Crystal engraved awards can lead the consumer to a multitude of choice selections to be made. The crystals themselves have two distinct classes that consist of leaded or optical types. Leaded crystals are the traditional pieces that we see in high end shops. Optical crystals are made one hundred percent lead free and present with a high luster surface finish.
Leaded crystals are made by adding over twenty percent lead oxide to the process. The leaded oxide ensures that the optimum color, weight and hardness will be present in the finished product. This process also enhances the clarity of the crystals when the items are completed.
On the other hand optical crystals have no lead in them. The glass is manufactured in three inch thick sheets and is known for the brilliant appearance that comes after they are polished. All optical crystals are beveled and polished prior to distribution. The manufacturer also removes all flaws from the sheet while it is still a molten liquid by applying tremendous pressure on the surface. This process squeezes out any bubbles or ripples that may occur.
Engraving techniques for these crystals are identical. The most often used is sand blasting. This method consists of using a high pressure tool that shoots particles of sand onto the surface of glass to create the desired design. Most artists who use this technique also use stencils to help prevent errors. Sand etching can turn out very delicate images that highlight the intricacies of the original design. A relative new comer in the field, sand etching has only been around for the past twenty years.
A very labor intensive method is known as wheel engraving. This is by far the most difficult method to learn for artists and takes years of practice to become a master. There are different sizes of wheel that are used and they are stationary while the piece of glass is moved to create the image. This technique is still used today but only for small high end markets.
Chemical etching is less labor intensive but because of the acid that is used can be very dangerous. That being said the result of acid etching is softer and more pleasing to the eye than other techniques. It has a soft matte finish with a uniform satiny gloss finish. This technique is rarely used today except on very small specific projects.
Lasers are the newest means of engraving available. With this method a laser beam is directed at the surface of the item and through a multitude of dots creates the desired image. Many feel that it does not do a satisfactory job on leaded crystal surfaces. They feel that the laser damages the surface because of the intense heat it creates. Amazingly, they can be used to create an image inside of an article without any surface disturbance.
For the frugal shopper laser etching may be the best choice for the crystal engraved awards you need. Technique and materials can make a big difference when making your selections and the size of your order should have bearing when choosing. The wide variety of choices will help to make your selection fit perfectly to your needs.
Leaded crystals are made by adding over twenty percent lead oxide to the process. The leaded oxide ensures that the optimum color, weight and hardness will be present in the finished product. This process also enhances the clarity of the crystals when the items are completed.
On the other hand optical crystals have no lead in them. The glass is manufactured in three inch thick sheets and is known for the brilliant appearance that comes after they are polished. All optical crystals are beveled and polished prior to distribution. The manufacturer also removes all flaws from the sheet while it is still a molten liquid by applying tremendous pressure on the surface. This process squeezes out any bubbles or ripples that may occur.
Engraving techniques for these crystals are identical. The most often used is sand blasting. This method consists of using a high pressure tool that shoots particles of sand onto the surface of glass to create the desired design. Most artists who use this technique also use stencils to help prevent errors. Sand etching can turn out very delicate images that highlight the intricacies of the original design. A relative new comer in the field, sand etching has only been around for the past twenty years.
A very labor intensive method is known as wheel engraving. This is by far the most difficult method to learn for artists and takes years of practice to become a master. There are different sizes of wheel that are used and they are stationary while the piece of glass is moved to create the image. This technique is still used today but only for small high end markets.
Chemical etching is less labor intensive but because of the acid that is used can be very dangerous. That being said the result of acid etching is softer and more pleasing to the eye than other techniques. It has a soft matte finish with a uniform satiny gloss finish. This technique is rarely used today except on very small specific projects.
Lasers are the newest means of engraving available. With this method a laser beam is directed at the surface of the item and through a multitude of dots creates the desired image. Many feel that it does not do a satisfactory job on leaded crystal surfaces. They feel that the laser damages the surface because of the intense heat it creates. Amazingly, they can be used to create an image inside of an article without any surface disturbance.
For the frugal shopper laser etching may be the best choice for the crystal engraved awards you need. Technique and materials can make a big difference when making your selections and the size of your order should have bearing when choosing. The wide variety of choices will help to make your selection fit perfectly to your needs.
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