A&A QUALITY CRYSTALS

WE DO CUSTOMIZATION BY LASER ENGARAVING AND SAND BLASTING

Crystal Sandblasting is a general term used to describe the act of propelling very fine bits of material at high-velocity to etch the surface of crystal glass.

Sand used to be the most commonly used material, but since silicosis (a lung disease) is caused by extended inhalation of the dust created by sand, other materials are now used in its place. Any small, relatively uniform particles will work, such as steel grit, copper slag, walnut shells, powdered abrasives. Due to the dangers of inhaling dust during the process, sandblasting needs to be carefully controlled, using an alternate air supply, protective wear, and proper ventilation.

In decorative glass, award and recognition industries, crystal sandblasting is frequently referred to as "deep-etch engraving". It is a wonderfully popular technique, with few substitutes. While hand-carving is possible, it is incredibly time consuming and skill demanding; acid-etching is extremely dangerous & noxious; and laser-etching has a range of flaws which make it a questionable choice.

To etch the crystal glass, the abrasive is blasted onto the crystal surface lightly to turn the glass semi-opaque. This 'whiting' or 'snowing' of the glass can be used to create various effects on words, images and/or logos.

Crystal Sandblasting is a general term used to describe the act of propelling very fine bits of material at high-velocity to etch the surface of crystal glass.

Sand used to be the most commonly used material, but since silicosis (a lung disease) is caused by extended inhalation of the dust created by sand, other materials are now used in its place. Any small, relatively uniform particles will work, such as steel grit, copper slag, walnut shells, powdered abrasives. Due to the dangers of inhaling dust during the process, sandblasting needs to be carefully controlled, using an alternate air supply, protective wear, and proper ventilation.

In decorative glass, award and recognition industries, crystal sandblasting is frequently referred to as "deep-etch engraving". It is a wonderfully popular technique, with few substitutes. While hand-carving is possible, it is incredibly time consuming and skill demanding; acid-etching is extremely dangerous & noxious; and laser-etching has a range of flaws which make it a questionable choice.

To etch the crystal glass, the abrasive is blasted onto the crystal surface lightly to turn the glass semi-opaque. This 'whiting' or 'snowing' of the glass can be used to create various effects on words, images and/or logos.