About Sandcarving
Sandblasting is the process of combining an abrasive media with air and forcibly propelling it in a stream onto a surface to create an abrasion of the surface. Traditionally sandblasting is used for industrial applications such as cleaning surfaces or removing paint.
Sandcarving is the term used for using sandblasting as a method of engraving. To Sandcarve you need a stencil to mask the non-engraved area. For engraving purposes a PhotoMask can be used to create fine detail stencils. ProBlast PhotoEtch Systems specialise in supplying engravers with Sandcarving equipment and PhotoMask Resist. With our expert knowledge of the Sandcarving process we are well placed to get you underway with sandcarve engraving.
The Sandcarving process will engrave any surface except for rubber and the process is very simple. You create an artwork, expose the art image onto the PhotoMask resist with UV light, Develop the resist using warm water then apply the stencil to the engraving material and sandblast the item.
Artwork Creation – expose the PhotoMask – Develop in water – Apply – Sandblast.
Why Sandcarving?
Sandcarving provides the most versatile engraving solution available and at very low cost compared to other engraving processes. You can engrave almost anything that is non-rubber and any shape.
Crystal and Glass
Crystal and Glass engraving is done primarily by laser engraving or sandblasting. Laser Engraving produces a dull inferior quality finish to the sharp and bright etched look of Sandcarving. Laser engravers are hit and miss on some qualities of glass but Sandblasting produces the same crisp result no matter what glass or crystal is used.
Metal Etching
Sandcarving provides a superb solution to metal engraving needs. Whilst it does not produce depth it creates a surface etching that when paint filled looks fantastic and becomes permanent.
Sandcarving stainless steel is a very profitable process as it is much quicker than traditional cutter engraving styles. For example an A4 opening ceremony plaque with typical text and logo can be etched, paint filled and cleaned up in just 40 minutes.
Timber Etching
Of course laser engravers can etch timber but they leave a streaky finish based on the variable density of the grain. With Sandcarving you get sharp edges and good depth which is then paint filled which makes it look like the best laser engraving you’ll ever see in timber as the paint (normally black) looks like a burnt laser finish but does not have the streaky look.
Stone Etching
Sandcarving does a magnificent job of stone etching. Granite, marble, rocks can all be etched easily with high definition detail.
