Full Version: Red Letters on Stainless
From: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#1]
2 Aug 2006
To: ALL
Had a customer request a quote on engraving stainless steel switch plates with text but they had to be red color fill due to the fire protection system that they were associated with.
How does one go about this? I discussed this with a couple locals here and the only company that used to do it is out of biz.
I only have a laser engraver so I know I cannot do it but would like to help him out.
Jeff
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#1] 2 Aug 2006
I "think" there's a red Thermark material.
Don't know how opaque or "red" the image would be.
From: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#3]
2 Aug 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 2 Aug 2006
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#3] 2 Aug 2006
Other colors as well.
Atomic Art, the proprietary laser process, for (4-color) imaging of glass and ceramic tiles, is based on (colored) Thermark materials.
From: JHayes55 [#5]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#3] 2 Aug 2006
I suggest this link to check it out - www.cerdecmark.com
One of the Ferro reps has been on the board some - but I cannot remember is handle.
Your only option is to have the SS rotary engraved and color filled
EDITED: 2 Aug 2006 by JHAYES55
From: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#6]
2 Aug 2006
To: JHayes55 [#5] 2 Aug 2006
I kinda thought that Cermark for SS was only in black. I have seen that there were other colors for the ceramic and glass but wasn't sure if they had done something in color for SS.
Now talking with a couple of local engravers here, how do you go about engraving SS and color filling? One tells me that he only does diamond drag and it is not deep enough to color fill. Is there a special process that needs to be done since it is stainless steel?
Jeff
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#6] 2 Aug 2006
Sorry for the bum steer.
I didn't realize the color Thermark was only for glass/ceramic.
Routing and color-filling stainless steel isn't fun, but I've done my share.
A cutter grinder, or frequent flyer miles, with a sharpening service will be essential.
Using a coolant is also an important factor in cutting stainless.
After you've successfully engraved the piece, the "flood" method of color-filling works very well:
http://www.engravingetc.org/forum/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=2340.14
From: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#8]
2 Aug 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7] 3 Aug 2006
No problem David. I do remember seeing different colors with the products but could not remember what was what.
I do not have the means to do this project I am mearly trying to help him now to get the job done. The couple of engravers that I have spoken with here don't do this type of engraving.
If I had a Yag maybe I could accomidate him LOL
We'll see. If there is anyone in the Sacrament, CA area that might be interested please feel free to contact me either here, email, or phone.
Jeff
From: laserman (MIKEMAC) [#9]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#8] 2 Aug 2006
Jeff,
You can try rubb N Buff I have done this to cerdec for stainless. I am not sure how durable it is but the color did stick to the cerdce.
From: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#10]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#1] 2 Aug 2006
All the stainless switch plates I have engraved have been very soft stainless and engraved extremely easily. Many people prefer quarter round cutters for stainless. I do like these, but have done just fine with half round cutters as well. Just use plenty of cutting fluid, slow your RPMs and you may also have to use several shallow passes to work up to the final depth that you need for paint filling the letters. Engraving stainless is not as bad as many people think. You can charge a substantial premium for stainless, so it can be very profitable
Jim
From: Bill (ALBILLBERT2000) [#11]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#6] 2 Aug 2006
I had the same request about two weeks ago.. I am in the phila.. area.. I did call cermark.. and you can get any color you want in BLACK... loll. no kidding . Black Black or black..
our customer also requested switch plates.. with something other than black..
''
Bill
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#12]
2 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#1] 2 Aug 2006
From: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#13]
2 Aug 2006
To: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#10] 3 Aug 2006
I looked in your profile and you dont have anything in it. Where are you located?
Jeff
From: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#14]
2 Aug 2006
To: laserman (MIKEMAC) [#9] 3 Aug 2006
Thats an interesting concept. I might have to give it a try. I do have some stainless and cermark.
This might sound stupid but do you just rub it over the lasered cermark and wipe it off? Is it a pretty pronounced red color?
Jeff
From: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#15]
2 Aug 2006
To: ALL
SS is best etched and its not too difficult
Read this
http://www.engravingetc.org/forum/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=1144.3
From: Peter [#16]
2 Aug 2006
To: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#15] 2 Aug 2006
We can etch them here in Adelaide for you, then paint fill anycolor you want :-)
Rodney Gold has been a wonderful contributor to our business success !
Thanks Rodney :-)
regards
Peter
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#17]
3 Aug 2006
To: Peter [#16] 3 Aug 2006
The last question posed, in Rodney's extremely informative thread, went unanswered.
How do you deal with disposing of the waste created by the acid etching process?
From: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#18]
3 Aug 2006
To: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#13] 3 Aug 2006
I am in the midwest, about 5-6 days UPS ground shipping away from you. I am sure there are plenty of shops within one day shipping from you who can easily do a job like this. DGL could certainly do it and also Quality One Engravers does work like this.
From: UncleSteve [#19]
3 Aug 2006
To: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#18] 3 Aug 2006
He is also 2-3 days away via priority mail..... and most likely at an "all you can fit" rate.
From: Peter [#20]
3 Aug 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#17] 3 Aug 2006
David
Good question.
a couple of ways.
1. You either decant the product into plastic drums and have a liquid waste management company dispose of it for you.
2. or you have a sophisticated waste liquid treatment plant incorporated into your production system.
Either way pricing the plates must take into consideration these costs.
regards
Peter
Show messages: 1-20 21-24