Laser Engraving vs Diamond Engraving

Earlier in 2014 we expanded our range of product services thanks to the addition of a new, larger laser machine. 

The new machine has opened up numerous, fantastic opportunities and as time progresses we find that we are using the machine more and more for various projects and orders.

While traditional, diamond engraving continues to keep a very sturdy place in the engraving industry, we thought we'd share with you a little more information about the laser machine, what it can do and the benefits of laser engraving items as opposed to diamond engraving them.

Let's talk firstly about the look of a product that has been laser engraved. The contrast of the engraving against the product material has a clarity unmatched by traditional engraving. This makes the engraved text clear and easy to read in beautiful definition.

Laser engraving gives items a more complex, detailed finish, making it suitable for photo and logo engraving as well as text engraving.

With the laser, pretty much any font works well and can be used, whereas with traditional engraving, we found that calligraphy fonts weren't defined enough and therefore it didn't always give the desired effect.  

The machine is very efficient. We can run 20 or 30 or 50 of the same item at the same time. This also allows us to work on other jobs while the machine is running; we've all become excellent at multitasking!

We can laser engrave onto so many different materials. Anything from plastic to organic materials can be done, ultimately giving you more choice.

Watch below as we laser engrave a cricket bat. You'll see the preparation that takes place as well as the speed at which laser runs...

As you'll understand from the video above, the laser machine is extremely quick. It's precise and gives a clear, beautiful finish that we think looks great.

While the majority of our customers love the look the laser machine creates, some customers do prefer the look of traditional engraving. Sometimes the modern-look of the engraving may not be suitable for the award you have. If, for example, for the past 20 years your salver has been engraved traditionally, you may find the laser engraved finish looks out of place.

For businesses and organisations, the modern, clean look of laser engraving is preferred but for those who prefer traditional engraving, you may find that it is not ideal for the awards you have. We will continue to offer diamond engraving, so if this the service you prefer, please rest assured knowing we will engrave your awards to the finish you desire.

If you have a product you'd like to have laser engraved, get in touch or visit our showroom for some examples. 

30% Off EVERYTHING in Stock!*

*Prices mentioned exclude VAT and postage. UK only. Etching and engraving services not included. This offer only applies to items we have in stock and applies only to items delivered or collected by 23/12/14. This offer replaces all previous offers.

About our Location - Twickenham

If you've not been to visit us before, you may not know that we are based in Twickenham, London. For years Twickenham has been the central hub for world rugby; in recent years being coined the Rugby Capital of the UK. It's a great place to work, with sport and activity at the centre of town life.

The town has a great community vibe; there is a support network from both business owners and town members that really helps Twickenham strive and survive during both the busy, manic Rugby days and the quieter months.

The face of the high street in Twickenham is ever evolving - while we see many shops sadly disappear we are also granted with other new and exciting ventures. Bars and beautifully decorated, welcoming pubs give Twickenham some trendy places enjoy a drink in. On rugby days these places can get pretty packed, but it's all part of the excitable atmosphere created by such a great sport.

It's a lively, exciting and busy place to work, enjoy and visit with plenty of things to do and see. In fact, Twickenham has recently had some renovations. For example, the centre of the high street has now become a bus stop free zone to allow the area to become even more pedestrian friendly. This is all part of a larger project to encourage people to spend more time in Twickenham and make it a 'go to' place for all their shopping and leisure needs.

Among a list of many, places of note and worth visiting in Twickenham include the beautiful riverside, Twickenham Stadium and Twickenham Film Studios where films such as Calendar Girls, Mona Lisa Smile and World War Z have been filmed.

For us as a company we get to work in a place where community values are strong, where multiple sporting activities take place and where there are various schools, clubs, businesses and local individuals that keep us busy all year round.

What's your favourite thing about Twickenham?

FAQs: Etching and Engraving Edition

We like to be as helpful as possible to our both our customers and potential customers. We're often asked questions about the etching and engraving process so we thought we'd make it easy for you by listing them all in this etching and engraving themed FAQ post. 

Let's begin...

1. What's the difference between engraving and etching?

Essentially, not a lot, except one is the technique used on metals (traditional engraving) and the other is the technique used on glass (etching). Both are forms of marking onto a material, just the process of marking is different. The etching requires more preparation than engraving, making it a longer process and therefore slightly more expensive. We can also laser engrave onto various materials including wood, plastic, cardboard and more. This process is similar to traditional engraving; it is the machinery that is different.

2. What's the cost per letter for engraving?

We have a standard price for up to 50 alpha numeric letters. Logos are quoted upon sight of the artwork. For repeat wording/logos we can quote a discounted price. 

3. Is it a standard etching/engraving charge for everything?

The price of engraving/ etching is dependent on the type of award you are having engraved/etched. For a quote, please email us.

4. What format do you need the artwork in?

Artwork should be provided in an EPS Outline Vector format in order to achieve a crisp, clean image.

5. How do I send the artwork?

Please send the artwork to us as an email attachment in the format described above in question 4.

6. I can't supply the finished artwork or supply it in the correct format, what should I do?

If you cannot supply it to us in the format we require, our graphics design team can help. Sometimes we need to charge additionally for this service, which may increase the time it takes for us to complete your order.

7 Can we have our own items etched/ engraved?

Yes. We do, however, charge a slightly higher rate for customer's own items. Please note that some awards and trophies may not fit into our machines, therefore we ask to see all items before committing to completing the order. We also need to ensure we can engrave on the material of your own items, which may not always be possible. We will only accept awards at the discretion of our engravers.

8. Can you engrave my own personal medals?

Yes, but again, we do charge a slightly higher rate and we will only accept medals at the discretion of our engravers.

9. How long does an order take to etch/ engrave?

We aim to complete orders on a 5-7 working day basis so long as all artwork and wording is complete and that we have the items your require in stock. We urge customers to plan in advance to avoid disappointment.

10. What font can I have?

So long as we have the font on file, you can have it. If you have your own specific font, we will ask you to send it to us, in a True Type font file, so we can download it and use. Etching and laser engraving give a clear finish, meaning the majority of fonts will be suitable. Traditional engraving still has a beautiful, high quality finish, but some fonts work better than others so please be aware of this. We will let you know if we feel the font you have chosen is unsuitable.

11. What size font can I have?

Whatever size font is suitable for the space provided. We can do more than one font size also, if you wish to emphasise a certain phrase or part of the text.

12. Where on the award can I have this engraved/etched?

This tends to be up to you. So long as there is space for the text you want in the area you would like it, we will place it there. We will offer our suggestions if we feel that it won't work in the space you'd ideally like it. 

13. There's no space left on an award I need engraving/etching, what can I do?

There are a couple of options depending on what the award is. For example, we can add bases to trophies to create a tiered effect (like a wedding cake) to allow you more space to add numerous names in the years to come. As another example, for shields, when all the small record shields have been used we can move older years to the back of the shield and add new ones to the front and keep rotating each year until there is no more space on the shield. If we cannot fit anymore etching engraving onto the award you have, we have a fantastic selection for you to then start anew. Please email us to discuss your options.

And there we have it. While those FAQs don't answer everything  we have tried to answer the biggies. However, if we haven't answered one of your questions above, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Fill Out Our Survey for Your Chance to Win...

Whether you're a regular customer, or someone who has not yet purchased from us, we want to know what you think about us, our products and our services.

By filling out our short survey, you'll be helping us improve what we do. But there's more... One lucky participant, who completes the survey, will win a delicious Belgian chocolate boot made by Artisan Chocolatiers I'd Rather Be Eating Chocolate! Sounds good, doesn't it?

This could be yours!

We'll be selecting a winner at random on 13/11/14 so make sure you've filled out the survey before then to be in with the chance of winning the chocolate prize!

Thank you, we really do appreciate your feedback.

Award It with Chocolate!

Why stop at awards? Through Classic Miniatures, you can now order a range of Mini Chocs which are perfect for giving out at events, conferences, award ceremonies or as stocking fillers and gifts.

These miniature Belgian chocolates are delicious and make the ideal 'little something' that our customers are often trying to find for an event or gift.

With many presentation and award evenings coming up in the next couple months and with Christmas edging closer and closer, now is the perfect time to start thinking about ordering. We have various styles available including football boots and golf balls. These are all made on a per-order basis to ensure optimum freshness and deliciousness. Because of this, please ensure you place your order in good time, to allow us to meet your deadline.

Each chocolate comes beautifully presented and individually wrapped in a cellophane bag, secured with a silky blue ribbon.

Here are some suggestions of how we would use them and what for:

• Giveaway in goody-bags/party bags
• Have them in the centre of tables at award evenings, presentations and conferences for people to help themselves and enjoy throughout the evening
• Office Christmas parties

Of course, they can be used for so much more, these are just a couple of our ideas.

For your own quote, please email marketing@classicminiatures.co.uk with details including the style of chocolate you would like, the quantity needed and the date that you need them by. For all other information regarding these chocolates please email us on the email address mentioned above.

Rugby European Sevens 2014

In September 2014 we supplied and engraved the awards for the brilliant Rugby European Sevens Tournament. England and the home nations Wales and Scotland, took part alongside Belgium, France, Georgia, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Russia and Spain in a series of fast-paced and exciting matches.

After taking place in various locations including Moscow and Lyon, the Tournament arrived in Manchester on the 13th and 14th of September 2014. The final matches took place in Bucharest at the end of September.

During the tournament's stay in Manchester, the teams came together for a lively couple of days, full of back-to-back Rugby games which eventually lead to England becoming the winners of the Manchester leg of the tournament and winning the Cup.

Scotland and Portugal also won awards that we supplied; the Plate for Scotland and the Bowl for Portugal.

See below for pictures, courtesy of Creative Capture, of the winning teams and the awards we supplied.

England win the Cup! (Photo Credit: Creative Capture)

Portugal win the Bowl! (Photo Credit: Creative Capture)

Scotland win the Plate! (Photo Credit: Creative Capture)

It looked like it was a lot of fun! Well done to all the teams involved!