Q. What types of engraving are available and are some more suited to certain surfaces than others?

The promotional market uses two main types of engraving; diamond drag, which is literally a diamond point that scratches the surface of metal; and laser engraving, which burns the surface. We use diamond drag which although traditional is now computerised so that the image is digitally vectorised and then automatically engraved. The plus points are its high perceived value (it looks traditional and expensive and so enhances the perceived value of the product), and the fact that it reflects the light, creating an attractive shimmer.

 On the downside the reflective quality can make small text difficult to read; its reproduction of fine detail is limited to the size of the diamond point; and you cannot achieve a true solid effect (solids are made up of close register lines). Laser engraving can be used on a wider range of materials, such as plastic, wood, metal and glass. It provides greater resolution than diamond and so can achieve greater detail, and has the advantage that solids look solid.

 On the downside, results can be variable especially on reflective surfaces and laser engraving generally has a cheaper more down-market look (which is fine if you're engraving a 10p plastic pen, but not so appropriate on a £20 silver plated clock).

Q. What are the differences in cost?

Generally, entry level lasers are not too expensive but they are not capable of engraving onto reflective surfaces especially shiny metal. To effectively engrave on metal, lasers are considerably more expensive and, in my opinion and experience, even then don't achieve the right or consistent results. Diamond engraving machines are generally cheaper than laser counterparts and from what I know, less troublesome to maintain. I believe that the digitising software for lasers is more sophisticated and quicker than diamond (as the technology is older and is still lagging behind the lasers).

Q. Is it an area that a printer or embroiderer could easily diversify into? What skills are needed to get started, for instance?

Yes, branding principals are similar so if you're good at another discipline, I would imagine it would be a relatively easy addition to make. And not too expensive either, except at the top end of the laser market. We've done it the other way - from engraving to adding sublimation and resin doming. It was very straightforward and the skill sets are compatible.

Q. Are there any specific technical points that need to be considered?

Not that I can think of. Except perhaps that curved surfaces are a problem (except with specialist machines) and general size and shape; so large curved and odd shaped items pose challenges. To illustrate this, when we are choosing items to go into our own product range, one of the primary considerations is its ‘engravability' - will it fit in the machine? How much branding area is there? Can we hold it in the jigs?

Q. Are there any limitations on the type of designs that can be engraved (i.e. in terms of detail)?

Again, see above. Crests are a challenge for diamond, as well as fine/small text. Gradients are a problem. Generally if a logo looks like it really works in colour with lots of colours in close register and gradients this is going to pose a challenge. However, most decent sized corporates (who are normally the ones with these types of logos anyway) have ‘flat' black and white versions of their logo, which then solves all the problems.

Q. What are the target markets for engraved goods?

We supply promotional and retail. If you were an embroiderer then the market would be the same. Although with our product we're at to top end of the market.

Q. What advancements have there been in the technology in recent years?

There is a great development, which is photo engraving using carbon rods to ‘bang' the surface of the metal. The detail is fantastic and it engraves like newsprint - photographs and complex gradients look brilliant. It was originally devised to engrave onto small cheap pendants sold into shopping malls. The machines are too limiting at the moment (e.g. only six of our 450 items can be engraved in the machine) but the new machines have more capability and it may prove to be a great addition to our capabilities.

For more information on Solo contact Kevin on Yes, branding principals are similar so if you're good at another discipline, I would imagine it would be a relatively easy addition to make. And not too expensive either, except at the top end of the laser market. We've done it the other way - from engraving to adding sublimation and resin doming. It was very straightforward and the skill sets are compatible.

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