At Crystal Galleries, we specialise in creating stunning glass awards and tableware, leading the UK trade only sales since 1983. Our secret? Sandblast engraving - a technique combining age-old craftsmanship with modern precision. Today, we're excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we transform our glass into extraordinary items for you and your customers.
What is Sand Blast Engraving?
Sandblast engraving is a process where we use high-pressure air mixed with fine abrasive materials to etch designs onto glass surfaces. This technique, refined over decades, allows for unparalleled precision and depth, making it perfect for detailed and lasting engravings.
Our Process
Customer Services: The First Step of the Journey
Our journey begins with the Customer Services team, the friendly voices and helpful guides who take your orders, generate your quotes and answer your queries. They set the foundation for your project, ensuring that your vision and requirements are clearly communicated and understood. Their co-ordination with the Artwork Department kickstarts the design process, setting the stage for the transformation of your ideas into physical orders.
Artwork Department: Crafting Your Vision
The Artwork Department is where your ideas begin to take visual form. Our artwork team expertly handle the artwork you provide, refining and adapting it for the unique demands of the engraving process. They create precise digital proofs for your approval before proceeding to production. This stage is crucial to make sure your customer gets exactlywhat they require on each award they are after.
Stencil Department: Mapping the Masterpiece
The Stencil Department plays a pivotal role in turning approved proofs into physical stencils. They are the bridge between design and physical creation, preparing job bags and stencils that guide the subsequent production stages. Their attention to detail ensures accuracy and consistency, laying down the blueprint for the order.
Warehouse: Selecting the Perfect Canvas
Our warehouse team are in charge of picking each individual item for each order and double checking for any defects that may have arisen in the glass before they go through to production for engraving.
Application Department: The Art of Detail
The Application Department is where precision meets art. Here, the stencils are carefully cut and hand-applied to the glass. This delicate process demands a steady hand and an unwavering attention to detail, ensuring that each stencil is perfectly aligned for the engraving process.
Engraving Department: Where Magic Happens
At the heart of our production lies the Engraving Department. Our skilled engravers bring your design to life through sandblast engraving, a process that requires a blend of delicate artistry and precise technique. Each piece of glass is transformed by hand, with every item carefully checked with a fine toothcomb.
Packing Department: The Final Touch
The journey concludes in our Packing Department, where your engraved glassware is meticulously washed, dried and packed. This team ensures that your product is securely packaged, ready for its journey to you. Their attential to detail guarantees that your order arrives in perfect condition.
Benefits of Sand Blast Engraving
Our sand blast engraving offers deep, crisp, and precise designs that are not only visually stunning but also durable. This method creates a tactile and elegant finish that stands the test of time compared to other available options.
Caring for Sand Blast Engraved Products
Our engraved products are easy to maintain. Simple cleaning with a soft cloth and glass cleaner will keep your award or tableware looking splendid for years.
Sand blast engraving is more than just a technique; it's an engraving method that we've perfected over years. We take pride in every piece we create, to make sure every item meets your expectations.
Interested in elevating your awards or tableware with our exquisite sand blast engraving? Contact our sales team today to find out more.