Which of the Two Methods of Engraving Is Suitable for Your Engraving Needs?

There are two major methods of engraving: traditional engraving and laser engraving. When you take your item to a workshop, they may ask you which method you would prefer. If you know nothing about either, you will have to spend a little time getting a crash course!

It will save you a little time if you could find out beforehand what each of the methods entails. Most importantly, get to know the difference between the two methods. This will go a long way in helping you make the best choice for you. You can walk into a workshop and ask or you could type pbsengraving.com or any other engraver site and get to learn.

Traditional engraving

Traditional engraving is a one-on-one kind of engraving. It uses a precise machine that works on one item at a time to create the image or words you want to be engraved. Engravable materials include:

• Medals
• Engravable plastics
• Metal plates
• Trophies

You can get sports medals or trophies engraved for school sports activities or even for enterprise departmental competitions.

Laser engraving

This method of engraving uses a laser machine to remove the top layer of an item. Your message is then revealed in fractions of millimetres deep into the item you presented for engraving. This method of engraving is very accurate and is therefore preferred by clients who want a logo included in the engraving.

Materials that are suitable for laser engraving include:

• Glass
• Crystal
• Acrylic awards
• Certain wooden plaque boards
• Coffee mugs
• Pens
• Pocket knives
• Picture frames
• Baseball bats – This however depends on the type of bat.

You can see why it is important to understand the two types of engraving. You do not want to walk into a workshop with crystal and insist on the traditional engraving.

There are certain plastics that can be engraved using the laser method. The top layer of the plastic is removed and the underlying layer reveals the engraved details.

There are also laserable metals that can be engraved, like the metal on some trophies. A good illustration of laser engraving can be found on such trophies. If the plate has a different colour for the text from the colour of the background, it is almost certain that it was laser engraved.

What do you consider when choosing one method over the other?

Both methods of engraving have their advantages and disadvantages. You will need to consider the following:

• The purpose of the engraving
• The message you want to express
• The material to be engraved
• The recipient of the engraved item

When you know the differences between the two methods, it becomes so much easier to know which one you prefer. However, if you are still in doubt, the engravers will be all too willing to advise you.

Presenting an engraved item to your employee, your boss or a loved one is exciting and very personal, so you need to be adequately informed on the method to go for.