Question 1

What metals can you laser engrave?

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel, bare and anodised aluminium, brass, copper, bronze, titanium, silver, gold, chrome-plated items, and powder-coated or painted metal such as tumblers and bottles. If you are unsure about an item, send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will confirm.

Question 2

How do you engrave metal?

Accepted Answer

We use a fibre laser, which focuses a beam of light so finely that it changes or removes a microscopic layer of the metal surface. Depending on the settings it leaves a black mark, a bright frosted mark, a recessed engraving or even a colour, with no ink, tools or pressure on the piece.

Question 3

Where can I get metal engraved in Dublin?

Accepted Answer

At our studio in Bluebell, Dublin 12, by appointment, or send the details online and post or drop off the item. Most items are engraved within a few days and we deliver anywhere in Ireland.

Question 4

What laser do you use for metal?

Accepted Answer

A 60W MOPA fibre laser with a 300 x 300mm engraving field and a rotary axis. MOPA lasers let us adjust the pulse width as well as power and speed, which is what makes colour engraving on stainless steel, deep black marks and very fine detail possible.

Question 5

Can you engrave colour onto metal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on stainless steel and titanium. The laser heats a thin surface layer to a precise temperature to grow a coloured oxide, giving gold, bronze, purple, blue and teal tones without any ink or paint. Colour engraving is not possible on aluminium or brass.

Question 6

Can you engrave tumblers, mugs and bottles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The rotary axis turns cylindrical items under the laser so we can engrave a logo or name on one side, or a full 360 degree wrap. Stainless and powder-coated tumblers, hip flasks, water bottles, enamel mugs and metal pens all work well.

Question 7

How big an area can you engrave on metal?

Accepted Answer

Up to 300 x 300mm in one pass on flat items. Larger plates can often be engraved in aligned sections. Cylindrical items are limited by length and diameter, so send the size and a photo for anything unusual.

Question 8

Is metal engraving permanent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Unlike printing or stickers, the laser changes the metal surface itself, so the mark will not peel, rub off or fade in sunlight. Deep engraving and black annealing marks are used on tools and equipment that face daily wear and washing.

Question 9

How much does metal engraving cost?

Accepted Answer

Engraving starts from 12 euro per tumbler, 3.50 euro per metal business card, 6 euro per tag, 15 euro per jewellery piece and 2 euro per marked part, with a minimum order of 80 euro. All prices include VAT. Per-unit prices drop with quantity, so send the item, quantity and artwork for an exact price.

Question 10

Can I bring my own items to be engraved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bring your own tumbler, watch, knife, tool, plaque or jewellery, or post it to us. We check the material and run a test mark where needed before engraving the real piece.

Question 11

Which metal is traditional for each wedding anniversary?

Accepted Answer

Copper for the 7th, bronze for the 8th, tin or aluminium for the 10th, steel for the 11th, silver for the 25th and gold for the 50th. We engrave gifts in all of them, from copper mugs and steel watches to silver pendants.

Question 12

How long does metal engraving take?

Accepted Answer

Simple one-off items are usually ready in 1 to 3 working days. Branded batches of 50 or more are typically 5 to 10 working days from artwork approval. Rush jobs are often possible, just ask.