| Know the difference.
Laser Etched vs. Sand Carved vs. Rotary Engraved
Traditional engraving methods have changed over the years. What was once done entirely by hand, is these days done, for the most part, by computer and machine. While the tools have changed, the artistic skills and workmanship still survive at Akulazik, and are still required to provide you with the finest engravings possible for your dollar.
Laser Engraving is the newest form of engraving, and the type that is done most often by modern engravers and at Akulazik. The laser is more versatile, more accurate, faster and more economical than any other type of engraving. We can even engrave photographs on many items using our lasers! One of the few drawbacks to lasers comes when engraving glass. With most other materials, the laser disintegrates material and the residual heat can even darken wood or aneal metals in the areas where it engraves giving a higher contrast, easier to read etching. With glass though, the high heat involved can crack or shatter the glass if too much is applied, so lasers are only able to etch the surface of the glass rather than deep engrave it. We DO specialize in laser engraving at Akulazik, but we are also expert Sand Carvers and can provide the deep engravings that many people desire.
Sand Carving is an old art that is seeing a new revival of late. It's accomplished by cutting a mask, usually by hand, and hand "carving" glass, wood, plastics or metals to desired depths using a very accurate type of sand blasting machine. This type of engraving can be cut deep into glass giving you a more 3 dimensional look to the engraving that is much easier to see in all light levels and against light backgrounds! The only drawback to sand carving is the limitation of the masking material. Depending on which mask is used, tiny, very detailed patterns may combine, "blow out" or "merge" the finest details. Extremely fine detailed patterns should be Laser Engraved rather than Sand Carved.
While Sand Carving is usually the best looking and easiest to see and read of all the above mentioned engraving methods, it is more expensive because it is all hand fashioned by skilled artists and very time consuming. Expect to pay about 25%-50% more for sand carving, but also, expect to be very, very pleased with the results!
Rotary Engraving was the first type of machine engraving to replace hand engraving for gifts and awards. This type of engraving uses a spinning steel, carbide or diamond tip to cut material from the surface. On metal, this works well and leaves a bright, shiny cut that has good contrast. On the other hand, it can weaken the wall of the metal, plastic or wood where the engraving is cut. Although it still has advantages in a very few areas, like rings and jewelry pieces, this type of engraving is quickly being replaced by faster, higher quality, newer types of engravers like lasers. Currently, we do not offer rotary engraving through AKULAZIK.
Does the price include engraving?
Yes! We do not charge by the letter. We don’t even charge for logos or line art pictures! ...AND...we can send you a virtual sample at your request, so you know exactly what your item will look like before your money changes hands!
Can you engrave photos on ANYTHING?
Well..."almost" anything! We can engrave photos on wood, stainless steel, dark marbles and granites and many other fine grained materials. A very few materials are far superior to the rest in this catagory, specifically, pure black marble, light grainless wood and our Laser Tile.
While we have the ability to engrave photos on glass and other clear items, we don't recommend this for very many photos. Glass only shows one shade...it's either cut, or not cut...similar to line art that is either black...or white...no shades of gray. So most photos don't look very good etched into glass or clear objects. However, if the photo can be converted to pure black and white line art, and still be pleasing, there is a good chance it can be engraved on glass. Send us your photo and we'll convert it for free and let you know how we feel about the results.
Do you do those 3-D thingies inside a crystal or acrylic?
No. Most of the ones you see around are actually made in China, where the labor and materials are extremely cheap, and then shipped here for resale. Custom made ones can only be made in less than a dozen locations in the U.S. and are very, very expensive and take quite a while to make. In the future, when these specialized lasers are better perfected and when prices on them come down, companies like ours may invest in them...but right now, they aren't very cost effective for us, or you, the customer. We can order a custom made one for you though, if you have the time and money...just ask!
What is a virtual sample?
A "Virtual Sample" is a photographic or computerized simulation of the item after it is engraved, or the actual layout that we use to engrave the items. You can view these and make changes to the engraving or the layout before the actual item is engraved so you'll always get exactly what you want!
Is there a setup charge?
No, we do not charge a setup fee for any retail order!
Some custom or commercial orders may require a template charge or setup fee.
Are there artwork charges?
No artwork charges, no setup fees, all laser engraving is included in every item we sell! What you see in the photos or your virtual layouts is what you get for the price on the page!
What type of artwork do you need?
We can work with most graphics formats. Our preferred format would be CorelDraw or EPS, but we can work with any of the following: BMP, PSD (Photoshop), JPG (Jpeg), GIF, DWG (Autocad), TIF and PCX.
The resolution of photographic images needs to be as high as possible...the better the original resolution, the better the image will engrave. When scanning hard copies, we suggest a minimum of 300 dpi and an image size as large or larger than the finished engraving will be. 600 dpi and an image size as large or larger than the finished engraving would be preferred. Native Corel Draw or Photoshop images are ideal. Contact Us for our current version of these softwares.
If you E-mail a website quality, small image, it may work, but it may not result in the best quality engraving possible. We can touch up, edit, redraw most images, so it is ok if an image is not perfect, but like any other system, garbage in, garbage out...If in doubt...just CONTACT US. We'll give you an honest assessment of your photo for free!
What if I don’t have one of these file types?
Send the best quality images you can, in just about any format and we will work with it. Keep in mind though that most E-mail systems will not send/receive files larger than 1.5 MB, so if they are larger than that, you may have to deliver them to us on CD or ZIP disk.
Do you engrave jewelry?
Not at this time, but we have a local jeweler friend that might be able to help you.
Do you engrave metals?
At this time, we offer permanent black marking on stainless steel, some types of aluminum and and some other non-silver metals. We can also surface etch most metals using sand carving techniques. We do NOT cut out metal shapes at AKULAZIK, although we can have them cut for you by a partner shop if desired. For more information, CONTACT US
Is quantity pricing available?
Yes, Quantity Pricing is available and found near the bottom of each item's shopping cart page. CONTACT US for a quote if you don't see the quantity information on our web pages.
Do we have a setup fee? No, it is included.
Do you charge by the letter? No, it is included.
Do we charge for Artwork? No, it is included.
Can I fax over my artwork?
Yes, but it probably will not yield good results that way... Fax machines send at 32 - 72 dpi. we prefer a higher resolution image for best results. If a fax is your only way of getting us artwork though, give it a try and we'll give you our honest opinion of the chances for good results...for free!
How much will it cost me for you to convert over my artwork or logo?
No charge, If you purchase our items, all artwork is included in the price.
What if i want a special font?
No problem, just e-mail us the font...NO EXTRA CHARGE!
Is there a minimum quantity? No Minimum Order Quantity
Do we require "Camera Ready Art"?
No, but it is great if you can send it to us. It will reduce our production time and get your order to you quicker.
Do you charge for resizing logos/text to fit the item?
No, it is included in the price.
What if the artwork needs to be cleaned up, edited or corrected?
We still don't charge you!
No surprise charges! -- It is all included!
Buy the item(s), you want from us and the price listed is the price you pay! (Shipping and Texas sales tax may be added if they apply.) Our Secure Online Purchasing System does all the math for you automatically! To check a price or shipping cost, just add it to the cart!
If you still have questions, call us at: (832) 573-2686
or send us an E-MAIL and we will promptly respond.
MONUMENTS, ROCKS and TREES FAQ
Here are questions that are commonly asked by our customers about the replicated Rocks and Trees ™.
These unique and practical landscape accents are quickly becoming the preferred way to showcase plaques in size at parks, school and college campuses, churches, residences, public plazas and corporate offices. They are the common sense alternative to the cost and difficulty of acquiring, moving and installing a real tree or boulder weighing hundreds, or thousands, of pounds for that purpose.
Frequently used to memorialize a loved one who has passed away, these products are primarily used to mount plaques that commemorate special events or achievements, individual and corporate donors, volunteers, outstanding or retiring managers or employees, and other occasions!
How are the replica rocks and trees manufactured and shipped?
The rugged castings are hollow, approx. one-inch thick, and open at the bottom. They rocks weigh between 50-60 lbs. but are exact replicas of rocks that weigh 800-1,000 lbs. The trees are 40-70 lbs. All are manufactured from construction-grade GFRC cast stone to withstand freeze-thaw conditions and 9,000 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure.
They are normally shipped with your plaque already installed via FedEx Ground in 350-lb. test, double-walled corrugated boxes using an industrial foam-in-place packaging system for maximum protection. If you order our lower cost granite plaques, the granite will ship separately with easy to install directions.
How many years will they last outdoors?
Due to modern high-performance polymers and other scientifically-developed, construction-grade admixtures, our GFRC cast stone replications are designed to last for generations--even in freeze-thaw conditions and in the face of mowers, watering and trimming--and typically wear in the same manner as, or superior to, natural rock.
The reproductions are actually one of the few products that will look better with age as the elements (i.e., rain, sun and snow) give them an even more lifelike, weathered appearance with each passing year.
It’s important to note that a national expert in the restoration of historical monuments made from marble and granite such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (who represents the firm that did most of the artifact restoration for the HMS Titanic) has estimated GFRC cast stone products will last 100-150 years before requiring any restoration work. In fact, he said that is about the same duration after which monuments made from other materials such as marble and granite need work.
Do the monuments require special care?
The replica rock and tree monuments are made to last outdoors for generations without any special maintenance or care, whether located in high humidity, extreme heat or freeze-thaw conditions.
Is there a manufacturer’s product guarantee?
A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is offered for the lifetime of each reproduction if the craftsmanship is found to be defective in any way (with the exception of naturally-occurring adjustments in color). Customers with a valid defective craftsmanship claim will receive an immediate replacement with an identical model once the product is returned and the claim is confirmed.
How are the rocks and trees colored?
Since detailed molds for the Recognition Rocks and Trees ™ are tediously taken from actual boulders found in nature, our customers expect that the color process used for them match the realism of the replica castings.
Their demand for quality is met by skilled craftsmen who enhance the cast stone with permanent natural shades using a proprietary coloring process which requires no special maintenance in the future. (In fact, as previously mentioned, customers are usually pleased to learn the colors of the rocks and trees will actually appear more lifelike over the years with the helpful affects of the natural elements such as the sun, snow and rain).
What choice of natural colors are available?
There are three natural colors to choose for the rocks: Slate Gray (popular in the Midwest and East Coast areas of the United States), Sandstone and Red Rock. The trees are offered in Gray and Red-Brown bark colors. Examples of these colors are available elsewhere on this website.
Can the rocks and trees be ordered with an urn for cremated remains?
Yes, for an additional charge, the Recognition Rocks and Trees ™ can be ordered with a 250-cubic-inch, moisture-resistant internal receptacle for cremated remains or keepsakes already manufactured into it. The thick, industrial-grade polyvinyl chloride urn and threaded cap are accessed from under each model and opened and closed by hand so the "cremains" or keepsakes can be placed inside the receptacle
What if we need an urn for two sets of cremated remains?
Make this request at the time of ordering and, for an additional charge, the internal moisture-resistant, 250 cubic-inch urn will be extended to double the size so it can hold two sets of cremains. Please note the double urn will further extend below the bottom of the rock or tree and will therefore require a small hole be excavated into the soil directly underneath where it is going to be finally placed so that the urn rests inside it.
Who determines the plaque layout? What if a mistake on the plaque is our fault?
We reserve the right to determine the style, size, capitalization and layout of the text provided according to the plaque space available to ensure the most professional appearance possible unless a specific request is received from a customer for a particular layout at the time of ordering. Most importantly, we are not responsible or liable in any way for misspellings or errors in fact contained in the information submitted by customers.
Is it possible to see a proof of the plaque layout before it is cast?
Absolutely! We will provide a proof of the plaque layout for your approval before it is sent to the bronze foundry for casting.
Our ceremony is in two weeks. Can we receive our rock or tree sooner?
Absolutely! Customer sometimes ask that their rock or tree be shipped before the plaque has had time to be cast by us. In that case, it is possible for the rock or tree to arrive in as early as 10 business days from the order date when requested by the customer.
If a ceremony is scheduled and a customer wants to have a temporary plaque visible in the chiseled inset of the rock or tree for the event, at no charge a computer-generated replica bronze plaque on photo paper--laminated and mounted--can be shipped along with the order. The temporary plaque will have the exact same text as the original which will arrive separately within the normal 20-25 business days.
Should we worry about possible theft of our rock or tree?
Once customers see how realistic the replica rocks and trees look, they often agree it's unlikely anyone is going to bother with what appears to be, say, a natural 800 lb. natural boulder that would require incredible effort to move.
However, if they feel it's necessary, we suggest the use of the heavy-duty metal eye bolt manufactured underneath each rock and tree for anti-theft purposes. To use this feature, the customer should purchase four items from a local hardware or home improvement store: 1). An inexpensive key or combination lock, 2). A small sack of "just-add-water" quick-drying cement, 3). A five-gallon plastic bucket if they don't have one, and 4). A three-foot-long piece of sturdy 2/0 or 3/0 straight link chain (75 cents-$1 per foot).
They then dig a hole directly below where the rock or tree will be finally placed, use the lock to secure one end of the chain onto the metal eye bolt, mix the cement in a bucket, fill the hole with the cement slurry, push as much of the remaining length of chain into the cement, and rest the rock or tree over the hole where the chain can dry in the cement and serve as an anchor. Note: For extra stability, we suggest burying the bottom of the tree shaped monuments 3-4 inches below ground level
For added realism and stability, we recommend burying the bottom edge of the tree shaped monuments 3-4 inches below ground.
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