Engraving

Laser engraving is a process by which an intense beam of light vaporises the part of the material it hits, removing the material and leaving a permanent mark. Graphics and text are sent through from a graphic arts program(s) via a print driver to the laser. Each job is programmed with settings for speed, power and resolution which varies depending on the machine and substrate.

The machine is loaded with the material and a focus is set to the engraving area giving the optimal distance for the laser beam to focus into the concentrated point required to mark the material.  The lens carriage moves rapidly backwards and forwards across the job while the laser fires in controlled bursts as it passes over the areas to be marked.

Materials and products suitable for Laser Engraving

Many materials can be engraved by a CO2 laser including anodized aluminium, acrylic awards, plastics, wood, glass awards and crystal awards.  Additionally many non-metallic materials can be cut by laser e.g. acrylic, plastics and soft wood.  Almost all of our products available online can be engraved by laser in one way or another.

Will the engraving last?

When marked with a laser, the material is permanently removed from the surface. This marking will remain for the life of the award unless mistreated.

Our rotary/rout engravers are designed to engrave flat surfaces on certain plastic and metal materials. This engraving is performed by a motorised spindle with a rotating tool or cutter, producing cuts of specified widths and depths.

Rotary engraving is the process by which a spindle driven tool cuts into the surface of the material to a set depth carving a groove or character into the surface. Alternatively in softer metals a diamond tipped cutting tool drags or routs the groove into the surface of the award / trophy / substrate (without using a spinning cutter). Graphics and text are sent through, much like a printer, to the rout machine from a PC.

Each job is programmed with settings for speed, depth and pressure. The machine is loaded with the material and clamped in place to allow the rotary head to contact the material without damaging it. This type of engraving can create a striking effect on the right awards and trophies.

We have a variety of quality trophy cups and other awards that are suitable for rotary engraving; we commonly engrave perpetual plaques with this method. Custom medals or die cast medals are also commonly engraved using the diamond drag method. On occasion, we can engrave customer supplied items, however this is usually better suited for hand engraving.

Rotary Engraving does cost more. It is a more complex and time consuming process than laser engraving. The greater setup and engraving time necessitate the greater expense. Conventional laser engraving remains the most cost effective solution to engrave trophies and awards for most clients.