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.
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.
A very labor intensive method is known as wheel engraving. This is by far the most difficult method to learn for artists and takes years of practice to become a master. There are different sizes of wheel that are used and they are stationary while the piece of glass is moved to create the image. This technique is still used today but only for small high end markets.
Chemical etching is less labor intensive but because of the acid that is used can be very dangerous. That being said the result of acid etching is softer and more pleasing to the eye than other techniques. It has a soft matte finish with a uniform satiny gloss finish. This technique is rarely used today except on very small specific projects.
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.
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.
A very labor intensive method is known as wheel engraving. This is by far the most difficult method to learn for artists and takes years of practice to become a master. There are different sizes of wheel that are used and they are stationary while the piece of glass is moved to create the image. This technique is still used today but only for small high end markets.
Chemical etching is less labor intensive but because of the acid that is used can be very dangerous. That being said the result of acid etching is softer and more pleasing to the eye than other techniques. It has a soft matte finish with a uniform satiny gloss finish. This technique is rarely used today except on very small specific projects.
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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