SET-UP: Includes measuring, font sizing, kerning of font, clamping of piece in engraver, test engraving of piece and determining hardness of piece. Set-up is a process that usually takes 15-20 minutes for common items.
Engraving cost per letter: Is the actual engraving of the piece. Some pieces have to be gone over 10-15 times depending on the piece. (Characteristic of piece including hardness of metal, how thin material is and shape of piece). Engraving a piece can take from 10-30 minutes depending on piece.
Multiple engravings on same piece: Every different spot on a piece that is to be engraved requires a secondary set-up which takes time to re-clamp, measure and text engrave.
Risks: If piece is of poor quality, the engraving work is at the customer’s own risk.
Plating Flaws: If Silver/Platinum/Chrome/Brass plating is of poor quality or flawed, the engraving will cause the plating to chip or flake off. Diamond tip cuts into material and if there is a poor contact between the plating and the base material, it may flake off. Happens rarely. If it’s a cheap piece, risk of flaking increases. -Some pieces have a very thin coating of plating (ie: Silver plating) When the diamond tip cuts through the plating, it may show the base material which could be a different color (ie: copper, brass etc.)
Items not on list or oddly shaped items: $25 Set Up, 50 cents per letter. Add $5 for second side.
