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Engraving Overview - Part 1:
UNDERSTANDING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
Engraving Cutters - The term engraving cutter is an all-encompassing one that covers a multitude of different tools used in a variety of different engraving applications. If we are to get the most out of our equipment, it's important that we know what's available and where they are used.
Diamond Gravers - The most common engraving tool used in the trophy and awards industry is the diamond graver which is a non-rotating, diamond-tipped tool that is used to scratch lettering into metal - usually brass or aluminum. It consists of a steel shank which has a diamond set in one end that is ground and lapped to a conical point. It is used without a depth nose and, as downward spindle pressure is applied, the point penetrates the surface of the metal and scribes a fine line as the character is formed.
Diamond gravers are not available in different tip sizes so we are limited to a rather fine, delicate line of about ten thousandths (.010) in width. A common practice used to enhance the effect of scratch engraving is to trace the letters two or three times. This tends to broaden the stroke and smooth it out. The use of multiple line fonts is also a good way to add dimension to this type of engraving and the lettering can be blackened with oxidizer to give it contrast.
Rotary Cutters - Rotary engraving is a term that is commonly applied to the type of engraving done on plastics and metals where we cut into the surface of the material. As the name implies, it is done with a rotating cutting tool in a motorized spindle. The rotary cutter is generally a single-flute tool (one with only one cutting edge) that works much like a router bit and produces a cut of specified depth and width. Depending upon how they are made and sharpened, rotary cutters can be used to engrave a wide variety of materials with plastic and metal being the most common.
Burnishers - Burnishing is a method of engraving on
metals that tends to bridge the gap between scratch engraving
and rotary engraving. It is capable of producing wider line widths
than a diamond graver without having to rout deeply into the metal.
It is a surface marking technique that is generally done on coated
metals. It is most commonly used to produce decorative effects
on trophy and plaque plates.
The tool used for burnishing is called a "burnisher"
which is a rotating tool that is used in a motorized spindle.
It is usually a carbide or carbide tipped-tool that is ground
with four facets that form a cutting edge to the desired tip size.
A burnisher is not a cutter. Its function is to remove the surface
coating from the material and expose the bare metal.
Specialty Cutters - In addition to the standards listed
above, there are many other cutter variations that are used for
specialty applications.
| Parallel Cutters
- Cutters whose cutting edge is parallel to the shank of the
tool. They produce a straight cut and are used for cutting out shapes or making cut-outs in panels. Profiling Cutters - Cutters that have a narrow angle and are used for cutting through material in similar applications to the parallel cutter, but produce a slight bevel on the edge of the material. Ball Nose Cutters - Have a radius at the tip rather than a flat. They produce a cut with a rounded bottom and are typically used for reverse engraving. Dovetail Cutters - Produce a cut that has a reverse bevel and are used for making signs that have removable legend strips. Quarter-Round Cutters - Provide more clearance than half-round cutters. Rotating Diamonds - Faceted diamond tools that are used in rotating spindles to engrave glass. Rubber Stamp, Seal, Pens - These are variations of standard cutters that are manufactured and sharpened for specific applications such as engraving rubber stamp matrix, notary seals, coated pens, etc. |
Engraving Materials
Plastics
Definition: Sign material consisting of a plastic
core overlaid with a surface cap of a contrasting color.
Different kinds:
1) Phenolic
2) Flexible
| 1) Laminated products | |
| 2) Micro-surface products | |
| 3) Coextruded products |
| 1) Can be shear cut (some manufacturers recommend saw cutting gauges thicker than 1/16") | |
| 2) Can be hot-stamped or screen-printed | |
| 3) Can be chemically bonded or glued | |
| 4) Heat bendable | |
| 5) Some are suitable for outdoor use |
| Brass | 1) Trophy brass |
| 2) Leaded or engraver's brass | |
| Aluminum | 1) Lacquered aluminum |
| 2) Anodized aluminum | |
| Pewter | |
| Stainless Steel |
| Glass |
| Wood |
| Simulated stone, e.g. FOUNTAINHEAD®, AVONITE® |
Fabrication
Definition: Any alteration of sheet stock material
into a smaller size or different shape.
Doing it yourself vs. buying materials
pre-cut to size
| Advantages 1) More flexibility 2) Faster turn around time 3) Greater control over cost 4) Greater control of quality |
Disadvantages 1) Initial start-up expense 2) Safety considerations 3) Will affect your inventory control |
Equipment and Techniques
Suggested "Starter Package" for the do-it-yourselfer
| 1) Table shear |
| 2) Beveler |
| 3) Corner rounder |
| 4) Hole punch |
| 1) Table saw (safety saw) |
| 2) Router |
| 3) Drill press |
Engraving Overview - Part 2:
ENGRAVING TECHNIQUES, EFFECTS, AND ENHANCEMENTS
FONTS AND TYPE STYLES - The lettering used in printing and engraving are referred to as fonts. The proper use of fonts determines to a large extent the overall appearance of the finished product.
1. Font Selection - Fonts range from the simplest, single-line Gothic to very ornate and elaborate styles such as Roman and Old English. By matching the appropriate style to the application we can achieve the proper degree of aesthetics and utility. Roman lettering would be out of place on a valve tag, but ideal for a presentation item like a plaque. Gothic is good for a machinery plate, but not decorative enough for a gift item. (Figure 1)
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2. Proportion - Font size and attributes should be aesthetically
pleasing and proportional. A bold font that is too condensed looks
crowded and is difficult to read. One that is too light in proportion
to its height looks equally unappealing. The best way to keep
fonts in proportion is to size them according to the space available
(height and width) and then apply the appropriate attributes keeping
things readable and pleasing to the eye. (Figures 2 & 3)
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3. Justification - This term applies to the horizontal
position and spacing of text on a plate or sign. (Figure 4)
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There are no hard and fast rules as to which is best or most desirable, but as for rules of thumb, centering seems to work for trophy and plaque plates, left or right justification lends itself to more creative effects for architectural signage applications and full justification is often preferred in mechanical or technical applications.
4. Kerning - Before computers, typesetters and engravers
had to be concerned with the space between letters or "kerning".
Most characters in our alphabet can be placed along side each
other with equal spacing and the look is uniform, while others,
due to their shape, need to have their spacing adjusted in order
to maintain uniformity and a pleasing appearance. Most computer
engravers have an kerning option, so there's no reason not to
have perfect spacing. (Figure 5)
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5. Color filling - One method of further enhancing the appearance of our fonts and lettering is color filling. By adding color and contrast we can improve the readability and add eye appeal and decoration to many of our engraved products.
Diamond drag or burnished brass plates can easily be oxidized which creates black letters on a brass background. The letters on rotary engraved metal and plastic plates can be filled with paint or other materials. Color filling is a finishing touch that can both utility and value.
Engraving Overview - Part 3:
MARKETING YOUR PRODUCT
A few fundamental guidelines to help the new engraving or award retailer.
Define Your Market
| Keep stress levels to a minimum |
| Control costs |
| Determine your strengths and weaknesses |
Join Trade Organizations
| Practical training |
| Product knowledge |
| Industry education |
| "Rub elbows" with others |
Advertise
| Regional market: Yellow Pages |
| National market: Yellow Pages, trade journals, industry publications |
| Be specific to attract buyers |
Choose a Good Supplier
| Service means more than fast delivery |
| Learn to recognize the differences between suppliers |
Manage Your Inventories
| Get the best buy on frequently purchased items and buy only what you need of less frequently used items. |
| Group your orders |
Avoid Complacency
| Recognize market changes |
| Watch for opportunities |
| What are your competitors doing? |
Be Professional
** PRESENTING YOURSELF IN A BUSINESSLIKE
MANNER GIVES A GREATER
PERCEIVED VALUE TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER **
| Need to overcome the "new kid on the block" image |
| Be a business person |
| Stress a quality product and professional service |
| Sell what you do best! |
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