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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. Text that is smaller than 3mm in height should not be anti aliased.
- Save your file as an 8 bit grayscale .bmp
- Use white, and grays for the foreground
- Make the background transparent
We use GIMP, Inkscape, and CorelDraw. We aso have Photoshop. We can handle the following formats. .bmp .png .jpg .xcf .psd .svg .tif .eps .cdr .pdf.
3d models
Basic:
We use Blender for 3d modelling. Our 3d modellers can create 3d images if you supply photographs or sketches. For more complicated 3D work, you’ll need to supply pictures from all sides, including the top. Artwork can be in any common 3d file format, such as .blend, .dxf, .stl, .obj, 3ds, see here for a full list.
We can model your logo in 3D and that is best done with vector based art. Supply your logo in a format such as .cdr, .svg, .eps, although our modellers can use existing art if vector formats are unavailable.
Detailed:
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 or square faces. We will always send you a proof to confirm what we see matches what you have created.
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.
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