Working with Black Granite – Adjusting a Picture of the Eagles

Adjusting a Picture of the Eagles

In this example we will be lasering an image of an eagle onto black laser tile. Figure 1 shows a photo that I bought off the Internet. I am using this image because I want to see what the effect of having our background image being a bit out of focus and to see how it appears on the tile.
Click here to download the Corel example file

Figure 1 shows us the original image I bought off the Internet for $3

… Continue Reading

Scanning Techniques CPE 2003 seminar

CPE Show Seminar – Saturday November 4, 2000

Topic – Scanning techniques and Image manipulation in PhotoPaint and Photoshop

What will be covered:

1. What is the optimal scanning resolution (dpi)
2. What is the optimal file size (inches) to work with
3. Working with Brightness and Contrast in your scanner
4. What is RGB? What is CYMK?
5. Optimal Tools to Work with – Levels and Tonal … Continue Reading

Colour Filling

Figure 1

Colour Filling

Colour filling is a term used within the awards and engraving industry to describe a variety of techniques used to add colour or contrast to engraving. Even though there are a wide variety of engraving materials available that come in a multitude of colours, thickness and finishes, there are often times when it is desirable to colour the engraving to make it stand out or enhance the overall appearance of the product. … Continue Reading

Working with a Dovetail Cutter

DOVETAILING

DESCRIPTION … Continue Reading

12 Inch Shear Instruction Sheet

TABLE SHEAR INSTRUCTION SHEET … Continue Reading

Glossary of Terms

If you’re new to the industry, this glossary of commonly-used awards and engraving terms will be a useful resource, helping you to expand your knowledge and your business.

3D ENGRAVING: Process where Z axis can have variable settings of depth during a tool pass. Depth can be set manually, or through software control; creates more of hand-crafted look.

ACRYLIC: Thermoplastic-resin-based plastic engraving substrate. Molecular structure of acrylic provides increased protection from sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) rays; Material noted for outdoor durability and colorfastness. … Continue Reading

Pricing Article – CPE Show 1999 Seminar

Are you operating a viable business? What is your Business worth if you decide to sell it tomorrow? Are you charging enough money for the product you are selling? These are all questions that we have probably all asked our selves at various times, not only in this business but in other businesses that we have been involved with.
One of the most common questions we get asked not just by new dealers but also by established dealers is what price should I charge for my goods. This has got to be one of the hardest questions I could ever answer. Why? Our answer to these people is usually “what is your time worth” or “what do you expect from this business”. I can’t easily answer this question because it depends on what each individual wants to get out of the business.
And let me tell you we have had some very intensive discussions on this subject with dealers. … Continue Reading

Selling Schools

Sales and Marketing Tips: Promoting and Selling Custom Crests

Crest Systems – Promote the Idea of a Crest

Cast Crests Coloured or Finished in Gold Silver and Bronze

Most Crests, especially with schools (High Schools), are enameled in the school’s colours. Some of the crests are finished in gold, silver or bronze. Most often these crests are cast in either metal or plastic. Although most schools do not care what they get as long as the price and the look are similar, the metal crest is more popular. Plastic used to be cheaper but with better techniques metal is now similar in cost unless you get into higher quantities. Plastic also offered the ability to produce fewer crests. Today that is not the factor. Metal crest can be made in lots of 25 – although the price is cheaper at 50 units. Metal gives the plaque a heavier finish and has a higher intrinsic value. Most people, if asked, would rather have a metal casting as opposed to a plastic casting. … Continue Reading

Selling Award Programs-Recognition Programs

This was an article I did years ago that I used to give when I was training Ad Speciality sales reps on how to sell and where to see awards and recognition programs.

Question: Why sell Recognition Programs? – Recognition Programs

Answer : To diversify and expand your existing customer base which will lead to greater sales and higher earning potential It is estimated that the recognition award business in Canada is in excess of 400 million dollars. … Continue Reading