not less than 24 hours. The resulting product yields a bond without peer in the industry.
(Note: De-lamination cannot be guaranteed. Extreme situations and/or abuse will cause any laminate, applied with any process, to delaminate.)
4. AVAILABLE LAMINATES
ABS plastic in red, blue, black, grey, green, orange, white, yellow (standard, no additional cost options)
Aluminum in mill finish with stucco texture (additional charge applies for this option)
Formica and other similar plastic laminate (additional charge applies for this option)
5. ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS / ALUMINUM FABRICATING
All extrusions are exclusive to LM Engineering and have been thoroughly tested in the field to meet exacting tolerances.
All extrusions feature 6063 alloy, tempered to T5 hardness.
6063 Alloy Explained:
The 6063 alloy combines various elements to yield the definitive alloy for case applications. It is among the strongest alloys available when considering the relation of size to weight. This alloy features added manganese for strength enhancement and added copper, making it more conducive to heat treating (heat treating is employed to further strengthen the aluminum after it has been extruded). Silicon is also added to improve corrosion resistance. The resulting alloy is easily extruded and accepts a wide variety of finishes including anodization.
T5 Hardening Explained:
T5 hardness is achieved by placing the extrusion in an oven for 6 hours at 375 degrees fahrenheit. This results in the maximum possible hardness, while still permitting bending and "staple through".
All mitre cuts in the tongue and groove extrusions are located with computer assisted design techniques to guarantee correct lid to body case alignment. A precise, partial notch is then skillfully made (tongue and groove are never cut through) and the paired extrusions are bent. The resulting mitre joint is tightly closed and is therefore more impact resistant. This step ensures proper lid closure for a longer period of time, when compared to "cut through" valance processes.
6. STAPLES
Extrusion and tongue and groove are stapled through the interior leg every 2 to 3 inches, not simply crimped.
Staples are pneumatically driven, causing a "twist lock" action when the wood and aluminum are penetrated, resulting in a formidable "grip."
Stapling, as opposed to riveting, yields a cosmetically more appealing exterior.
7. HARDWARE
Sessions maximum duty,zinc plated hardware is used on all A.T.A. cases.
Excelsior and Sessions, zinc hardware is employed on all Surface Hardware and XL cases.
All hardware is washer backed at key stress points.
Rack rail is 1/8" thick, drilled and tapped (to accept 10/32 screw), galvanized, then painted with a black, baked enamel finish.
8. INTERIOR
Foam, carpet, vinyl, painted, raw and plush interiors are available.
Foam is available in a wide variety of thicknesses.
2 pound density, charcoal polyester is standard.
Foam options include - density changes, color, anti-stat, composition (polyethylene, polyester, etc.), die cutting,etc.
Complete interior customizing options include - compartments, dividers, drawers, shelves, trays, etc.
9. OPTIONS
A wide variety of caster sizes are available with swivel, stationary and locking options to meet the demands of any application
Key and hasp locks
Stacking corners and feet
Gasketed extrusions with valance spanning, S=2000/3000 latches for moisture resistance in "mist proof" applications are available.
Blank panels of all sizes and types are available for rack units.
Silkscreening and stenciling
10. POLICIES AND CHARGES
Lead time is generally 2 weeks to ship date.
Rush service is available at an additional charge.
Silkscreen and stencil charge on 25 cases or less.
One time silkscreen and art work charge.
No returns accepted without authorization.
Repairs are billed at current time and material rates.
Commercial Agreements and Preferred Dealer discounts are available to qualifying dealers and manufacturers.
