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Decoration#5 Laser Engraving

Friday, 2 December 2011

Hi Guys,

Well again with our run of posts on decoration techniques, this time laser engraving.

What is laser engraving?

This is one process that is pretty simple to comprehend, as it’s exactly what it sounds like.  Essentially it is an engraving process where a machine emits a laser that etches a layer from your product leaving behind a lasting image.

There are various materials that can be laser engraved such as wood, glass and most commonly metal/alloy surfaces.

As you are etching the top few layers of a surface away, the biggest thing to know is what’s underneath?  You don’t want to be engraving a beautiful $100.00 black barreled pen with gloss silver fittings if under the black is brass (brass giving off a yellow appearance).

So make sure you know what’s underneath before you begin production, as laser engraving will be there forever!!

What determines the cost of laser engraving?

You will incur an initial setup charge for laser engraving due to the fact that the decorator will need to spend some time converting the artwork that you have provided into a format that their machines can read.  This process is called digitizing. 

From there the only real additional charge is the labor associated with the process and the time it takes to run the job.  This might sound inconsequential to the overall cost, however when you view our link below, you will get an appreciation for how long the production process can be.

If you have an obscure item that you are engraving, the decorator may charge you additionally for a jig that will hold your product in place during the production process.

The laser engraving process?
1)    Footprint provides EPS Vector file with positional artwork to the engraver
2)    The engraver uses the acquired file and digitizes the logo.
3)    Any jigs required will be made and your products will be loaded into the machine.
4)    Then it’s simply a case of making the appropriate alignment adjustments and pressing the go button.

Here is a quick clip to show you the laser engraver in action: CLICK HERE

Until next time, take it easy…

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Decoration Techniques

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