SCI/Customer Development Laboratory
SCI customers are encouraged to visit the plant and work in the specially
constructed Customer Development Laboratory. Here, the customer can work with
the company's wood carvers, engineers and marketing personnel to develop a
specific look and style of log set. Design Gallery
sets and single logs are also usually available for selection and modification,
greatly enhancing the customer's choice and throughput of the project. By
working with the SCI team, the customer receives a better understanding of what
can be produced within the specification and budget.
This cooperative design process at SCI assures the customer that he will get
what he wants. While at the lab, the customer and SCI team work on the log
set's:
- Texture/style
- Performance
- Size
- Color
A prototype can be ready for certification testing in one to three days on
average.
The lab is equipped with natural and propane gas and set-up for:
- Vent Free Units
- B Vent Units
- Direct Vent Units
For customer testing, the lab includes gas flow meters, manometer, and a
sophisticated combustion analyzer. This equipment is available to help assure
that log set design performance is within the designated parameters. When
customers want to use this lab, arrangements are made to send and set up the
project burner (platform) and firebox prior to the visit, which shorten the
development time.
The model shop personnel will craft a prototype of a log set to a specific
configuration. Next the log set is placed on the platform and activated so the
customer can check that the design selected meets the specified parameters. A
color and wood texture scheme for the log set is then formulated. At this time,
a tentative production flow and time line is developed.
