|
2d (flat) images
Basic:
Artwork can be supplied in any common file format - so if you can open it, we can use it! We’re happy to accept physical prints if electronic copies are unavailable. It is unusual for artwork to be unusable. We can also create imagery for you, or enhance what you have.
Detailed:
 Allow a 5mm margin on all sides of your image. The crystals are hand finished and dimensions are +/- 3mm. The resolution should be set to 300dpi. Your design will be converted to black and white. The laser only fires on white pixels. The laser engraved point size is fixed, and is white. Grays will appear opaque, as the points will be further apart.
- Save your file as an 8 bit grayscale .xcf, .psd, or .bmp
- Use white, and grays for the foreground
- Make the background 100% Black
- Make text 100% white with no anti-aliasing
- If you can, put background, text, images, and feathering on separate layers. This will allow us to tweak the image for the best result.
The picture on the right shows a grayscale test grid. From top to bottom is a grayscale, starting at white and ending in 90% gray. From left to right we've told our software to engrave 6 to 1 layers of points.
We use GIMP, Inkscape, and CorelDraw.. We can handle the following formats. .bmp .png .jpg .xcf .psd .svg .tif .eps .cdr .pdf.
3d models
Our 3d modellers can create 3d models if you supply photographs or sketches. For more complicated 3D work, you’ll need to supply pictures from all sides, including the top.
We can model your logo in 3D and that is best done with vector based art. Supply your logo in any format, but preferably a vector one such as .svg, .cdr, or .eps.
Use the enquire button below to ask questions, otherwise we will contact you after checkout to discuss your order.
Instructions for supplying your own model:
Scale your model to fit inside the crystal. Draw the minimum needed for engraving, One way to judge this is to print a photo of your object at the size that it will be engraved. If you can't see it in on paper then you don't need it in your model.
Our software will distribute points evenly over the surfaces of your model. The engraved model will be opaque, this means that internal components can also be seen, eg the engine under the bonnet of a car. To represent colours we use different point densities. For this, make each coloured item a distinct object, or put it on a separate layer.
Before saving your model, convert it into a mesh of triangular faces. We will always send you a proof to confirm what we see matches what you have created.
We use Blender for 3d modelling. Send artwork in the following formats (in order of preference) .blend, .obj, .stl, 3ds, & .dxf.
AutoCAD:
Export as Lithography (*.stl). We have found that this format works best.
We can also use AutoCAD R12/LT2 DXF (*.dxf). This requires simplifying your model by exploding it, once or twice, until it is made up of faces. If you like, send us both.
Don't send us .dwg formatted files.
Blender:
One Blender unit=1mm
Don't convert your model to a mesh, we will do that for you.
SolidWorks:
Export using the .stl format. Or try the .obj export macro at SolidWorks forum.
Other:
To be sure that your model will work, import it into Blender. Blender is free to use and can be downloaded from www.blender.org. It only shows a few importable formats by default, to add more formats you will need to enable them in User Preferences. Click on the thumbnails below to see how:-
 
To navigate in Blender:-
Rotate = MMB drag
Pan = Shift MMB drag
Zoom = Scroll wheel
Pan and zoom to show selected object = . (on the numeric keypad)
Select = RMB in 3d viewport. LMB elsewhere.
|
