FAQS

FAQS

Delivery
What delivery options are available?
What delivery options are available?

In mainland UK we can offer same day delivery, next day delivery and timed options, including pre 9.00am, pre 10.30am and pre noon. Costs will vary and export options are also available. Contact us for more information.

What are your delivery costs?
What are your delivery costs?

Mainland UK orders below £500 exc. VAT will be charged £20 for standard next day delivery; this is free if your order is above £500.

Export carriage charges are per order only and will vary per shipment and urgency. We can export goods using your account details.

Can I track my order?
Can I track my order?

Yes, once your items have been shipped, parcel consignment references/AWB references are available on request.

Drawings for customised parts
Do I need to provide a drawing?
Do I need to provide a drawing?

This depends on the part required and its complexity. A drawing would always be preferable, however, in some circumstances it may be necessary for us to create one and provide it to you for approval.

What format should my drawing be?
What format should my drawing be?

Our preferred format is DXF, however, we will accept PDF if it is fully dimensioned. Correct scaling is vital; please check your measurements prior to sending.

Is there any other information I need to provide?
Is there any other information I need to provide?

Yes, how you would like your parts presented, for example, as a roll or in sheet form. This can be explained or illustrated in a drawing, depending on its complexity. 

Ordering
Do you have a minimum order value (MOV)?
Do you have a minimum order value (MOV)?

Yes, please contact us.

What are your lead times?
What are your lead times?

This will be dependent on materials and presentation, for instance, slit rolls from stock materials could be with you in 2-3 days, whilst rotary converted parts may be 2-3 weeks. In the case of new conversions, we may also need to acquire tooling which may also affect lead time.

What are your terms and conditions?
What are your terms and conditions?

You can view and download Parafix Terms and Conditions here.

What are your opening hours?
What are your opening hours?

We are open between the hours of 8:30-17:00 GMT.

How can I pay for my order?
How can I pay for my order?

You can pay by Credit Account, Pro Forma by Credit Card (Visa & MasterCard) or Pro Forma by BACS.

How do I get a credit account?
How do I get a credit account?

You can complete and submit our credit application form and we can also send pro-forma invoices for speed and convenience.

What are your credit terms?
What are your credit terms?

Our standard credit terms are 30 days from end of month.

Products
How do I choose the right product?
How do I choose the right product?

To find a tape with the right characteristics for your exact needs, there are a number of factors to consider. This includes understanding your application, the substrates you are bonding, the environmental conditions it will be subject to and the stress the bond will be subject to. 

Once these characteristics have been determined, we will use additional information to decide on the right product, such as required thickness, cost target, required tolerances, quantity per annum and per drop, number of units (rolls, sheets, box etc)  presentation requirements , project life span and whether quality documentation is required (ISIR, PPAP, CofC, CPK etc).

How do I know I'll get a reliable bond?
How do I know I'll get a reliable bond?

A correctly specified tape is the primary factor in ensuring a reliable bond. In addition, the tape must be used correctly to ensure you achieve its optimum performance. Factors such as incorrect storage, surface preparation and application can all impair the effectiveness of your adhesive product. Get these right and you can be confident in achieving a reliable bond.

What is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)?
What is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)?

A pressure sensitive adhesive is one which bonds on contact with a surface to form a bond of immediately useful strength, without applied heat or other means of activation and with minimal applied pressure.

A pressure sensitive adhesive:

  • Is aggressively and permanently tacky/sticky
  • Adheres with pressure – finger or hand
  • Does not require activation by water, solvent or heat
  • May exert a strong holding force (ability to carry a load)
  • Has sufficient cohesiveness and elasticity

Common types include rubber, acrylic and silicone adhesives. Different types have definite advantages over others and no single type will do every job.

For more terms view our glossary.

Quality
What quality accreditation do you hold?
What quality accreditation do you hold?

We hold certificates for the following:

  • ISO 9001:2015
  • ISO 13485:2016
  • SC21 Bronze Award
  • BS EN ISO 14644-1 validated to Class 7 Clean Room
  • FDA registration

We are also TS 16949 compliant. See our quality page for more information.

How do you ensure consistent quality?
How do you ensure consistent quality?

We follow ISO standards and have the processes in place to enable us to produce high quality parts and to replicate this every time. We have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to follow, and also perform a number of manual or automated quality checks throughout production and finishing. 

If you require consistency in quality of application, we offer a range of automated pick and place solutions.

Do you produce PPAP documents?
Do you produce PPAP documents?

Yes. Let us know at the beginning of your enquiry if you require a PPAP, to enable us to process the requirement quickly.

What information should I provide?
What information should I provide?

It is useful to get a thorough understanding of your requirements at the beginning of your enquiry and so sharing as much information with us as possible is very useful. Examples include whether a FAIR is required with your initial samples or whether a Certificate of Conformity is required.

Services
Do you offer a sample service?
Do you offer a sample service?

Yes, material samples for evaluation are available, either from stock or from our suppliers. Stock materials are usually supplied as short length strips of material on our sample card but can be short length rolls or sheets.

Bespoke die-cut samples are available. If possible, a DXF file should be supplied for evaluation.

Do you offer a design and prototyping service?
Do you offer a design and prototyping service?

Yes, we are able to help you with your design; utilise our extensive experience and knowledge to create bespoke parts from conception through to final production. 

We can produce prototypes, with or without tooling. Take advantage of our rapid prototyping capabilities, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), X/Y axis plotter and laser cutting technology. We can also produce prototypes using any of our machines.

Should I use your company address to send material to?
Should I use your company address to send material to?

Parafix stores are at a different address, but still based on the same Business Park as our office and manufacturing site. The address is:

Parafix Tapes & Conversions Ltd
1 Aspen Court, Marlborough Rd
Lancing Business Park
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 8UN

See our contact page for directions to Lancing Business Park.

Do you offer die-cut assembly solutions?
Do you offer die-cut assembly solutions?

Yes, we are Value Added Resellers of AccuPlace pick and place equipment, allowing you to automate the die-cut assembly process, and we also use this equipment to assemble customers’ products on site. AccuPlace innovative, high performance equipment offers consistent and highly accurate placement of die-cut parts. 

What tolerance can you hold?
What tolerance can you hold?

This is dependent on material type, geometry of part and tooling used. The more relaxed the tolerances are, the cheaper the tooling and quicker we can produce the component; this will be reflected in the pricing. Tight tolerances can be achieved if required, but you should consider whether they are needed.

Tooling
What is the life expectancy of a tool?
What is the life expectancy of a tool?

This is dependent on the tooling type, materials, processes and geometry of the shape. It is best to ask for an estimate on a case by case basis.

What are your holding terms?
What are your holding terms?

Parafix will store tools until a 24 month period of inactivity has occurred, at which time the customer will be approached to decide whether the tool will be destroyed or returned.

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