Glass engraving in Perth uses special tools to create designs on a piece of glass. This decorative technique has been around for years. It involves engraving patterns or designs onto glass surfaces. You can use it to make plain glass pieces, such as champagne flutes or paperweights, heirloom-worthy or personalized to remind you of a special occasion.
There are many ways to engrave glasses. Let’s take a look at the different methods and tools involved:
1) Line Engraving
Point glass engraving is also known as line engraving. It involves using a hand tool with a tungsten carbide or diamond tip. You will need to scratch lines on the glass surface to create the desired image. The clear glass makes the lines appear white. However, colored glass creates much lighter lines.
2) Drill Technique
It is the most versatile and popular technique. Drill engraving refers to the use of an electric drill to engrave glass. This technique uses special tips, also known as rotary burs.
Different burs provide different results. Rubber burs produce more texture, while diamond and stone burs give more defined results.
3) Copper Wheel
Copper wheel engraving is a classic technique used to cut glass crystal designs. This technique is used to create intricate designs or large areas. Different sizes and profiles can be mounted on copper wheels. They are driven by a belt that is attached to a lathe. A foot pedal turns the wheel and feeds it with an abrasive compound like carborundum. To cut, the glass is brought to the wheel. A lathe is a machine that creates copper-wheel glass engraving.
4) Sandblasting
Sandblasting can be described as a form of etching and not a type of glass engraving. Many engravers use sandblasting to enhance a design’s contrast. Vinyl tape can be used to tape off the area. You can spray untapped areas with sand using an air compressor. This results in an opaque appearance. Clear glass will look almost cloudy if the sandblasting area is visible.
In addition, to create extraordinary results, skilled glass engravers will use hand-cut templates and a combination of sandblasting and drilling techniques.
Sandblasting is often used to mass-produce glass designs on an industrial scale.
5) Stipple
Stipple engraving, another technique for engraving glass, uses a hand tool. It requires patience and skill. Repetitive tapping with a carbide point creates small indentations and dots on the glass.
The glass surface can be accented or created by tapping the tool’s tip.
Artcom Fabrication is a specialist in creating and manufacturing cost-effective solutions in the areas of Wide Format Printing, 3D Printing and Plastic Signs in Perth. Visit their official website at https://www.artcomfabrication.com.au/.