COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING LASER CUTTING AND LASER ENGRAVING
How much is your minimum charge?
We have a minimum charge of R287.50 that applies to sampling, prototyping and one off small scale jobs.
How can I get a quote?
You may Contact us or use our Order Form
We quote by estimating the time it will take to complete your laser cutting or laser engraving jobs including all the vectoring (if required) laser cutting, laser engraving and labour. Sometimes we also need to work on your drawings and develop your idea further so it’s ready for the laser. Plus materials.
Can you give me a quote over the phone from a description?
Unfortunately we can’t give quotes over the phone for the reasons described above (so please don’t try!) You’ll need to send us data to quote from.
I don’t have a vector file yet, can you give me a rough quote?
If you are not quite ready with a vector file, but just want to get an idea of how much a project will cost (to judge the scope of a project for a client for example,) we can supply an approximate quote, but you’ll need to send us the following information:
A *2D mockup / sketch of the parts to convey visually the details of your parts. The most important thing for us is getting an idea of the detail of cutting or engraving involved since costs are calculated by estimating laser time.
You may also send over a photo or image to support your mockup if it helps convey the detail. (*Please don’t just send photographs of objects,
All mockups / scans need to include all relevant dimensions in mm.
Include the quantity you need as if sending a standard job.
Include details of the material type and thickness. If supplying your material(s) or object(s) please specify the sheet size / or object dimensions you will be sending.
The mockup can be sent in any file type that we can view, a scan of a hand sketch (JPG, GIF, TIFF, PDF), a mock-up in photoshop / illustrator, paint, etc…. it’s up to you.
Note: quotes supplied from non vector data are benchmarks guide only. They may be subject to change when final drawings are sent over to us. We reserve the right to alter quotes at any time.
How large can you laser cut / engrave?
Our maximum cutting area is 1200mm x 1200mm
Do you hold stock of all of the materials displayed in the gallery?
Not everything, we keep stock of the most readily used materials types, sheet sizes and thicknesses. Lesser requested materials types / larger sheet sizes and thicknesses will need to be special ordered from our suppliers. This will be factored into the overall turnaround time of your job when supplied with a quotation. The special order charge will also be factored into the material charge on your quotation.
The website material pages gives an indication if a material is stock, special order, or if you need to supply.
We have a very quick delivery service from our supplier network. Most materials can be delivered within one working day.
Can I supply my own materials?
Yes of course. Lots of our clients send us their materials and objects to be cut and engraved. Not everything is laser friendly though so you’ll need to give us details of the materials you want to work with so we can advise if it’s possible for us to work with them.
If the material is not something we have come across before, we’ll need to test it on the machine so to establish the optimum cutting / engraving settings. You’ll need to provide us with excess material for us to test.
The only material that we can’t work with is PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) and any other plastics that contain chlorides. This is because the fumes emitted when processing kill the machines! This unfortunately includes a lot of sticky back vinyl so we tend to avoid it.
If you are supplying us with a plastic fabric material you’ll need to make sure you acquire the necessary documentation to demonstrate the material properties and to verify it contains no PVC or any other Chlorides.
Can you cut Metals?
Yes. We can cut brass, copper, mild steel and stainless steel sheet metal. We can also mark these metals and metal laminates.
I need to discuss a job in detail, can I come to speak to you in person?
Yes you can, but any visits to the studio to discuss a project need to be booked in advance and you will and a consultation fee will be included in the final invoice. Please send us an email or give us call to book your consultation time.
Can I drop into you studio any time to have something laser cut or engraved?
Unfortunately not, all jobs need to go through our quoting procedure and need to be confirmed in advance. Once a job is confirmed it goes into our job queue. There is usually up to 2-3 days work progress on any given day meaning we rarely have a machine that is not in use.
We do offer a rush job service (Same day or within 24hrs) if we can manage it. This is charged at a premium rate as we need to interrupt work in progress to get your job on the machines. If you would like a quote for a rush job you’ll need to send through your files. and give us an indication of your required deadline.
Can I cut the job myself?
No unfortunately not, we don’t offer a self service. Our machines are only operated by our fully trained staff.
Can I stay in the studio whilst my job is being processed?
Usually the answer is no, unless it is imperative that you need to be there. The studio is a very busy environment. If dropping off your own supply material you will need to leave it with us and come and pick up your job at a pre-arranged time
To read more about the technical specs of laser cutting read about it here.