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.
The optical crystals are created with absolutely no lead added in sheets approximately three inches thick. Known for the hardness and brilliance these crystals contain they are often used to make camera lenses and binoculars. The hardness also ensures perfection while cutting and beveling. As a molten sheet they receive a highly pressurized treatment to remove all bubbles that may occur in processing or other flaws that may be present.
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.
One of the fast disappearing techniques is wheel engraving. This method of etching is very difficult to learn and execute. The artists who have mastered this technique are truly master craftsmen. The most difficult aspect of this method comes from having to move the glass rather than the wheels to create the design. The wheels used are of various sizes to accommodate the arch and depth of the work in progress and must be changed often.
Another technique that is disappearing is chemical, or acid, etching. The fumes from the acid used have proven to be very dangerous to the health of workers who use it. The end result of this technique is thought by many to be far more satisfactory to the trained and untrained eye. The edges are softer and the finish has a hazy matte gloss that cannot be accomplished otherwise. Few craftsmen use this method of etching today.
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.
The optical crystals are created with absolutely no lead added in sheets approximately three inches thick. Known for the hardness and brilliance these crystals contain they are often used to make camera lenses and binoculars. The hardness also ensures perfection while cutting and beveling. As a molten sheet they receive a highly pressurized treatment to remove all bubbles that may occur in processing or other flaws that may be present.
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.
One of the fast disappearing techniques is wheel engraving. This method of etching is very difficult to learn and execute. The artists who have mastered this technique are truly master craftsmen. The most difficult aspect of this method comes from having to move the glass rather than the wheels to create the design. The wheels used are of various sizes to accommodate the arch and depth of the work in progress and must be changed often.
Another technique that is disappearing is chemical, or acid, etching. The fumes from the acid used have proven to be very dangerous to the health of workers who use it. The end result of this technique is thought by many to be far more satisfactory to the trained and untrained eye. The edges are softer and the finish has a hazy matte gloss that cannot be accomplished otherwise. Few craftsmen use this method of etching today.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment