Our Software & Equipment
Below we share some insight into the software and equipment we use to create and engrave our products.
Art Creation and Editing
Photoshop & Inkscape
For artwork creation and logo work we use Adobe Photoshop and Inkscape. Combined these are two superb tools for graphics and photo Editing. Photoshop is used to clean up logos and in some cases simplify them before taking them into Inkscape where they can be redrawn. Photoshop is also used of course for Image editing of our product photos.
Sandblasting
Auxilery Equipment
We use an Epson XP8700 to print the images to be sand blasted we then put them through a UV Exsposur unit like that pictured. We then use a standard jet washer and dryer to create the engraving masks ready for sandblasting.
Engraving Machines
UMarq Gem CX5
This machine is our workhorse, its a compact, reliable and powerful diamond engraver with a large flat bed and cylindrical capabilities up to 5” it’s a superb machine that also has its own depth profile allowing for accurate engraving of curved and concave items. We use this to engraver for most flat items, plagues, hipflasks, bottle openers and general run of the mill items.
Engraving Machines
Suregrave Rotation S
The large engraver is a superb allrounder and can engrave almost anything thanks to its size and 3 axis orientation. We largely use this machine for tankards and pewterware as well as one off engraving due to being able to carry our precision alignment/
Engraving Machines
Sandblaster
Our newest addition to our equipment inventory is the sand blaster we use this for our more basic artworks and larger quantity and corporate engraving. We also engrave steel tankards which produces a superb matt finish and certain coated items. Its main work however is glassware and we use it to engrave 'most' of our highly detailed artworks. While more labour intensive the sand blasting process works out quicker and means we can quite a large quantity of glass in a short space of time.
Finishing
Various Tools
We use a number of tools to polish, clean and help to get us out of bothersome spots, when they occur. We use glass paint to really make our glassware engraving pop as well as a polishing machine (pictured) for some shine.. On top of that we use a handheld burnishing and engraving tool. A diamond pin tip is used to clean up engraved edges and cuts. by scratching along the lines and we also have a hand held polishing and glass repair kit which comes in handy.
