Custom Engraving Specifications
Explore our full capabilities for customer provided products. Get pricing, examples, and options.
Want to have something engraved but unsure if we can do it or what process would work? Send a photo of your item or bring it in.
We're the experts and will determine what engraving process will work best. Email or bring your item in and let us take a look.
Rotary Engraving
Rotary engraving, also known as computerized or diamond drag engraving, uses a diamond tip to lightly etch the surface of the metal. Unlike laser engraving, this method creates a shallow etching with a depth of around 0.003 inches, though this can vary based on the metal's hardness. The engraving will appear as the bare metal scratched, and the contrast and visibility will depend on the difference between the surface color and the engraved metal.
Rotary Engraved Stainless Steel
Usually not high contrast but a very classy look. Natural darkening/oxidization can happen over time.
Rotary Engraved + Oxidization
When applicable, we can chemically oxidize the engraving to make it black.
Rotary Engraving on Brass
A good example of what brass looks like naturally after it's been rotary engraved. Is likely to oxidize with time.
This video showcases rotary engraving on a custom anodized aluminum block that the customer provided. While we typically use laser engraving for such detailed work, the customer preferred the classic engraved look. To achieve the filled effect, our engraver meticulously etched thousands of lines close together. This intricate process took not hours, but days to complete. But the end result was absolutely stunning!
Materials We Can Engrave
Most Metals:
Stainless steel, brass, aluminum, gold,
silver, bronze, nickel, tin, and copper
Exclusions:
Titanium, silver-plated materials, non-metal materials
Engraving Specs
Engravable Area: 12" x 8.25"
Engraving Depth: 0.003 - 0.008 in.
(depends on the hardness of the material)
Engraving Larger Areas:
We can often move an object to achieve a larger engraved area. For example, on a sword, we might engrave the first 12" and then move the sword to continue the engraving, aligning it with the previous section. This depends on the specific item and desired engraving.
Size of Items We Can Engrave
This depends heavily on the shape of the item. Our engraver is open and uses a vice to stabilize and hold objects for engraving. We have engraved items as long as 4' swords and as wide as 20" dinner trays. If unsure, bring your item in for a consultation or email us a quote request with a photo.
Common Items
- Knives
- Necklace Pendants
- Bracelet Charms
- Compasses
- Wrist Watch Backs
- Other Jewelry
- Multi Tools (like Leatherman's)
- Blades
- Coins
- Plates
- Medals
- Wedding Cake Knife & Server Sets
- Trinkets
- Pens
Exclusions: Rings & firearms - anything that doesn't fit or we deem wouldn't engrave out well.
Oxidization for Brass & Aluminum
We offer a darkening process called oxidization for brass and aluminum objects. This can help increase the contrast of the engraving.
Note: This process involves using a chemical that can potentially corrode or stain the surface of your metal. Testing a discreet area or providing a test item is recommended to ensure compatibility.
No appointment necessary stop by with your items today!
Bring your drinkware by our shop anytime Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Not local? No problem! Send your drinkware to us and we'll ship it back fully customized.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a precise and efficient method of etching designs, text, and images onto various materials using a focused laser beam. This technique creates a clean, permanent mark by removing material from the surface. The result is a high-contrast, detailed engraving that stands out against the base material. Laser engraving is ideal for achieving intricate designs and durable finishes, making it a popular choice for personalizing and customizing items.
Laser Engraving on Coated Metal
One of our favorite applications, this technique always delivers stunning results. Most coated metals engrave to a light grey or white, creating a clean, clear image with excellent contrast and high visibility.
Laser Engraving on Uncoated Metal
with CerMark
For uncoated metals, we use a chemical bonding agent called CerMark to achieve a crisp black mark. This process ensures a high-contrast, durable engraving that stands out beautifully on the metal surface.
Laser Engraving on Leather
As with all natural materials, leather can sometimes be unpredictable. We don't know how it will engrave until we test it. However, when it turns out well, the results can be truly stunning!
Laser Engraving on Glass
Laser engraving on glass creates a beautiful frosted effect. While each piece of glass can engrave differently, the results are often elegant and striking, adding a unique touch to your glassware.
Laser Engraving on Wood
Laser engraving on wood produces a detailed and precise design. The laser burns the surface, creating a dark, contrasted mark that highlights the natural grain of the wood. This method adds a unique and personalized touch to any wooden item.
Laser Engraving on Wood
with Colorfill
Laser engraving on wood with colorfill enhances the design by adding vibrant colors to the engraved areas. This process creates a striking contrast and makes the details stand out, adding a unique and personalized touch to your wood items.
Laser Engraving on Stone
Our laser engraving on stone creates surface marks rather than deep etches. It works best on softer stones like slate or limestone. Darker stones provide the best contrast, making the engraved areas stand out beautifully.
Laser Engraving on Marble
Our laser engraving on marble creates detailed surface marks. Using a colorfill with marble enhances the contrast, making the engraving stand out more prominently. This technique adds a striking and personalized touch to marble items.
Laser Engraving on Plastics
(silicone, acrylic, plexiglass, etc.)
Laser engraving on customer provided plastics requires careful consideration of the plastic type. It works best on non-extruded plastics, as extruded plastics can melt under the laser. Since the composition of the plastic is often unknown, it's essential to test the material first to ensure optimal results and avoid damage.
Laser Cutting
(wood, acrylic, plexiglass, silicone, foam products, paper products, etc. - see list below)
Our 60-watt CO2 laser offers versatile cutting capabilities for a variety of materials. We can cut plastics, acrylic, plexiglass, silicone, rubber, wood, foam, and paper products with precision. The maximum thickness for most materials is about 1/4". Whether you need intricate designs or custom shapes, our laser cutting services deliver high-quality results.
Laser cutting acrylic with a customer provided design
Laser cutting cardstock paper product for a wedding invitation
Materials We Can Engrave and/or Cut
Coated Metals (including anodized)
Non-Coated Metals w/CerMark
All Wood Types
Leather
Glass
Natural Stone
Marble
Acrylic
Plexiglass
Foam
Paper Products
Ceramics
Rubber & Silicone
Food Products
Some Fabrics
Exclusions:
PVC plastics, faux leather, crystal, leaded glass, ABS plastics, polycarbonate, fiberglass, materials containing bromine (like flame-retardant plastics), food, glass-filled plastics, PTFE (Teflon), carbon fiber
Color Fill
Color fill is the process of filling the recessed engraved areas of an item with your choice of color. We offer this on wood, glass, crystal, marble/stone and acrylic items.
$10.00 for the 1st Color
+$5.00 each additional Color
* Note: this is applied per item. If you get two awards and two colors on each award, the charge would be $15.00 per award
CerMark (black engraving)
We provide CerMark engraving for stainless steel and uncoated metals, resulting in a striking black engraving. Through a chemical bonding process, CerMark is applied to the surface and then laser engraved, creating a lasting black finish.
50% upcharge to base engraving cost
Example: A $12.00 engraving charge would be $18.00 instead.
Common Items
- Knives
- Leather wallets/satchels/briefcases
- Wood Urns
- Wood Signs
- Anodized Aluminum Flashlights
- Manufacturing Components
- Powder Coated Insulated Drinkware (Yeti Cups, Stanley Cups, Hydro Flasks, etc.)
- Cutting Boards
- Electronics (like iPads, iPhones, iPod cases, etc.) NOTE: many electronics like Apple products will void the warranty if engraved.
- Tools (hammers, axes, mallets, etc.)
- Glass Vases
- Glass Drinkware
- Wine Bottles (must be empty)
- Pens
- Photo Frames
- Ornaments
Exclusions: Firearms, any container filled with a liquid, any item we deem unsafe, or won't engrave well.
Engraving Specs
Engravable Area: 18" x 24"
Max Height: 8"
Engraving Depth: Varies significantly depending on material
Materials We Can Cut & Maximum Thicknesses:
Wood, MDF, Plywood: 1/4" (6 mm) depending on hardness
Acrylic: 1/4" (6 mm)
Rubber & Silicone: 1/4" (6 mm)
Cardstock: 1/8" (3 mm)
Corrugated Cardboard: 1/4" (6 mm)
Paperboard: 1/8" (3mm)
Leather: 1/4" (6mm)
Fabrics (Cotton, Polyester, etc.): Varies depending on material
Closed-Cell Foam: 1/2" (12mm)
High-Density Foam (
Polyethylene, EVA): 1/2" (12mm)
Engraving Larger Areas:
Our laser tables are enclosed for safety, but we do have some flexibility. One technique we use is to position items diagonally, which allows us to fit pieces longer than 24 inches. Additionally, we can move the item around, engraving one section at a time. This approach often lets us engrave areas larger than 18" x 24".
Bulk pricing available! request a custom quote to get the best price.
Important Notice for Custom Engraving
Before we can engrave your items, please review and our Engraving Waiver. You will be asked to fill it out and sign it at the time of order placement. This form outlines the terms and conditions, ensuring you understand the potential risks involved.
Note: Mechanical and human error are always a possibility, and we strive to minimize them while handling your items with the utmost care.