FAQs
How do lasers work?
Detailed explanations from the world of physics abound on the internet, so the best we can offer is the short version. The word laser is an acronym meaning Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Inside the laser tube, carbon dioxide gas is charged by electricity where it reflects off of a series of lenses, gaining strength and definition. The laser tube emits a beam in a series of pulses. The beam is redirected using a series of mirrors before it passes through the final lens (to focus) just prior to hitting the selected material. Again, there are volumes describing lasers, this is only the short short version.
A more practical answer is to think of a laser (in this application) as a large printer. The laser head moves back and forth on the X-axis burning a series of dots into the selected material. The arrangement of these dots will determine the image burned. The laser makes approximately 150 passes per inch along the Y-axis, allowing for tremendous detail.
Which photo should I choose?
In every case, the first and foremost rule is to choose the photo you like best. That being said, there are consequences to using inferior photos. Likewise, higher quality photos will produce better results. I would recommend a digital photo if one is available for the sole reason that digital cameras tend to produce high quality images that are easy to work with. Also, they are easily uploaded to our system, saving you time and headaches. However, if you have a print photo there are two options:
1. Scan your photo to upload or email (I would recommend a 300dpi scan)
2. Mail your photo to Genesis Engraving. We will scan the photo to our specifications. We will return the original photo with the finished product in the condition in which we receive it. If your photo is valuable to you, please note that mailing/shipping photos does not guarantee their safety.
What about copyright?
The truth of today's world is that somebody owns everything. If your photos were professionally taken, you are responsible for obtaining permission to use them. Copyright law states that the photographer owns the photo unless a subsequent contract has released the rights. The unfortunate truth is that we have to consider copyright in our line of work. We ask that you please use discretion in sending us a photo. We promise to do the same in our work. If you have questions, send the photo and we will let you know if it will suit the project.
What material should I choose?
Again, the first rule is to choose the material you like best. There are a few things to consider, though. Regarding the photo itself, brighter photos with a wealth of light/white space tend to work very well on glass. Darker photos tend to work best on wood. A quality photo will produce a fine product regardless of material. Another point to consider is the desired "home" of the finished product. There are instances where a hardwood plaque might not fit the decor of a home or office. Similarly, the same might apply for glass or tile. These two factors are the primary consideration in choosing a material.
What if I want something unusual?
The versatility of the laser system allows us to engrave a great number of materials in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you don't see the material, shape or size you are looking for, never hesitate to contact us to discuss your project. Truth be told, Bob loves a challenge. We look forward to producing unique engraved items for each of our customers.
When do I pay?
We believe that you should not have to pay for a custom product until you see the proof image. When you place your order, YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED TO PAY. Do not be alarmed, this is by design. Within 24-48 hours of your order placement, you will receive an email with a simulation image for your product. These images are not foolproof, but they do provide an accurate representation of the finished item. If you see the image as satisfactory, the email will have a button redirecting you to pay for your purchase via PayPal. We are a verified PayPal merchant. YOU DO NOT NEED A PAYPAL ACCOUNT. You are able to pay via any major credit card.
The payment button you will see in your email will look like this:
In the event that you would rather pay by check or money order, you can mail your payment to the address at the bottom of this page. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE FINAL INVOICE VIA EMAIL to ensure you have the correct total. Make all checks payable to "Genesis Engraving, LLC". Please note that if you pay by these methods, your order will not ship until payment clears, which could take 7-10 business days.
How much can I fit on one item?
Lasers have such a fine point (measured in thousandths of an inch) that there is virtually no limit to what we can "squeeze" onto a single plaque or tile. The more important question involves how much you should fit. This is where our proof image comes in handy. Your proof image will be sent out prior to engraving the final product. This allows you to review your photos/text/clipart to see that they are in proper proportion. If you feel we need to rework the sizing and/or content, we won't rest until you are satisfied with the proof.
Does Genesis Engraving work with any charitable organizations?
Great question. Yes, we do. We have a soft spot for animal rescue organizations. View our Custom Animal Products to see if your favorite pet has made the site yet! A portion of the proceeds from every animal product we sell benefits a rescue organization for that particular animal. Each animal product page describes the particular organization. Even if you don't purchase a product that supports a specific organization, proceeds are divided from every animal product, so help the little buggers out!