Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Phoenix Foundry and why should I use them?
Phoenix Foundry is the leading Australian-owned supplier of cast bronze plaques throughout Australia. We have been creating and manufacturing beautiful cast bronze memorial plaques, commercial and house signs, commemorative products, cast metal letters and numbers, honour rolls, coats of arms and badges since 1983. Phoenix Foundry also supplies cast bronze products to the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Phoenix is an award-winning business with an extensive and successful history. Read about our recent projects and what our customers say about us.
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What types of bronze products does Phoenix Foundry offer?
Our range of cast bronze products includes (but is not limited to):
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How can I contact Phoenix Foundry?
Head Office
Phoenix Foundry Pty Ltd
44 Duke Street (PO BOX 5)
URALLA NSW 2358
Freecall: 1800 806 064
Phone: 02 6738 2200
Fax: 02 6778 5069
orders@phoenixfoundry.com.au
or via our Contact Us page
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How do I design my bronze product?
- Choose the type of cast bronze product that you’d like to use from the listing under the Our Bronze Products main menu. You will find details about each product and what’s available by selecting from this listing.
- Use the information provided in the Design Information page to help you choose how you’d like your product to look (eg. size, colour etc).
- Go to the Order Enquiry section to choose from ordering your plaque on-line or choosing to contact Phoenix for help by a freindly staff member.
Please note that if you’re designing a Memorial or Cremation Plaque for placement in a cemetery, you will need to contact your Local Memorial Consultant to find out about the special requirements of the cemetery BEFORE designing your order. You’ll need to find out a) which cemetery it’s going to be placed in, and b) what the size, fixing and design specifications are for that particular cemetery. Many cemeteries have their own pricing structure which is dependent upon these plaque specifications. Some cemeteries also have their own additional charges. This information may then dictate the design and type of product that you can choose.
Rest assured that you will ALWAYS receive a proof from Phoenix Foundry before your order is finalised. Read the ‘Will I receive a proof of my product before my order is finalised?’ section in FAQs for more information on the proofing process.
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Do I always have to use only bronze for my product?
As a first choice, Phoenix Foundry always recommends the use of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) for any plaque, sign, emblem or commemorative product. Apart from its appealing ‘golden’ colour post-casting, bronze is extremely durable and maintains an excellent standard of finish for generations. Read here for more information on why bronze is better to use.
However, there may be certain circumstances where other metals may need to be used. For example:
- Where a ‘silver’ colour is desired on parts of the plaque or sign, or special effects are required
- Where weight of the plaque or sign is an issue
- Where matching older style engraved plates is a priority
There are several other options that Phoenix Foundry can recommend to help you achieve the look or functionality that you require from your product:
Aluminium
Any plaque, sign, lettering or commemorative product can be made from aluminium. Aluminium can also be used for the raised sections of plaques or signs. It is important to note, though, that aluminium’s density (2700kg/m3) is only about one third of the density of bronze (8300kg/m3), and is cast in sand moulds at less heat than bronze. This means that aluminium does not have the durability and sustainability of bronze. The grade of aluminium used by Phoenix Foundry is DA601 aluminium, which is an alloy of 91% aluminium with silicon, iron and magnesium.
Other Metals
There are various other metals that Phoenix Foundry can work with such as stainless steel which can be used successfully for engraving or to achieve a particular ‘look’. Contact Phoenix Foundry if you’d like to discuss the options of using other metals for your selected product.
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Are Phoenix Foundry’s bronze products easy to install or fix to any surface?
Yes. All Phoenix Foundry’s cast bronze plaques, signs, commemorative products and cast metal lettering are easy to install or fix to any surface that you nominate when placing your order. Read more here.
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What type of product should I order?
Firstly, you will need to consider what you are going to use the product for, and where the product will be going.
Products for Cemeteries
If you’re ordering a memorial or cremation plaque to go into a cemetery, then you’ll need to find out a) which cemetery it’s going to be placed in, and b) what the size, fixing and design specifications are for that particular cemetery. Many cemeteries have their own pricing structure which is dependent upon these plaque specifications. Some cemeteries also have their own additional charges. This information may then dictate the type of product that you can choose. Contact your Local Memorial Consultant for more information.
Other Products
If you need something to be placed (for example) in your garden, on a golf course, inside an RSL Club or on the front of a building… then your possibilities are endless! We’re included our range of products below so you can browse them for initial ideas. It may also help you to check through some of the options (for example, most common sizes) in our Design Information, and to refer to the FAQ section ‘what will my product cost?’.
Remember that Phoenix Foundry staff have lots of experience in helping customers choose a product that is going to best suit their requirements. Please feel free to contact Phoenix directly to discuss your ideas over the phone or via email.
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What size should I use? What size will look the best?
It’s completely understandable that many customers are concerned about whether their product will look right in their desired location, whether it will be appropriate for the occasion, and whether their wording might look squashed or not quite right. Much of this concern is directly related to the size of the product.
Once you know what you are going to use the product for, and where the product will be going, you can then use the information provided on this website (or by contacting Phoenix Foundry directly) to help make your decision on size.
Sizes for Cemeteries
If you’re ordering a memorial or cremation plaque to go into a cemetery, then you’ll need to find out a) which cemetery it’s going to be placed in, and b) what the size, fixing and design specifications are for that particular cemetery. Many cemeteries have their own pricing structure which is dependent upon these plaque specifications. Some cemeteries also have their own additional charges. This information may then dictate the type of product that you can choose. Contact your Local Memorial Consultant for more information.
Sizes for Other Products
You may find it helpful to read through our Design Information on size, which includes the most common sizes for many of our products. This will give you a starting point for creating your bronze product.
Remember that Phoenix Foundry staff have lots of experience in helping customers choose a size that is going to best suit their requirements. Please feel free to contact Phoenix directly to discuss your ideas over the phone or via email.
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Do I have to consider copyright or permission for the use of emblems?
Military Insignia
It’s important to note that approval from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs is required for the use of any military badge.
Click here to download a form to request permission from Veterans' Affairs. This form should be filled out and sent directly to the Department of Veteran's Affairs
There are a variety of Military badges which vary depending upon the time of service. In order to ensure that the correct badge is used, a copy of the Discharge Certificate or any service papers which prove service is required to be sent to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
If these papers are unavailable then the Veteran's full name, date of birth, date of death, service under which the Veteran served and service number is required. This process may take some weeks.
Memorial and Other Motifs
Some motifs in the Phoenix Motif Library and database may be copyright protected. This means that permission from the owner of the Copyright is required before it is used on a plaque or sign. Permission is usually granted by the copyright owner for one off memorial use at no charge.
Memorial Plaques in Public Venues
All Memorial Plaques to be installed in public venues require permission from the local Council to ensure they meet standard requirements. These requirements may relate to any number of elements such as size, colour or fixing system, and will vary according to the type of memorial required (for example, burial, cremation or garden). Your Local Memorial Consultant will be able to advise you of these regulations and organise the design of your memorial plaque for you if you wish.
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What will my product cost?
Put very simply, the basic cost of your product is linked to its size. How you design your product will then affect the end price. In order to give you an indication of the basic cost of your product, we’ve listed our most common sizes and prices for several products below. These prices include standard (or not overly-detailed) product design choices. They do not include GST or delivery costs.
The full price (including GST and delivery) for your product can only be quoted after either receiving your design choices via our online Order Enquiry Form, or via email or phone to Phoenix. Once we roughly know the design choices you’ve made, we can then send a quote and/or proof to you for your perusal. You may find it helpful to also read through our Design Information.
In the cases of some commemorative products (eg badges and crests etc), or commercial signage, it may be easier to contact Phoenix directly to discuss your requirements. These products are usually quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Finding out your product cost before viewing your proof
Many customers want to know how much something is going to cost them before they even view a proof for their product. This is fine, and we can easily let you know. Just select the ‘quote only’ option at the bottom of your Design Enquiry Form, or advise us via phone or email that you’d like a quote first before viewing a proof. Phoenix will then contact you with an estimated price and you can advise us whether or not you’d like to proceed with receiving a proof for your product.
Product costs of most common sizes (with not overly-detailed design choices)
Please note that all prices mentioned below are approximate only and DO NOT include GST or delivery charges. Final costs (including GST and delivery costs) for any product will be confirmed with your quote and/or proof.
Memorial & Cremation Plaques
145mm x 120mm: $200
380mm x 215mm : $430
380mm x 280mm: $570
560mm x 300mm: $950
A note about costs for products going into a Cemetery
If you’re ordering a memorial or cremation plaque to go into a cemetery, then you’ll need to find out a) which cemetery it’s going to be placed in, and b) what the size, fixing and design specifications are for that particular cemetery. Many cemeteries have their own pricing structure which is dependent upon these plaque specifications. Some cemeteries also have their own additional charges. This information may then dictate the type of product that you can choose. Contact your Local Memorial Consultant (directory link) for more information.
House Signs
300mm x 100mm: $170
400mm x 150mm: $270
600mm x 150mm: $370
Pet Memorial Plaques
135mm x 100mm: $200
135mm x 135mm: $210
150mm x 100mm: $185
Take Home Memorial Plaques
135mm x 100mm: $200
150mm x 100mm: $210
200mm x 65mm: $175
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How much will my product cost to be delivered?
For most standard orders (i.e. not a large coat of arms!), it will cost you approx $20 AUD to have your product delivered from Phoenix Foundry in Uralla, NSW to you anywhere in Australia.
Phoenix Foundry currently uses road or air couriers for all deliveries. Please note that a signature is required by our courier upon delivery of your product. You must therefore ensure that you or a nominated person will actually be at the address that you have specified as your delivery address. It may be best to nominate your work address (or the like) as your delivery address, rather than your home address.
Final cost estimations (including GST and delivery costs) for any product can be given to you after receiving your product specifications and requirements via our online Order Enquiry Form or after you contact Phoenix Foundry directly.
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How do I place my order?
Placing orders for Memorial and Cremation Plaques going into a Cemetery
If you’re ordering a memorial or cremation plaque to go into a cemetery, then you’ll need to find out:
- which cemetery it’s going to be placed in, and
- what the size, fixing and design specifications are for that particular cemetery.
Many cemeteries have their own pricing structure which is dependent upon these plaque specifications. Some cemeteries also have their own additional charges. This information may then dictate the type of product that you can choose. Contact your Local Memorial Consultant for more information.
Placing orders for all other Products
- Memorial and Cremation Plaques NOT going into a cemetery,
- Take Home Memorials,
- Pet Memorials,
- Commemorative Plaques and Signs,
- Commercial Plaques and Signs,
- House Signs and Numbers
All can be placed via our online Retail Design Program or the Order Enquiry Form. Once you are happy with your product’s proof and cost, you can sign and return the accompanying consent form. Your order is then placed and it proceeds to the casting process. You will also be required to pay for your order at this stage. See the FAQ section entitled ‘How can I pay for my order?’ for more information.
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Will I receive a proof of my product before my order is finalised?
Yes. Phoenix Foundry will always ensure that our customers are happy with their product at each stage of the ordering process. This includes the quote, the proof, and the final product. It is very important to us that you are able to receive the exact product that you have ordered.
Proofs can be emailed, posted or faxed to you. All quotes and proofs require a signature on the consent form that accompanies the quote and/or proof, and this form must be returned to Phoenix Foundry for your order to be officially placed and move to the casting process.
The proof will show the layout and selected design information of the plaque (for example: size and colour specifications). In cases where the selected design is highly detailed (for example: crests or image/photo portraits), a full sized proof can be supplied to you so that you can ensure every detail is correct before signing the consent form and finalising your order.
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What happens if I need to make changes to my order AFTER signing off on the proof?
Phoenix Foundry or your Local Memorial Consultant will be able to advise you what charges (if any) apply when you make the request for changes. Please note, however, that charges may apply in the following circumstances:
- A request for your plaque, sign or other product to be completed in less than 10 working days (called an accelerated delivery surcharge)
- Any changes to your order once production of it has commenced (called a restart)
- Changes to individual letters (usually spelling or name changes) or numbers (usually dates) on a finished ‘cast’ plaque or sign. Problems can arise if the change means the lettering or numbering will no longer fit into the existing space
- The addition of an individual motif to an existing plaque or sign
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How can I pay for my order?
Full payment (including delivery) for the order is required at the time of signing off on the final proof. Phoenix Foundry accepts cheques, credit card payments over the phone and direct deposits. Once payment has been received, your order will move to the production (casting) process.
Cheques: Please make your cheque out to Phoenix Foundry Pty Ltd and post to Phoenix Foundry, PO BOX 5, URALLA NSW 2358
Direct Deposit: National Australia Bank, BSB: 082-407, ACC: 836216899. Please include either your Customer Number or your Invoice Number as the reference.
Credit Cards Accepted over the Phone (1800 806 064): Visa, Mastercard
Online: If you are an Existing Phoenix Customer and know your Customer Number (located on your invoice or statement), you can login here to access our secure online account payment system.
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How long will my product take to manufacture and deliver?
Although the production process can sometimes vary according to the type and level of detail of the product ordered, most standard orders received by Phoenix Foundry have a 4-week turnaround time. (i.e. 4 weeks following approval of the proof and/or quote).
Please also see the FAQ section entitled ‘What happens if I need to make changes to my order AFTER signing off on the proof?’ for more information on manufacturing and delivery times.
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What happens during my product’s casting process?
Phoenix Foundry manufactures thousands of bronze plaques and associated products every month, each one individually handcrafted and cast. There are 8 stages within the production process:
- Plaque Design – The layout of the inscription, motifs and other design features are keyed up in computer programs from information provided by our customer.
- Negative Production – The requested plaque designs are transferred to a photographic negative in an image setter.
- Moulding – The patterns are placed in a mould box and covered with a thin layer of a blend of selected virgin sands. The remainder of the box is filled with a mix of silica sand and binder which hardens the sand after a short time interval. This mould is stripped from the box and assembled with other sections ready to receive the molten bronze.
- Pouring – Bronze ingots are melted in a gas-fired or induction crucible furnace to a temperature of around 1200°C. The molten bronze is poured into the mould and solidifies in the form of the finished plaque. On cooling, the mould is broken and the casting recovered.
- Fettling – This stage of the process involves cutting off excess bronze from around the plaque, water and sand blasting and edge linishing to prepare the plaque for further processing.
- Detailing – Appropriate fittings are attached and any irregularities are eliminated.
- Linishing and Painting – The plaque is painted with background colour in a spray booth. The surface of the plaque containing the inscription is then ground with a belt linishing machine to bring up the bronze metallic colour on the raised inscription and other design features. A clear protective layer of paint is then sprayed on and the plaque baked in an oven to harden this protective layer.
- Inspection and Packing – The plaques then undergo a final quality inspection and are packed ready for dispatch.
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Will my bronze product require any maintenance (indoors or outdoors)?
Your bronze plaque, sign, commemorative product or cast metal lettering should not require major regular maintenance of any type. The metal and all physical and design features of Phoenix bronze products will remain intact indefinitely. Read more here about why bronze is so durable, easy-care, and perfect for use outdoors or indoors.
Phoenix Foundry finishes all bronze products with a clear protective surface coating which ensures the product retains its visual appeal in the long term. Our coating is a Two Pack Thermosetting Acrylic clear paint, applied as a spray in a special purpose paint booth. The process is identical to that used on motor vehicles. In fact, the protective paint used at Phoenix Foundry is also used on superior motor cars such as BMWs. Both Phoenix Foundry and our paint supplier regularly conduct tests to assist us in arriving at the best possible paint and application procedures. This ensures our bronze products maintain their optimum appearance in all conditions.
However, eventually over a long period of time, the paint or patina and clear surface protective coating will break down and detract from the overall appearance of the product. The paint colour and integrity can be affected by ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures and extreme weather. Patina can be affected by extreme weather, industrial fall-out (chemicals) and high levels of atmospheric pollution. The clear surface protective coating can be affected by industrial fall-out (chemicals), accumulated dirt and airborne pollutants that may dull or bleach it, natural substances such as bird droppings, insect stains or tree saps that may mark or etch the film, and water containing salt or other minerals (eg bore water) that may cause the coating to fade.
Phoenix Foundry therefore recommends a degree of low-level, easy care and maintenance procedures which have the aim of preserving the paint and clear surface protective coating for as long as possible.
General Care and Maintenance
As a general rule, it is best to leave the product surface untouched. Only commence these procedures if obvious deterioration or staining occurs.
Plaques and Signs with a Painted Background and Clear Protective Coating:
1. Clean the plaque or sign with warm water and detergent
2. If necessary use a brush with soft plastic bristles such as a toothbrush
3. Do not use a wire brush or abrasive cleaning products
4. Rinse with clear water
Plaques and Signs with a Patina or Bare Metal Finish:
- Clean plaque or sign as above
- If the surface is tarnished or oxidised leaving an unattractive appearance, carefully rub over the surface with a fine "Scotch Brite" pad
- Wipe off the surface until it is clean and dry
- Apply a thin even coating of Microcrystalline wax
- Allow to dry and polish with a soft cloth
Refurbishment
In the unlikely event of your bronze product deteriorating to the extent where the recommended care and maintenance steps are not effective, Phoenix can offer two product refurbishing options:
- Factory Refurbishment – the product is removed from the base structure and returned to Phoenix Foundry. The remaining paint and protective coating is removed by sand blasting. It is then subjected to the regular painting and protective coating procedures that all new bronze products receive. The product will be returned in an "as new" condition with the maximum possible protection against future deterioration.
- On-site Refurbishment – the product stays where it is (due its removal being impractical or not desired), and is refurbished in-situ using the Refurbishing Kit that Phoenix will supply. The Refurbishing Kit contains: a wire brush; abrasive paper; a brown paint aerosol spray can; a clear paint aerosol spray can; masking tape and a sanding block (eraser) used for plaques or signs with fine detail. You will also need to use a scrubbing brush, water bucket and some detergent. Note that the result will not be to as high a standard or as durable as a factory refurbished product, but certainly a much improved appearance will be achieved.
How to use the On-Site Refurbishment Kit:
Note that the paint drying times may need to be extended in cold weather.
1. Wash the product with detergent and water using a scrubbing brush. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry
2. Thoroughly clean the surface with the wire brush and dust off
3. Mask around the product to prevent paint getting on the surrounding area
4. Spray 3 coats of brown paint (allowing 1 minute between each coat) and allow paint to dry
5. Highlight the raised elements of the plaque or product (eg. inscription, border and motifs) with the abrasive paper
6. Thoroughly remove dust and grit with a soft brush and dust clean
7. Spray 4 coats of clear paint (allowing 1 minute between each coat)
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What if my bronze product is vandalised or covered in graffiti?
People can sometimes have valid concerns that their bronze product will be damaged in some way. Occasionally there are problems with vandalism in cemeteries and other public locations.
However, you can rest assured that your bronze plaque or product will be safe even in the most exposed site. All Phoenix products are finished with a clear protective surface coating, which means that graffiti can simply be wiped off without affecting the product. In addition, all Phoenix bronze products are installed using cast-on, vandal resistant fittings. Having no visible fixings deters attempts at removal. The ability of bronze to form a fine skin of patina when it interacts with the environment means that it is also virtually impervious to weather and pollution.
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What is Phoenix Foundry’s Privacy Policy?
Protecting your privacy and your personal information is an important aspect of the way Phoenix Foundry creates, organises and implements our activities on- and off-line. Our privacy policy supports and endorses all state and national privacy regimes. While wanting to encourage the broadest possible access to our products and information, Phoenix Foundry respects the privacy of the users of our website.
Information Collected
We will only collect personal information from you with your prior knowledge and consent. You can access our website home page and browse our site without disclosing personal information. When you visit our website, our Internet Service Provider makes a record of your visit and logs the following information for statistical purposes:
- Your server address
- Your top level domain name (for example .com, .gov, .au, .uk)
- The date and time of your visit to the site
- The pages you accessed and documents downloaded
- The previous site you have visited
- The type of browser you are using
If you visit our site to browse, read or download information, our system will log these movements. These website logs are not personally identifiable, and we make no attempt to link them with the individuals who browse the site. No attempt will be made to identify users or their browsing activities except, in the unlikely event of an investigation, where a law enforcement agency may exercise a warrant to inspect our logs.
Links
Our website contains links to other sites. We are not responsible for the content and the privacy practices of other websites and encourage you to examine each site's privacy policy and make your own decisions regarding the reliability and correctness of material and information found.
Personal Data and Email
We will only use personal information provided by you for the purposes for which it was collected. We will not disclose your personal information to a third party. We will record your email address only if you send us a message or request a publication. Your email address will be used for replying to you directly only if you wish to have us reply to your message or we need to communicate with you about information you have requested. It will be added to only those mailing lists on which you request inclusion. We will not use your email address for any other purpose, and will not disclose it to any third party, except if required by law or other regulation. We do not use any external identifiers to uniquely identify our contacts. We allow anonymous interaction wherever it is practical and do not transfer personal information internationally. We do not collect any potentially sensitive information on any person.
Cookies
A cookie is a block of data that is shared between a web server and a user's browser. Cookies used on this site do not store any personal information and are deleted as soon as your session ends.
Security
We have implemented technology and security policies, rules and measures to protect the personal information that we have under our control from:
- Unauthorised access
- Improper use
- Alteration
- Unlawful or accidental destruction
- Accidental loss
We will remove personal information from our system where it is no longer required (except where archiving is required).
Changes and Deletions
If at any time you wish to be removed from our mailing lists, or wish to view, update, alter or delete any information we may have on you in our contacts database, please contact Phoenix Foundry. If you have a complaint regarding online privacy, please contact Phoenix Foundry, which will investigate any complaints.
Changes to Privacy Policy
This privacy statement may change from time to time, so please check back occasionally, any information collected after an amended privacy policy has been posted on this site, will be subject to that amended privacy policy.
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