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FAQS
The Answers to your Questions
We understand that choosing the right laser cutting, engraving, or metal marking service can come with a lot of questions. Whether you're a business looking for precise, high-quality manufacturing or an individual with a custom project in mind, we’re here to help.
This FAQ page is designed to provide clear and detailed answers to the most common questions about our services, materials, design requirements, turnaround times, pricing, and more. We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions and get the best possible results for your project.
Our advanced laser technology allows us to work with a wide range of materials, from wood and acrylic to metals and glass, offering both creative and industrial applications. No matter the complexity of your design, we strive to deliver accuracy, efficiency, and a high-quality finish every time.
If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to discuss your specific requirements and provide expert advice to bring your vision to life.
General Questions
No, unfortunately, it's impossible to give any quotes based on a description. We need to have technical data/artwork to be able to work out quotes. Please see the START HERE (ashfordlasers.co.uk/start-here)section to find out more about our artwork requirements or GET A QUOTE.(ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact/quote)
You will need to send us your laser-ready vector files and full job specifications using our QUOTE FORM.(ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact/quote) This form will give us the information we require to be able to work out a quote for your project.
We need to estimate how long it will take to complete the job from start to finish. We need as much information from you to determine:
• Do we need to work on your artwork; or is it laser-ready?
• If supplying own material – do we will need to test it first?
• Do we need to create a jig to process your job?
• How much material is required to finish the job?
• What is the cost of the material?
• How long will the laser process take?
• Is there any pre-laser or post-laser actions required?
• How many units are needed?
• Is postage required?
As you can see, we need a lot of information to be able to work out a quote.
Getting started is easy! Contact us with the details of your project, and we'll guide you through the process. GET A QUOTE (ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact/quote)today!
Our laser bed size is 1030 x 630mm.
The maximum material size we can fit into the machine is 1030 x 630mm.
For objects to be placed into the machine, the maximum workpiece height is 200mm.
Yes, of course. Many clients send us their materials and objects to be laser cut, engraved or marked.
Although, please note not all materials are laser friendly - we will need to know what it is made from and data sheets for the material may be required to establish whether it's laserable and not toxic.
If we've not used the material before, we will need to test it in the machine to get the correct laser settings; so we will require a piece of additional material to test on.
Yes. We cannot, under any circumstances use any PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) materials, or materials containing PVC. This material emits toxic fumes and not only will it ruin our machine, but it's also very dangerous for us too.
This also includes vinyl, and we will not put it into our machine. However, we do have a separate vinyl cutter specifically for this material; and are now able to source non-PVC vinyl for the laser.
We stock some sheet materials, such as laserply wood and acrylics.
It's impossible for us to hold every material available to us in stock, and as each project is unique, we will have to order in the material(s) needed.
Our trusted suppliers, providing it's in stock, can deliver stock to us, usually the next working day.
Depending on the material, it may need to be a special order. If so, an extra charge will be factored into the material charge on the quotation.
Of course, we'd love to speak to you about your project. Please contact us to arrange an appointment for you to come to us (or for us to come to you) to discuss your project. We do not accept anyone to the office without a pre-arranged appointment.
We also offer online consultations, so if getting to us isn't an option, then BOOK (ashfordlasers.co.uk/book-online)an online consultation with us today!
Unfortunately, no. We are unable to offer our machine for hire due to the premises and fire hazards. Laser machines can only be operated by fully trained staff.
No, we're really sorry, but we don’t have the facilities to allow anyone to stay. We most certainly will have other jobs to process and yours will be placed in a job queue which can take up to 5 days to process.
You can, of course, drop off materials and collect the finished project at a pre-arranged time.
Whether you're dropping off materials, collecting your completed project or wanting to discuss your project, you will need to make an appointment to come to the office. You can contact us HERE.(ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact)
Unfortunately, we cannot accept anyone who just turns up at the door and you will be turned away.
Yes of course you can. We can make a sample of your project first before the full production goes ahead. We will need to charge for this as we still need to go through the process of producing the sample. We can quote for this, but it may fall into our Minimum Order Price.
Yes we do. Our minimum order is £80.00. This price includes our set up fee, basic design/amendments and up to 15 mins of laser time.
Unfortunately we do not work with or ship to international clients. Customs clearances, taxes and other formalities make it difficult for us to ship internationally.
Yes we do. There are a number of our clients who need this service, and we can quote on assembly and fulfilment services as required.
Yes we can. We are lucky to be able to facilitate large quantity orders.
Our preferred method of payment is via Bank Transfer. We also accept all major credit/debit cards which can be used via a secure link we send to you.
Our average turnaround time is 5-7 working days – depending on the job in hand. Obviously larger projects will take longer, and smaller projects may take less.
It depends on what jobs we already have in the workshop.
We offer a 24hr and 48hr service, which is charged at a premium rate, as we will need to place our current work on hold to process your order.
If you need your project done in short notice, please state this on the QUOTE FORM.(ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact/quote)
Artwork File Questions
We will need your files to be set up as vector files. Please see our START HERE,(ashfordlasers.co.uk/start-here) LASER CUTTING ARTWORK or LASER ENGRAVING ARTWORK guidelines for detailed information on how to get your files laser-ready.
You can also download our free PDF Artwork Guidelines HERE.(ashfordlasers.co.uk/subscribe)
Vector files are made up of paths allowing for precise lines and shapes ideal for laser cutting and engraving. Raster files are composed of pixels and are commonly used for images. For more information on this, please see our START HERE (ashfordlasers.co.uk/start-here)page.
We typically accept vector file formats such as .CDR, .AI, .SVG, .DXF, and .PDF. If you’re unsure whether your file is compatible, feel free to CONTACT (ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact)us for assistance.
We typically accept vector file formats such as .CDR, .AI, .SVG, .DXF, and .PDF. If you’re unsure whether your file is compatible, feel free to CONTACT (ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact)us for assistance.
Absolutely! If your design isn’t in the required format, our team can help guide you through the process or convert your files. Just get in touch, and we’ll ensure your artwork is ready to go.
If you don't have any vector files yet and want to get a rough idea of how much your project is going to cost, we can give you a rough estimate based on the following information:
We will need from you:
If laser cutting:
• a sketch of all the parts needed to be laser cut, including dimensions, in mm, of each part.
• a sketch, photo or image to show how the finished product will look.
• quantity of each part or units
• the material type and thickness
• the material sheet size (if providing your own)
If engraving or marking an object:
• a photo of the object to be engraved
• the dimensions of the object
• a sketch or image of the engraving
• quantity of objects
• the material of the object
Estimates produced from non-vector data are guidelines only and are subject to change once we receive the final vector artwork. We reserve the right to alter estimates and quotes at any time.
Laser Cutting Questions
Our laser bed is 1030 x 630mm which is the maximum cutting area we can accommodate at this time.
The maximum material thickness we can cut depends on the material used.
Typically, the maximum the laser can cut is approx. 10mm.
The laser is more comfortable at a cutting thickness of 7-8mm.
Get in touch (ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact)with us so we can guide you on the best options for your project.
We can laser cut a wide variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, MDF, leather, paper, cardboard, certain metals, and more. For specific material inquiries, feel free to CONTACT (ashfordlasers.co.uk/contact)us!
Our laser cutting services are highly precise, with an accuracy of up to 0.1mm, ensuring intricate details and clean edges for your designs.
Yes! You can send us your own digital design files (such as DXF, SVG, or AI formats) for custom laser cutting. If you need assistance with design or adjustments, our team is happy to help.
Turnaround times vary depending on the complexity and size of your project.
Generally, laser cutting projects take a 5 – 7 working days to complete.
For larger or more complex designs, we’ll provide an estimated completion time in advance.
Laser Engraving Questions
Our laser bed size is 1030 x 630mm.
The maximum material size we can fit into the machine is 1030 x 630mm.
For objects to be placed into the machine, the maximum workpiece height is 200mm.
We use a process called annealing on bare metals which leaves a permanent mark on the metal.
We also engrave on powder coated metals which takes off the powder layer, leaving the bare metal showing - please see our Laser Marking Service for more information.
Laser engraving is ideal for materials such as wood, acrylic, glass, stone, leather, and more. Each material reacts differently, so we’ll recommend the best engraving process for your specific project.
Absolutely! We can engrave custom text, logos, designs, or images onto a variety of materials. Simply provide us with your artwork or idea, and we’ll bring it to life.
Laser engraving creates deeper, more permanent marks by removing material from the surface, while laser etching produces a less deep mark by melting the surface material to create a contrasting effect. Both are highly precise techniques, but the choice depends on the desired effect.
Yes, laser engraving excels at fine details, including small text, intricate patterns, and delicate designs.
We can engrave text as small as 1mm, depending on the material.
The time it takes for laser engraving depends on the size and complexity of your design. Simple engravings can be completed in a matter of minutes, while more detailed designs may take longer.
Metal Marking Questions
Laser marking on metal involves using a laser to change the surface properties of the metal without removing material. Annealing, a specific type of laser marking, uses heat to create a high-contrast, permanent mark on the surface of metals like stainless steel.
We can mark a variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminium, brass, titanium, and more. Each metal reacts differently, so we customise the process to achieve the best results.
Annealing is a process where a laser heats the metal surface, causing a chemical change that creates a permanent mark, typically a dark or light contrast, without removing any material. It is often used for fine details, serial numbers, and logos on metals.
Yes, laser marking, especially annealing, creates permanent, highly durable marks that won’t fade or wear off over time, even with exposure to harsh conditions.
Laser engraving removes material from the surface to create a deeper mark, while laser marking, such as annealing, uses heat to change the colour of the metal without removing material. Marking is typically used for finer, more subtle details, while engraving is better for deeper, more tactile markings.
Yes! Laser engraving can be used on powder-coated metals to remove the coating and reveal the metal underneath, creating a contrasting, detailed design. This is ideal for creating custom logos, text, or artwork.
The laser engraving process is precise and focused only on the area being engraved, so it won’t damage the surrounding powder coating. It’s important to note that only the area directly engraved will lose the coating, while the rest of the surface remains intact.
When laser engraving powder-coated metals, the laser vaporises the coating in the engraved area, exposing the bare metal beneath. The result is a sharp, high-contrast design with a clean edge.
Laser engraving works well on powder-coated steel, aluminium, and other metals that have been coated. However, the quality of the engraving can vary depending on the thickness and type of coating, so we recommend a sample test if you're unsure.
Full-area engraving can be done on powder-coated metals, but for larger designs, it may be more time-consuming. For large-scale custom engravings, we’ll discuss the project requirements with you to ensure the best approach.
Personalisation Questions
Absolutely! Primarily yes, we can personalise many gifts to add a special touch to them. However, please get in touch with us first, before purchasing your gift, to see whether we can personalise it.
As we are a service business, we don't create products to sell.
However, our sister company Dreams & Confetti Designs may have something for you – please check out the website as there are many personalised gifts available for any occasion.
If it's simple text like Happy Birthday; a small message or similar, we will create the artwork for you.
If you wanted something more complicated, like a logo or graphic we ask that you create it and provide it for us to use.
Unfortunately, due to copyright laws, we do NOT engrave ANY copyrighted logos, images or graphics.
Ready to Bring your Ideas to Life?
Contact us today for a quote or consultation, and let’s create something exceptional together!
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