Here are the answers to questions most commonly asked by customers and prospects.

1. ARTWORK: Can Datalizer supply graphic design for my slide chart?
2. ARTWORK: Can I supply my own artwork?
3. COPYRIGHT: Can I copyright my slide chart?
4. COST: Do you sell individual dial charts or slide charts?
5. COST: How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
6. COST: How much does a slide chart or data wheel cost?
7. COST: What is the smallest quantity you will produce?
8. PLASTIC: Can you make plastic slide charts?
9. PRODUCTION TIME: What is the "typical" time line for design and production of a custom project?
10. PRODUCTION: Where are your products manufactured?
11. PRODUCTS / CUSTOM: Can a slide chart be designed for my specific need?
12. PRODUCTS / PREDESIGNED: What is a pre-designed slide chart?
13. PRODUCTS / STOCK: Do you have stock items to which I can add my imprint?
14. PROOF MODEL: What is a "proof model"?
15. PROOF MODEL: Why do I need to proof the model if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
16. PROOF MODEL: Why do you need to make a model from my template?
17. PROTOTYPE: How do I get a free prototype?
18. PROTOTYPE: What is a free prototype?

1. ARTWORK: Can Datalizer supply graphic design for my slide chart?
   Yes, we can supply the graphics for your custom chart as part of our complete service.
   
   To guide us, we request that you supply literature samples or web addresses showing us the "look" you want us to follow.
   
   
2. ARTWORK: Can I supply my own artwork?
   Some customers want to do the graphics. In that case, we strongly recommend that we still design the function. That is, let us format your data. When we design the function, we not only make the slide/wheel calculator work, but we also insure that it is economical to produce, easy to use, etc.
   
   To assist you with graphics, we will provide an electronic template showing the size, window locations, etc. Your artist can ust the template to create the graphics. We generate the scales or slide data. Upon receipt of your files, we will merge them with our files and provide a proof model for final approval.
   
   
3. COPYRIGHT: Can I copyright my slide chart?
   We cannot and do not provide opinions on this or any other legal matter. Two good resources are your company's legal department and the U.S. Copyright Office.
   
   
4. COST: Do you sell individual dial charts or slide charts?
   No, but many of our customer's do. We will provide links to these resources as they become available. In the meantime, contact us for direction.
   
   
5. COST: How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
   Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. You can also give us a call. We'll help you determine what information to provide.
   
   
6. COST: How much does a slide chart or data wheel cost?
   Prices vary widely from one slide chart project to the next because almost every order is custom designed and custom manufactured.
   
   In general, there is a one-time fixed set-up and prep cost of roughly $1500.00. After that, the unit price ranges from $.30 to $5.00 each depending on size, style, materials, colors and complexity.
   
   For a more detailed description, click this link.
   
   
7. COST: What is the smallest quantity you will produce?
   Since each order is custom manufactured, we can print as few as you want, but because of the production costs involved, we recommend a 1000 piece minimum. The most commonly ordered first-run quantity is 2600 units.
   
   
8. PLASTIC: Can you make plastic slide charts?We excel at the production of slide charts, dials, templates and fan packs in plastic. Click this link to read a case study about our process for printing graphics on plastic and our reputation as accurate plastic printers.
   
   
9. PRODUCTION TIME: What is the "typical" time line for design and production of a custom project?
   There really isn't a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in a few days and some take several weeks.
   
   A "typical" rough time line for a basic project would be:
   -Design/layout:5 to 10 working days
   -Artwork: 5 to 10 working days
   -Production: 4 to 6 weeks.
   In addition, you need to allow time for approvals.
   
   Let us know what you need. We go to great lengths to meet our customer's needs, and we'll let you know if it can be done.
   
   
10. PRODUCTION: Where are your products manufactured?
    Our production facility is in Addison, Illinois. We're located about 20 miles west of Chicago and 15 miles southwest of O'Hare Airport.
    
    
11. PRODUCTS / CUSTOM: Can a slide chart be designed for my specific need?We can almost guarantee a slide chart solution for your unique application. Just send us the information and we'll review it at no cost and get back to you with a recommended solution.
    
    
12. PRODUCTS / PREDESIGNED: What is a pre-designed slide chart?Through the years, certain slide and wheel charts have become standards in their industry and are frequently requested by many companies. We have an extensive line of these popular slide and circle style calculators that can be customized and produced at a significant savings.
    
    Click this link to the Products & Services section for more information.
    
    
13. PRODUCTS / STOCK: Do you have stock items to which I can add my imprint?
    We have several slide and wheel style charts available for imprint or unimprinted. A complete list of imprintable products is available in our Customer Service Center, Products section.
    
    We also have an extensive inventory of pre-designed dial and slider charts. Pre-designed charts allow you greater personalization options and are custom manufactured in the color and quantity of your choice.
    
    
14. PROOF MODEL: What is a "proof model"?
    A proof model is a complete, hand-made model intended to look as close as possible to the printed calculator.
    
    It is provided so you can "proof" all aspects of the chart making sure that everything is presented according to your requirements.
    
    
15. PROOF MODEL: Why do I need to proof the model if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
    We are experts at designing and producing slide charts, but have no expertise in your business.
    
    Your proofing and approval of the final model is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of the chart and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.
    
    
16. PROOF MODEL: Why do you need to make a model from my template?
    It may seem like a proof model wouldn't be needed in this case, but it really is.
    
    If we have generated the set/read data and you provide the graphic design, we will merge the files together to make sure the information fits properly.
    
    If you have supplied the entire project, we will add the appropriate production guides, then make a proof model to verify position and alignment.
    
    In every case, output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages, and a model allows for careful inspection and proofing of the project to catch any errors caused by "technology".
    
    
17. PROTOTYPE: How do I get a free prototype?
    Gather the information, formulae, copy, logos, etc...and send it to us. We'll review the data and may call to discuss the project. Once we have a thorough understanding of your goals, we'll prepare a prototype for your review.
    The prototype will clearly show how the information you provided can be incorporated into a wheel, dial or slide chart. A price quote will accompany this working comp.
    
    
18. PROTOTYPE: What is a free prototype?
    The free prototype is a working comp showing how your information would be presented on a slide or wheel chart.