Etching & Engraving Technology
Today, everything we do revolves around computers and the digital world. We can engrave any text and graphics we can get on the PC. We do not offer rotary engraving (using a cutter or diamond tip) for unpainted metal, such a clear brass or jewelry.
Laser Engraving - The laser is not like a laser printer. This laser burns away the top surface of an object. Award plates are typically decorated brass or aluminum painted with the top coat that burns away revealing the brass or aluminum plate below. Sins are made from a 2-ply acrylic plastic that burns away the top surface to reveal the 2nd surface. Therefore, it's a 2-color process.
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Epilog Legend MiniWe utilize an Epilog Legend Mini 50 Watt laser with a 12" X 24" table. We can put objects in the engraver up to about 8" in depth. The laser runs up to speeds of 80" per second with a resolution up to 1000 dpi. |
Full Color Graphics and Text on a Variety of Products - The Direct Jet is the latest technology that prints solvent inks directly on many substrates up to 8 inches tall, such as a wine bottle gift box as an example. Objects must be fairly flat, however, objects with a slight roundness such as golf balls may be printed on. It will print on plastic, wood, glass, mirrors, tiles, clear acrylic plastic, metal, leather and even on photo paper. The Direct Jet will be used to personalize awards, gifts, indoor signs (NOT UV inks), recognition products and many promotional products. The 1324 prints to sizes up to 13 by 24 inches. The resolution printed is typically 2.880 DPI, however, it can print up to 5,760 DPI. The DJ 1324 prints white (used mostly on clear glass and acrylic) and a very hard surface clear ink.
DCS Direct Jet 1324 Full Color Direct Print on Substrate Printer |
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Decorative Sand Carving or Etching - We own two Rayzist sand carving cabinets, one for smaller items such as awards, and one for large doors, windows, and stone slabs. All etching is done in our shop in cabinets. We do not do any on-site sandblasting. Artwork is produced on the PC and then placed onto masks. We use 3 types of masks, the selection is based on the hardness of the materials we are blasting, how flat the product is and how detailed the graphic design. The 3 types of masks are photo washout masking by Ikonics, laser masking by Ikonics and vinyl cut masking by Hartco.
Sand etching is performed with air pressures ranging from 20 PSI to 80 PSI. We primarily use silicon carbide but also use aluminum oxide in larger grit sizes. Grit size ranges from 80 to 180 (just like sandpaper).
Graphtec FC 7000 MK2-75, 30" Vinyl Cutter - We use this cutter primarily for making sandblasting masks. We also cut vinyl for signs.