Custom Engraving Price Breakdown

Setup Fee: $25

The setup fee generally covers the initial costs associated with preparing a design for engraving and getting the machine ready to create the custom item. While the specifics can vary by vendor, here are some common components that fall under a setup fee for laser engraving:

1. Design Processing

- Artwork Preparation: If you provide artwork that needs editing or adjustment (such as resizing, converting to a vector file, or tweaking the design for optimal engraving), the setup fee includes this work.

- File Conversion:* Laser engraving machines typically require vector files (like .AI, .EPS, or .SVG) or high-resolution raster files. If you submit artwork in a non-compatible format (e.g., a low-resolution .jpg), the setup fee may cover some or all of the the cost of converting the file into the correct format.

- Design Customization: If you need custom text added, logos incorporated, or other design tweaks to fit the engraving surface, this may be included in the setup cost.

2. Engraving Machine Calibration & Setup

- Laser Calibration: The machine must be calibrated to work with specific materials and sizes. If you’re using a custom or uncommon material, the setup fee may include the time spent adjusting settings for optimal engraving quality.

- Fixture Setup: In some cases, certain objects (like cylindrical items or oddly shaped pieces) may require special fixtures or jigs to hold them securely during engraving. The setup fee can cover the labor and materials needed to create or adjust these fixtures.

Operation Costs: $2 per minute

Sample Testing

- Test Engraving: To ensure the design will engrave properly and that the machine settings are correct, a test engraving is often performed. The cost of the materials and time spent performing the test is typically covered by the setup fee.

Material Preparation

- Surface Prep: Some materials need to be cleaned, sanded, or treated before engraving to ensure a high-quality result. This may involve removing debris, oils, or coatings that could affect the engraving.

- Masking/Protective Coating: Certain materials may require masking or coating to protect the surface from damage during the engraving process. This could be part of the setup charge.

- Engraving image, logo, design, ect. on material.

- Post engraving cleaning, sanding, treating, ect.

- Installation of any additional hardware to be added to product (handles, hooks, ect.)

While operating costs can not be specified until after the product has been completed, generally, an estimated cost can be provided. Some products take more time than others to complete.