Finding new and unique customizable items that will allow you to both expand your capabilities and capitalize on your existing engraving technology can be a daunting task. The task is even more challenging given the overwhelming number of both traditional and specialized award and gift items that currently proliferate the market. However, this search can be both highly rewarding and quickly resolved by employing rotary-axis engraving technology, which is capable of handling a vast selection of applications and materials.

Typically offered by specialty engravers and fine artists, personalized wine and champagne bottles (See Image 5) can be easily engraved using a rotary-axis engraver. Such items offer a perception of luxury and a dual award for the recipient; they get to enjoy the wine plus keep the bottle as a lasting memento. In addition to offering engraved wine bottles to your corporate clientele, you may find it profitable to partner with businesses in your area that cater to special events, such as wedding photographers and planners.

Image 1: Proper fixturing ensures the bottle is securely held during the engraving process. Image 2 (below): A laser pointer system dramatically reduces mistakes and simplifies operation. Image 3: A re-circulating water system eliminates wear and poor engraving results.

Unlike other cost-prohibitive engraving methods, a rotary-axis engraver requires little to no investment beyond the initial purchase of the machine. This method of engraving doesn’t require the use of expensive cutters, potentially unreliable masking techniques or gritty and caustic materials. In addition, rotary-axis engraving allows for unattended operation, saving valuable time and money, making this a cost-effective addition for any awards and engraving professional looking to incorporate personalized wine and champagne-inspired awards to their overall product offering.

Glass applications are often said to be tricky, but with a rotary-axis engraver, the process of producing an exceptional wine-inspired award is almost effortless. With the proper equipment, getting started is as simple as having a great design and software to prepare the file for engraving. Today, many engravers come bundled with their own software for a complete solution. If not, there are a number of commercially available programs that will allow you to quickly design and create a layout that is suitable for glass applications.

Before starting the engraving process, there are some additional technical concerns that should be addressed. One critical consideration is the fixturing (See Image 1) of the glass item, as it is important to ensure the bottle is securely held in place during the process. While most rotary-axis engravers include glass fixturing, it is one of those key items that can affect the overall execution and finished product. (See Image 2)

Other key considerations for glass engraving include whether your machine includes a laser pointer system, which simplifies the setup process and ensures that only the intended area is engraved, dramatically reducing mistakes. Additionally, an engraver equipped with a re-circulating water filtration system (See Image 3) is preferred, since it captures excess glass particles left behind by the engraving process that can lead to tool wear or poor engraving results. These machine features are especially critical when engraving expensive items such as rare vintages of wine and champagne.

For engraving wine and champagne bottles or any other glass items, using a rotating diamond cutter, sometimes called a rotating diamond burnisher, will allow you to achieve high-quality, permanent engraving. With a diamond tip and faceted edges, the burnisher actually cuts smoothly into the surface of the glass, giving you the depth required for applying finishing details such as color fills (See Image 4) that lend to the overall beauty of the design.

With a rotary-axis engraver, gaining access to new and exciting markets is as simple as setting up the machine. Flexible by design, these machines are not only equipped to handle traditional awards and engraving needs, but powerful enough to tackle the most demanding of specialty applications such as wine and champagne applications. In the end, creating wine-inspired awards is simply one application of many that are possible with a little imagination and the use of a rotary-axis engraver.