Metalphoto is quickly becoming the go to solution for many of our client's toughest problems. The process uses a special matrial, where an image is developed into photo-sensitive anodized aluminum, and then sealed for maximum durability. Today, I want to show how it was used to help provide a solution for 3 specific problems that our customers were having.
Read MoreWhat do you give as a gift to your brother when he is getting married? This special story started when a sister decided to give her brother a wedding present that could be useful AND carry a piece of special family history. Her brother Cliff was getting married on June 20th and she really wanted so to give him that really special gift, that something to remember.
Read MoreWe just completed a job for Bespoke Millwork that we wouldn't have been able to do a couple of months ago because we didn't have the equipment. Their job required laser engraving and laser cutting 5 pieces of 16 gauge stainless steel that you see above. Three of the pieces were 29" wide and 42" tall, and the other 2 pieces were large odd shaped cut-outs. If you have been reading my blogs for a while, you may remember the one where I introduced a new piece of equipment, a 250W Coherent laser (we were getting it set up in the picture below), We put it to use and laser cut all 5 pieces.
The morning started here as usual. Once the computer woke up there was an inquiry to custom engrave a brass bell similar to one in our website gallery. She needed it right away! Well, our work load was full, we don't sell bells, the customer had to provide it, and there was no way she could get one, get it to us, and have it by lunch. As I walked from my desk to the coffee pot, I heard our owner, Lloyd, on the phone talking with someone about a bell. Now, I've only been here for 5 months and this is the first time anyone has asked to have a bell custom engraved, so I thought this must be the same person. Lloyd hung up and I asked if he had been talking to someone about custom engraving a brass bell and he said he had - she would be here in 20 minutes, and we were going to laser engrave it while she waited! I knew our workload was full so I asked what the story was, knowing it had to be good. It was!
Read MoreWant to stand out in the Food Industry? Of course you do. Whether you are a resturant owner, a caterer, the Head Chef, or a supplier to the food service industry, there are a few things to make you or your establishment stand apart from the crowd. Here are a few suggestions
Read MoreAs I was savoring the Rockets win in Game 7 against the Clippers, a thought came to me. The Rockets upgraded their team with key additions, among them Corey Brewer, Josh Smith, and Pablo Prigioni. None of them were here last year and now they all are making a significant impact and have helped take the Rockets to the Western Conference Championship Series. We have just done the same thing at our company, we have upgraded our "team" with another addition, and more are on the way!
Read MoreGrowing pains - they're a part of life, both in our human bodies and our businesses. In our business, it causes stress, excitement, sleepness nights and very busy days. We are experiencing that now and I recently came across an article that had some great points on managing a growing company in a down economy. The article, written by Professor Edward Hess, a Columbia University Professor, who has a long history of working IN the business world. He listed 3 problems with growth and a 4 step way to deal with them, which he calls the "4 Ps of Growth".
Read MoreWhen it comes to laser marking stainless steel, there are two great ways to do it. These two ways are similar at the start - they both require the use of a laser and they make a permanent mark on the metal. However, beyond the start they travel different avenues to get to the finished product. For the sake of this blog I will refer to the two methods as CO2 and Fibermark.
Read MoreIt's a rainy and gloomy Thursday morning and I need my spirit lifted, so I look back at things that have brought me joy. Besides doing our industrial services, we do custom engraving and get to hear a lot of great stories. Recently we were involved in helping a grandfather pass on something important to him to his grandson. Two of the reminders he wanted to "engrave" in his grandson's memory were "being a Texan" and his home, the 222 Ranch. He walked in to our office with a Henry rifle and asked us to engrave in the stock the gate to his ranch and the State Seal of Texas into the receiver. He didn't have a picture of the gate and tried to explain how it looked and said he wasn't in a hurry. So on the next Sunday afternoon that was pretty I went out on my motorcycle, took a few pictures, and brought them in to Chelsie, our graphic designer.
Read MoreDuraBlack is a relatively new product that outperforms laser markable black anodized aluminum and acrylic labels and due to its ease of processing is a lower cost solution for permanent marking. DuraBlack was developed by the maker of Metalphoto. It was engineered to withstand harsh industrial and military operating environments without the extra step of applying a protective topcoat (which is required for Metalphoto) making it more cost effective. It works well for assest management, permanent instructions or identification. DuraBlack is imaged with a marking laser to produce a durable, high-resolution barcode, QR code, or human-readable image.
Ever heard the term "reverse engraved" plastic tags and really didn't know what it meant? Well I've learned that there at least two ways to skin the proverbial cat. When someone mentions "laser engraved plastic tags" I get a picture like the red one in my mind. This is a front engraved plastic tag. It has a white core and a red surface, and we use a laser to etch away the red surface exposing the white core. Note in this picture that the text appears sunk - it is.
Read MoreYou have a ______ (you fill in the blank), and want to make it yours. Whether it is part identification, personalization, or company branding, you can count on us.
We have a wonderful team that makes every job their own, giving their fullest attention to every detail. Mainstreaming our laser engraving department is C. Patrick Gonzales. Meet the man behind our machines .
Read MoreAs we come to the end of another week and the weather is scheduled to be gorgeous this weekend, I started to think about spending time outside. When you go camping or on day trips, it seems that the new beverage containers and coolers of choice are the ones made by Yeti. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary has a short definition of the word yeti: abominal snowman. Yep, that's it. Short and sweet. Wouldn't it be great if everything in life was that simple? I guess they call their product Yeti because it is suppose to keep your beverage "as cold as science will allow."
Read MoreThe metalphoto (photo anodized aluminum) is a great way to insure that your important information remains always readable. Even though it has been around for over 50 years we believe many are missing out because they really don't understand how it can be used and how good it is. I will try to explain the advantages in simple terms.
Read MoreWe're not coming at you with the white gloves or anything. No one is perfect. But your information is there for a reason. Whether it is safety, equipment information, or company branding, your stainless tags and plates need to remain readable. (Not to mention the beauty of stainless really shines when its polished and clean.)
Stainless steel is a popular choice for tags, nameplates, and panels due to the duability and ease of care. While easy to maintain, there are a few best pracitices to keep in mind.
Read MorePeople are important... Giving back is important... Making a difference is important. At Engrave It Houston, we have had the privilege of meeting some fine people who are dedicated to doing just that. Thought you might enjoy their stories from time to time.
We recently were introduced to the Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF), through one of their upcoming events: The Danny Dietz Memorial Team Roping Weekend 5th Annual BBQ Cook-Off/Auction will be held at Fort Bend county Fairgrounds in Rosenburg, May 23-25, 2014. It is going to be a great day to give back to our troops and support the families around them. Come on out for a fun family event!
Read MoreStainless Steel is a popular choice for many applications. The infograpic below features the two most popular grades, their similarities and differences.
Read MoreNo smart manager cuts corners on important projects. The stakes are too high and the conditions too extreme to deliver anything less than your best. Getting the job done requires strength and durability.
We feel the same way about the Metalphoto tags, signs and labels used in many industries, including the oil and gas industry. They’re tested and they’re tough—tough enough to endure the relentless wind, unfiltered UV light, salty sea spray and all manner of weather conditions.
Read MoreSo, you found the PERFECT... whatever you were looking for... and to make it the best ever, you want to make it totally unique. Totally FABULOUS! Custom engraving can be done on almost anything, and it takes your gift to the next level. A special monogram, name, message, or design, will make it one of a kind, a treasured keepsake.
But how much will that cost? Good question! But that's the thing about custom engraving -- it's all custom! There are some things to consider, however, that will help you understand and keep your project within your means.
Read MoreIt doesn't take rocket science to design stainless steel ID tags, but since it's the new year, it a great time to review your process, and make sure 2014 starts off right! Here are a few tips to keep your design simple and straightforward
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