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Metal Plaques

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the easiest way to order a time capsule?

A. Try our store at www.futurepkg.com/shop or call customer service at (800) 786-6627 (Toll Free in the US) or (626) 966-1955.

2. We would like to have a time capsule ceremony in late November, early December. Can you give me some idea of the time involved for various styles of time capsules? We are planning to include information from the area schools - essays, drawings, etc.

A. We keep all of our cylindrical styles (Mr. Future 6x24”, Mrs. Future 5.5x22”, Brother 7.75”x9”, and Sister 3.5x12”) in stock and these can ship out within 24 to 48 hours from our Los Angeles facility. We also try to keep some of the more popular sizes of box time capsules in stock, too, but I recommend you call before ordering online if you have a deadline you need to meet.
If we need to make the time capsule for you, the timing is usually as follows: 4000 series (4500, 4550) Time Capsules take about 4 weeks; 3000 Bolted Time Capsule styles take about 6 weeks; and 4200 Simple Capped Time Capsules take up to 8 weeks to get. Add an extra week to this timing during May and December (our busy times). It's best to order early. There should be no such thing as a “time capsule emergency”!

3. Do we need a special paper for the students’ artwork?

A. For writing and reports, it’s best if you can give the students good paper to start with. Provide them with archival permanent paper. We sell a 20 lb Permalife® Bond, which is very good, as well as 24 lb MicroChamber® Bond (the best for enclosed areas such as time capsules). See our archival supplies catalog or online store for size and quantities. You could use the archival sulfite paper sold in office stores as well – but test it first with a pH testing pen.

4. What about photos? Can we just put in a CD/DVD or a thumb drive, or do we need to print them out, too? And, if we print them out, what paper do we use? What ink?

A. If you possibly can, provide paper versions of your digital formats. Most organizations use both. If you use digital media and expect it to last a very long time, pay attention to what it’s made out of. For instance, there are the gold discs whose material substrates are superior to the regular ones, and they are guaranteed to last longer. Think corrosion and deterioration of metal and plastic over time. We like to use the Corrosion Intercept pouches to enclose CD/DVD media. Next, consider how quickly media formats have been changing in recent years. Assume there will be changes during the lifetime of your time capsule.
Printing photos for longevity is another matter. I suggest you to Henry Wilhelm’s site, www.wilhelm-research.com for specifics on tested permanence for papers and inks of your specific brand of printer. Look at the dark storage times (but realize, when they open the capsule, those prints will probably be displayed at some point in their lives.)

5. What is the difference between your 3000 & 4000 styles?

A. Both are made of 304L stainless steel, but the 3000 is a bolted style time capsule whose design is perfect for customer closure. It’s even reusable. The 4000 box styles are very simple – they are welded closed. Both styles can be buried. The 3000 has a heavier lid and ½” flange with a machined O-ring groove that a pre-formed silicone ring fits into perfectly. It’s the nicest style to have on hand for a ceremony.
To close the 4000 styles, you have to have a certified welder or have us do it for you. From least to most customer involvement: 4000 (full preservation, we do everything, you just send us the items); 4500 (we do the factory welding and remove air using the right amount of Ageless oxygen absorber and silica gel); 4550 (your own certified welder does the sealing using our instructions and a calculated amount of Ageless and silica gel – assuming ¾ full).

6. What is the Model 4200 Time Capsule? Why shouldn’t I bury it?

A. The 4200 “simple capped” design of stainless steel box has a cap that fits snugly over the capsule body. It seals with a non-corrosive silicone sealant (either a 4 oz tube or a large cartridge) and conditioner kit. The sealant is provided, along with a calculated amount of Ageless and silica gel – we assume the capsule will be ¾ full of items. To answer your question—you need to pay attention to how a time capsule seals to assure safety of any burial, and placement conditions are important, too. The 4200 is limited by the sealant used (at most a 50-60 year life after curing) as well as the way it's applied (how skillful the person is who applies it). Generally, we don't recommend it be buried because of those limitations. Where you place it is important because often, capsules end up in garden areas that get watered even more than is provided by nature. You don’t want to put any capsule that is buried in these conditions (even the ones we make that can be buried safely). Some customers choose to make an enclosure for the capsule above ground, but this should be well-insulated from the above ground changes in temperature. You don’t want the capsule baking in the summer days and cooling off at night. Condensation will form on the outside of the time capsule, and this leads to corrosion. Even stainless steel will corrode under such conditions, given sufficient time.

7. How much standard letter-sized sheets can fit in your biggest size container?

A. In our 16x16x30” size of anything, for planning purposes, you could figure a minimum of 2080 sheets of 8.5x11" if they were placed 10 to a 9x12 envelope (using 164 envelopes) and were a thickness of .25"; plus 840 of 6x9" sheets (or half sheets) into 7x10" envelopes (using 28 envelopes of that size). Actually, .25" is rather generous. Thickness of a magazine, for instance Time or People, runs about that thickness and has many more pages than that. And, if you just stacked the regular 20 lb paper into a pile .25", it would also be a lot--over 60 pages. So if you just stacked the paper into a capsule of 16x16x30", you could get a LOT of paper in there--probably as much as 5 or 6 times as much as in the first planning paragraph. But also in actuality, you will probably have items of various sizes and maybe even some artifacts of various dimensions, so there's not really an easy answer.

8. Our city has several 10" x 13" x 3" archive boxes that we want to place inside one of your bolted time capsules. I would like know the exact diameter of the circle opening, and know if this size archive box will fit through the opening. (Oct 2004)

A. The first part of your question is easy. Our 12" x 12” bolted capsules have an opening whose diameter is 9.25"; 14" x 14” ones have an opening diameter of 11.25"; and 16" x 16” time capsules have an opening of 13.25" in diameter.
The second question made me think back to my trig days. Work with your smaller two dimensions. The 12" bolted TC (diameter of 9.25”) would accommodate up to a 8.75" box of 3" thickness; the 14" TC up to a 10.8" x 3" box; and the 16" TC up to a 12.9" x 3" box. In your case, the archives box needs at least the 14" bolted capsule. Hope this helps. Once you get down into the container, there should be no problem. When the capsule length is over 30 inches, however, it is more difficult to reach the bottom to arrange your items (I don’t feel comfortable beyond the reach of my arm, for such purposes).

9. Is a vault necessary if we need to bury our time capsule?

A. No, although there are sometimes reasons for doing so, such as for physical and mechanical protection from earthmoving equipment, as well as some protection from earth movement. (See also the following question and answer.)
If you construct a vault, or use a pre-fabricated one, pay attention to how it drains. As for placement, the time capsule should not receive more water than usual, such as would placement in a garden setting. In the same vein, never wrap our time capsules in plastic. The plastic will hold moisture to the metal, and instead of protecting it, it would hasten corrosion over time.

10. Why aren’t your stainless steel time capsules as thick as the aluminum ones sold by other companies?


A. Stainless steel is a stronger material than either aluminum or copper, and this, in addition to its superior corrosion resistance, makes it a preferable material for time capsule fabrication. Simply put, you don’t need as thick of a wall with stainless as you do with aluminum. Less of it is eaten away over time.
Our quality design engineer offers the following additional technical information as it applies to the 14x14x24" bolted size time capsule, but the information also applies to our other sizes of bolted time capsules. In answer to why we make our side wall thicknesses .075" and not .25" thickness of 304L stainless steel:
"A time capsule buried in dry soil will not experience an even pressure distribution, as it would if it were suspended in a liquid or a gas. With the capsule oriented vertically, the primary loads would be exerted on the top and bottom. Side loads would be insignificant, unless the soil were to become saturated with water and unstable. I assume you are not putting it in that kind of an environment. Our 14x14x24" bolted time capsule can withstand loads in excess of 200 lbs distributed over each of the 14x24" sides without significant deflection. In addition, it can sustain a vertical load well in excess of 10,000 lbs distributed over the top surface."

11. What do you mean by a 'mockup box'?

A. A mockup is a play box. It's not real. Some customers will make them out of cardboard boxes of a similar size as the real capsule will be. I've seen them covered with silver wrapping paper or foil (or white paper). Sometimes people make their mockup out of wood (like a crate) or with stiff plastic sheet (Lucite or polycarbonate). One school made it out of a Surf box--they covered it in and out with a wrapping paper and put "Time Capsule" on it. (That one made the contents smell a lot like soap, though!) Another customer used an empty computer monitor casing!
Most of the time, customers use a mockup box to see what size of 'real' capsule they will need. Popular cardboard mockup sizes that we sell are 12x12x24", 14x14x14", 18x12x12" (call to see what sizes we have in stock). Another reason some use mockups is that the real thing isn't exciting enough. Disneyland, for instance, used their own mockup of Sleeping Beauty's castle in 1995 as a time capsule. It was certainly more visually exciting than the real stainless steel box.

12. How does a cylinder’s area compare to a box’s area?

A. It’s just a little more than ¾ in the example below. You figure a cylinder’s area using the formula πr2h, where pi is 3.14159, r is the radius (half the diameter) and h is the height of the cylinder.

You figure the area of a box by taking LWH, where L is the length of one side, W is the measurement or width of another side, and H is the height of the box.

Taking an example, a 12”x12”x24” cylinder has an area of 3.14159 times 6” times 6” times 24”, which equals 2714 cubic inches. The same size box has an area of 12” times 12” times 24” or 3456 cubic inches.    

13. How do I figure the amount of oxygen absorbers I need?

A. Basically, you need to calculate the amount of air that will remain in the capsule after you've filled it. Let's say your capsule is 8"x10"x18". It is pretty full except for 1" along one side and 2" on top. Take 1"x18"x10" and add the cubic amount you get from the top, 2"x8"x10" (180 cu. in + 160 cu. in. = 340 cu. in of air remaining in your capsule).
Now, you need to convert it into milliliters (ml). Use a chart, or conversion table, or figure it out directly. We find www.backpackgeartest.org easy to use. To calculate manually, multiply the 340 times 29.6 (ml), which equals 10,064. Divide that by 1.8 cu in to get the volume of air in terms of ml--that leaves 5,591. The calculator at www.backpackgeartest.org gives you 5572 cc, which = 5572 ml.  Don’t worry about the differences, just round up to be safe. We’ll use 5600 in this example.
To estimate the amount of oxygen in this air, take 1/5 of 5600 (oxygen content in air is about 20%) and that leaves you 1,120 ml of oxygen to treat.
Next, consider the packet size. Let's say you use the 500cc size (1 cc= 1 ml) so you simply divide the 1,120 by 500 to see how many of that size packet you'll need. Take the whole number and round up to the next whole number. 1120 divided by 500 leaves 2.24, so just order 3 packets of 500, which would be good up to 1500.
Using the 300 ml size packs for this example, then, divide 1120 by 300 to equal 3.73, so you’d need 4 packets of this size packet.
Having more absorbers than you technically need is okay, and better than not having enough.

14. How many signatures will fit on your scrolls?

A. On our blank scrolls, we have estimated the following: for the 14"x 6-foot, there is space enough for 252 signatures of 1" x 4" if everyone followed that exact formula. A more reasonable expectation is 195-200. For the 14"x12-foot it would be 504 exact signatures, or more reasonably, about 450. For the 20"x 6-foot, there is space for 360 exact 1" x 4" signatures (more reasonably, 312) and the 20"x12-foot, exactly 720 (reasonably, 675).
Of course, everyone has varying signatures, and some people feel it's more of a gift or message to the future to allow folks to sign with messages. If you feel this way, divide the number of signatures we estimated above by 2.
However you want people to sign, you could follow these suggested techniques.

15. Why don’t you always include the sealant with the smaller cylinder capsules such as the 6x24” Mr. Future time capsule?

A. Sometimes, customers prefer not to seal it, but rather, to add to the capsule throughout the year. Also, if a customer intended just to place it in the closet, for example, he would be better off with our new Label Strip, #7613 or 7614, which goes down over one side of the capsule, over the top, and down the other side. This provides a ‘tamper-resistant’ seal.

16. What’s with the style 4000? Why don’t you have published prices on your website and why can’t I order this time capsule from your online store?

A. The style 4000 is a style we’ve done ever since we did that of the City of Whittier, California in 1987. But it’s not really an ‘off the shelf’ item. This type of capsule calls for a relationship between you and me. You need to trust me, and I in turn take the preservation of your items seriously. You need to allow enough time for me to prepare it, too, so it needs to be scheduled in advance. If you are interested in this older style of time capsule, please contact Janet Reinhold in our customer service department using sales@futurepkg.com. She can email or fax you the pricing for a range of sizes. Allow 4 weeks for fabrication of the time capsule, if it’s not in stock, and 2-4 weeks for processing your items, plus one week for shipping (engraving adds another 1 to 2 weeks). This style of time capsule cannot be rushed and should be scheduled well in advance.

17. I see you offer both cast bronze and cast aluminum plaques. Which is better? Does one last longer than another?

A. Many people prefer Cast Bronze for their memorial plaques, due to its excellent aging properties and its patina development over time. The cast bronze we use conforms to Copper Development Association Alloy C92200. It contains 88% copper, 6% tin, 4% zinc, and 2% lead.

Lately, plaques made from Cast Aluminum are gaining popularity. They cost less and match our stainless steel in color. The aluminum used conforms to Aluminum Association Alloy Designation C443.2, which combines moderate strength with high elongation before rupture and good corrosion resistance.

For outdoor applications, we recommend specification of the exterior finish for your cast plaque, whether aluminum or bronze. And, the cast plaque is better for outdoor placement than the etched plaques (one exception being our stainless steel etched or engraved plaques).

18. Why does the artwork for a plaque or engraving need to be a certain format? What do you mean by ‘vector’? Why can’t I use a web picture, a Word file, or a *.jpg file?

A. Pictures for the web and those embedded into a Word file are not of good quality, but even a high quality *.jpg or *.tiff is still not vector art.

Vector art, or "vector-based art," is a technique that creates paths and points in a program such as Adobe Illustrator, Freehand, or CorelDraw. It is often the original program that created your logo or art. Such a program keeps track of the relationships between these points and paths. Vectors are any scalable objects that keep their proportions and quality when sized up or down. They're defined as solid objects, and can be moved around in full, or grouped together with other objects. You create vector art by using a vector illustration program. (Note: This explanation and more was found at http://news.deviantart.com/article/12990/, “What is Vector Art?”)

When you submit artwork to us, it must be:

Acceptable file formats include:

Fonts: Unless we can find a similar font or unless it is a standard one, any special fonts should be converted to curves or outlines.

Of course, we can do modifications or touchup using our program in many cases, but if it requires time (and it usually does), it must be charged separately. We can also recreate a logo or artwork for an additional charge.

If you don’t know whether your file is okay or not, just send it to Paty in our graphics department using graphics@futurepkg.com. Files can also be supplied on a disk and mailed to us at the address below.

19.  I have read on the internet that epoxy is the best sealing method for time capsules. Why don’t you offer that?

A. Welding is by far the best way to seal metal such as stainless steel. Certainly, heat migration is a concern for metals such as copper and aluminum. These metals conduct heat too easily to make this method of sealing viable. For stainless steel, you need only keep the items an inch away from the welding (two inches is even better). Also, you can always use fiberglass to protect the items from any possible problems with welding. Epoxy is not recommended for our capsules. We recommend Silicone Sealant of the non-acetic acid cured type. One could extend the life by using wax around it as well, after the sealant has cured properly.

20. I’ve also read on the internet that one should seal the time capsule inside a polyethylene bag or wrapping to further protect against water infiltration. Do you recommend that?

A. NO. I implore you NOT to do this with our time capsules! Such action would simply retain moisture to the stainless steel and add to corrosion problems over time. It does no good to ‘seal’ it inside of a polyethylene bag. For one thing, it easily leaks—it’s not really sealed, because polyethylene allows water-vapor to permeate quickly through its walls. Perhaps the writer of this suggestion is thinking of extra protection for those plastic containers that are used for time capsules, or the popcorn tin fun ‘time capsules’ that were never intended for burial. A better material for such containers would be bags made of Marvelseal material such as our MVP bags. If you insist on using the plastic for our time capsule, place it over the top only, and not tightly.

21. What about polyethylene zip bags for protecting items?

A. While it isn’t harmful to your items when properly stored, polyethylene is limited in its protection abilities. People expect too much from its protection. People hear horror stories about plastics lasting forever, hurting our landfills and so forth. Naturally, they think their items will last inside of them forever. Not so. Be prudent in your use of plastics.

22. How long will your time capsules last? I have seen companies claim their plastic capsules will last hundreds of years.

A. Well, plastic may last hundreds of years but this does not mean the items inside will fare well over time in them. Plastics crack, and they change molecularly over time. If you decide on a plastic time capsule, limit the time of storage and limit any adverse environmental limitations placed on them.

Our time capsules are made from Type 304 stainless steel, and the boxes are made from the low carbon type. Our welders are skilled and certified, and our quality inspector looks for seam problems and fabrication errors before we ship any of them. Even our irregular cylinder time capsules are inspected as to function, so the irregularity in them will be from cosmetic appearance only.

23. Please recommend a container suitable for direct burial in damp soil.  Container volume to be at least 0.75 cubic foot, (shape not important).  Container to be able to be sealed and reentered as required.

A. The only one we have that fits those specs is the Bolted Style 31212, which is actually 1728 cu inches or 1.0 cu. ft. See our catalog online for more information and regular pricing, or see the online store for current pricing. Please call us or email for stock availability. We can quote you on shipping if we have your zip code, and you can estimate that in our store, too. We can usually ship within a day or two if we have the capsule in stock.

24. We are a non-profit organization, thus we are tax exempt. How do we go through the ordering process and not be charged sales tax? Does this order need to be called in? Please advise.

A. No, you can order from the store, and you can also get any ‘church/school’ price you see on there. We do not charge sales tax on out of state sales. We do ask for a credit sheet if you wish to place it by PO. To order online, just choose ‘check or money order’ and let us know your payment intention in the notes. You can email or fax the credit sheet (we also have a credit application you can fill out). If you have problems online, please call & we can place it for you.

Timing may depend on the style of time capsule you want. Some of them take up to 8 weeks or more to make. We do keep all cylinders in stock, though, and a variety of sizes of the other box styles. Customers call to see stock on hand for those.

25. I work for the county and We are interested in purchasing a time capsule. What is the recommended procedure for the purchase. Do you require payment before shipping, or do you ship and bill?

A. We can work to a Purchase Order, usually, for institutions. Our fax no. is 626-966-5779, or you can email us to sales@futurepkg.com with the PO.

26. But we do not use purchase orders

A. We will send you an invoice, please send us all of you information including (company) name, address, phone number, fax and email. We would have to receive a the payment before we ship. You can also take credit card payment over the phone.

27A. I have a few questions about the Sally 3x12" capsule: I am considering it as a buriable (but later recoverable) container for pet (cat) cremains. Is there any reason that this container would not be suitable?

A. Yes, it would be fine for that purpose. I would recommend some silica gel packs (totaling about 10-20 grams), and a wax/sealant kit (or regular sealant) depending upon burial conditions. When applied properly, the sealant can be cut away when the time comes to open the container.

27B. Are the time capsules shipped with the label attached?

A. All of our labels are furnished separately, so you have a choice on whether or where to apply them.

28A. Can you tell me what the benefits of buying one from you, over using a stainless steel flask? We have a vacuum stainless steel flask which is designed to be air tight, but we're not sure if we need to purchase something specifically designed for time capsule use?

A. You might be able to use it. How long did you want it to last? How does it seal?

28B. We want it to last for about 50 years! It seals with what seems like a heavy duty plastic screw cap, and then a stainless steel cap over that? Would this be similar to buying your Mr and Mrs future range?

A. No, it would not be comparable. The capsules we sell have a threaded cap, all stainless steel. Your flask is only partially stainless steel, and the stainless steel cap is designed to be used as a cup or cover – not a real lid. The plastic screw cap is not good enough on its own. If you insist on using it, I would recommend against burial, certainly. If you still wish to bury it, you should consider at least sealing the cover part where it meets the bottom, with a sealant such as our 82001. This type of container would be most similar to our older style Sally, which has a friction fit lid that just pops open.

29. I was so happy to find your web site today. I am looking for a storage box or the best room saving way to preserve newspapers. Like everyone else, I purchased a bunch of President Obama newspapers, and I would like to protect them. But I also have others. Do you have a suggestion for about a dozen newspapers that I would like to house in one container? Can you safely stack them all together?

A. As with everything in life, there are choices. Some are better than others are, for your situation, for your space, for your longevity expectations. One size usually doesn’t fit all.

30. What is the best protection?

A. First, test your item. The easiest way to do this is by using a pH-testing pen. In the case of newspapers, many people assume they are acidic because most news printers use papers that are cheap in cost and short-lived. That’s probably a good assumption for most newspapers today, although I have seen some special editions use paper that tests well.

If the paper is acidic, the best treatment is a neutralization or ‘de-acidification’ process such as spraying with PaperSaver™ solution. Such spraying puts an alkaline solution into the paper and thus extends the life by stopping acidic activity.

Next, place the newspaper issue into a direct, first enclosure, designed for it.

31. What can the enclosure do?

Some archivists insist on buffered folders that fit around each newspaper (like a file folder), and then storing the folders in a buffered, acid free, lignin free box. If you use this method, keep the box well protected, for instance from bugs such as silverfish. One way to do this is by using a large polyethylene bag around the box and sealing it securely. Another way is to keep the area dry and apply diligent (and regular) housecleaning and inspection.
Another option is to place the treated newspaper into an archival plastic envelope or folder, made from a clear plastic such as Archival Grade Polyethylene (good), Archival Grade Polypropylene (better), or Melinex Polyester (best). Then, place them into an archival box and/or in an area that is dark and well protected. If you want to display your newspaper, such as in a frame, choose a plastic or glass that provides some protection from light (UV Inhibiting) and/or keep it in an area of low light levels.
We’ve designed the Newspaper File Kit in a 2-pc and 3-pc version to provide a simple yet effective way to help keep newspapers nice over time (and flat) for the average household in America. Currently, they use the Polyethylene Zip Bag in a 4-mil thickness with either one or two sheets of the special Alpha Rag™ absorber paper and a 2-gram packet of silica gel. If you want a different version, we have made the paper inserts available in different sizes, and we have a variety of sizes of envelopes. Choose from GOOD to BETTER to BEST for the plastic enclosures. GOOD would be Archival Polyethylene (4-mil in 18x24”, 14x24”, 13x18”, 12x15”, and smaller; 2-mil in13x18”, 12x15”, and smaller). BETTER would be Archival Grade Polypropylene (plain in 18x24”, 14x24”, 14x22”, 12x19”, 12x16”, 16x20” sizes (and smaller), or  Antimicrobial in 19x14” and 12x10”). BEST would be the ultra-archival Melinex™ (15x24” and 11x17” sizes).
If you can’t afford to do much but want to do SOMETHING, place the newspaper (either flat or folded) into any of these plastic enclosures and keep them out of the light. Another option is to use the thicker grade of Aluminum Foil to enclose the papers. If you choose a Rubbermaid™ or similar plastic bin, be sure to inspect it often and you may wish to purchase some silica gel for placement inside.

32. Can you explain the "extras" options?  I'm not sure what we need or don't need

The "extra options" are simply archival enclosures for your capsules. Their purpose is to keep items mint inside the capsule and also, for whomever opens it, so that the condition will be better than if nothing enclosed it. The buffered envelopes in our kits (as well as many other of its items) cannot be purchased locally, to my knowledge, anywhere in the US and therefore we offer various combinations of them. These are the same supplies that museums use for the long term storage of their items.
The zip lock bags are probably the same as can be purchased in the grocery store – be sure none of your plastics contain PVC/Vinyl, and if an item does, be sure to enclose it in something that saves other items from it (such as our MVP pouch). The kits come with instructions and tips.

33. My sorority is having a 100 year celebration and are considering burrying a time capsule in the garden at the ceremony. Could you suggest a product for us to use? It would contain photos, newspapers and other items

Many customers bury the 6x24" Mr. Future Time Capsule It does need to be placed in an upright position (think post hole digger) and do not place in an area that is watered regularly (place large rock or paved area above it). If you choose this one, you will need a small sealant (look at the 08624 & add to it, or the 08628 that includes kit & absorbers as well as capsule & sealant). You can get one of these styles, engraved, for under $200 in many cases. You could also get the 'irregular' version (very minor blemishes) and consider more than one of these. These are in stock.

Not sure of your budget but the best time capsule may very well be the Bolted style. These can be used again & again and are easy to bury and close. The most popular small size is 12x12x14" and runs about $900. No sealant needed. This size is in stock today. Other sizes, call or email.

Another one that has become popular is the simple capped style 4200 - a plain box but the closure is a little trickier. A sealant is furnished with this one. Many opt for a size such as 12x9x12" (opens on the 12x9) and that one runs about $409. One of this size is in stock. Other sizes, call or email.

34. I am looking for time capsule options to be used for burial by my 7 and 5 year old kids. The idea is that they can put in 3 letters, toys, photos and a CD or DVD that can be dug up say 7 years later. Can you give me some options and price ranges.

I'd go with an irregular (sd) version of one of these:

http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_95_96&products_id=447
Basic model of the 35120.

You will need a sealant wax kit for burial (if you order a bundle it comes with that, but a basic you need to add to it - about $3). Not sure which is most cost effective for you. Details of what's in the bundle are here:

http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_95_96&products_id=586

You don't automatically get the velvet bag (I see it is in the picture) but this is not important for burial, certainly.

That is the 3.5" diam x 11-7/8". It's rather small for artifacts and toys - won't fit CD media (will fit an old style FLOPPY).

The next size up is 7.75" diam x 9" long.

77590 sd
http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=142_168&products_id=446

77598 sd
http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_95_96&products_id=58

After that, is the 5.5" diam x 22" long - fits CD/DVD media & some poster sizes.

08652 sd:

08658 sd
http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_95_96&products_id=310

Finally, the 6" diam x 24" long:

08624 sd:
http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=142_168&products_id=307

08628 sd:
http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_95_96&products_id=308

Remember if you go with a basic model of these, you will need to add a sealant kit for burial purposes. Instructions included.

35. Our hospital is celebrating our 100th Anniversary this year. Any suggestions you may have for the following capsules:
#31220 "Farmer" 12"x12"x20" Bolted Style 3000 with polishing and preservation kit.  We're also interested in engraving with us providing camera ready art to you.  What size can this be???  Also, would we be correct that that capsule can be placed horizontal, as well as vertical? 

·       Stock checklist says we do have one in stock. See this: http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=17
·       Polishing for the unit takes 2 weeks.
·       For the engraving, we need the file to be in vector art (not camera ready, we are not a print shop). Takes 2 weeks. http://www.futurepkg.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=140_59_62&products_id=272
The capsule can be placed horizontally, but did you plan to bury it or have it be on display? Did you wish the engraving to be lengthwise? We can only do the lid (in this case the 12x12). The pattern on the bolted lid is 12x12, with a 9.5" diameter circular bolt pattern. Usually the customer gives us the files and we provide a proof that you can revise or sign off on.

36. I ordered the "Newspaper File Kit (2 pc) 14"x24" Hvywt - w/Free Leaflet" and thought it would have two bags because of the "2 pc" detail in the description.  I received only one, however.  Does "2 pc," though, just refer to the Alpha Rag and the polyethylene bag?  I checked your site, and that seems to be the case (e.g., "3 pc" contained two Alpha Rags and one bag).  I just wanted to get confirmation on that.

Yes, it’s the Alpha Rag that’s expensive and does all the good. I suggest leaving the silica gel pack in, too. ‘2-pc’ is just what we named it first, it is not necessarily the best name, I’ll admit!! The purpose of the outer bag is to keep the little climate for your newspaper intact, in indoor usage of course. Always keep newspapers stored out of the light. The ‘3-pc’ with 2 pcs of the Alpha Rag is used to sandwich the item in between the two, and besides the extra protection, it helps keep them from the light, too.

37. i have a question, in the engraving, what size should i use to the sentence?

Any text you want, please send in either an email and let us know a few fonts you’d like us to try, or you could have your graphics person outline the fonts you wish to use.

38. Could you please tell me which of your time capsules do you have in stock?

That is a very broad question, but I'll try to start answering.
We have 4 styles of time capsules.
1. One style, the cylinder, is always in stock and timing of shipment varies with what you need with it (engraving comes to mind, and that process takes about 2 weeks usually).
The 3 box shaped styles are the ones that need to be made by hand. If you could tell me the size of what you are thinking about, it would help me tell you what we have in stock at any one time.
2. Bolted 3000 series
3. Cornerstone simple capped 4200
4. Welded styles 4500, 4550