When shopping for crystal engraved awards there are several choices to be made. The first will be the type of crystals to be used. The most well known and admired are leaded crystals. They are highly prized and feature excellent quality. Secondly there are optical crystals. These are lead free and feature high sheen and reflection on their surfaces.
Leaded crystals are created by adding lead oxide to the glass formula. The lead component is generally around twenty four percent for optimum color, weight and hardness. This number also ensures the clarity of the glass will remain at optimum levels. They are highly valued and many become family treasures that are passed down for generations.
Optical crystals are lead free and created in large sheets up to three inches thick. They are extremely hard and will cut and bevel perfectly. They also contain a high level of brilliance when polished. While still molten the liquid is subjected to extreme pressure to remove all bubbles and flaws that may occur in processing. These crystals are often used in camera lenses and binoculars because of their flawless quality.
There are four separate styles of etching that can be done on both types of crystal. The most well known and widely used is sand etching. This technique involves directing thousands of sand particles at the stenciled glass under very high pressure. The resulting image is a concise and delicate image that results from smooth, precision cuts. This has been a favored method by master craftsmen for over twenty years.
Wheel engraving is another form of glass etching. This type of cutting is very labor intensive and demands high levels of training for the artist. It is the most difficult technique to master and is confined to small scale projects that inhabit the high-end markets. The artists who master this technique are truly dedicated to their trade. The wheels used are stationary and the glass is moved making this a most difficult task to learn.
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.
Laser engraving is the newest technique to be used. This system takes less time than traditional etching and works exceptionally well on optical crystals. The leaded glasses tend to end up with microscopic cracks in the etched areas that lasers create. Lasers have uniqueness in that they can create images inside a block of glass without disturbing the outer surface of the item. Some of the master craftsmen feel that the laser etching method is a shortcut and not of the same quality as the traditional methods.
The cost of crystal engraved awards can vary greatly dependant on the technique your artist uses. If you choose optical materials the laser is more economical for large numbers of items. For smaller orders leaded crystals and sand etching may be your first choice.
Leaded crystals are created by adding lead oxide to the glass formula. The lead component is generally around twenty four percent for optimum color, weight and hardness. This number also ensures the clarity of the glass will remain at optimum levels. They are highly valued and many become family treasures that are passed down for generations.
Optical crystals are lead free and created in large sheets up to three inches thick. They are extremely hard and will cut and bevel perfectly. They also contain a high level of brilliance when polished. While still molten the liquid is subjected to extreme pressure to remove all bubbles and flaws that may occur in processing. These crystals are often used in camera lenses and binoculars because of their flawless quality.
There are four separate styles of etching that can be done on both types of crystal. The most well known and widely used is sand etching. This technique involves directing thousands of sand particles at the stenciled glass under very high pressure. The resulting image is a concise and delicate image that results from smooth, precision cuts. This has been a favored method by master craftsmen for over twenty years.
Wheel engraving is another form of glass etching. This type of cutting is very labor intensive and demands high levels of training for the artist. It is the most difficult technique to master and is confined to small scale projects that inhabit the high-end markets. The artists who master this technique are truly dedicated to their trade. The wheels used are stationary and the glass is moved making this a most difficult task to learn.
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.
Laser engraving is the newest technique to be used. This system takes less time than traditional etching and works exceptionally well on optical crystals. The leaded glasses tend to end up with microscopic cracks in the etched areas that lasers create. Lasers have uniqueness in that they can create images inside a block of glass without disturbing the outer surface of the item. Some of the master craftsmen feel that the laser etching method is a shortcut and not of the same quality as the traditional methods.
The cost of crystal engraved awards can vary greatly dependant on the technique your artist uses. If you choose optical materials the laser is more economical for large numbers of items. For smaller orders leaded crystals and sand etching may be your first choice.
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