Apollo Laser Engraving, LLC
Established in 2007 as a business offering a wide variety of laser engraving products and services, Apollo Laser Engraving began creating new and unique designs of acrylic products such as music boxes, recipe boxes, memory boxes, table center pieces and planters.
In early 2008 we purchased the rights to artwork which allowed rapid expansion into a fascinating line of wood products, the “Laser Tribute Plaques”.
When we first offered these products they were crafted in the traditional manner using traditional materials and assembly techniques. Although very nice, we did not feel that the original products measured up to the “Heirloom Quality” Apollo wished to achieve for our customers.
To assure a product of the highest quality we established strict control measures. Construction materials and crafting techniques were improved, old artwork was modified and new artwork created to bring a product to you that your grandchildren’s grandchildren will enjoy. That is our goal. To craft an “Heirloom” for you that will be valued for all time.
The process of crafting Tribute Plaques:
The process begins with the cutting of 1/8 inch thick “Baltic Birch” plywood from Russia. The plywood sheets measure 5’ X 5’ and must be cut down to fit inside the laser equipment. Although the machines can handle pieces 12”X 24” we cut the wood into one foot squares. We found that cutting the wood initially to the size slightly larger than our plaque helped to prevent warping.
Next comes the most difficult part of the process. Even the most generic plaques have some degree of custom design work that needs to be done. We hand draw our designs using a computer drawing program and a mouse. When photographs are required in the design we must “de-pixelize” the photo to make it engravable. This is a painstaking process which requires skill and experience even with the aid of a computer. After the artwork is complete it is sent to the laser burner along with speed, heat, frequency and customizable settings required to both engrave and cut the wood. The laser burner first engraves the portions of the plaque to be engraved and then cuts through the wood where required in order to produce the “rough” pieces for making the plaque.
After the “rough” pieces of the plaque are created, all visible portions of the wood are hand sanded, stained and/or colored as needed.
When all components of the project are dried the plaque is finally assembled* in a layered fashion which gives the plaque depth and dimension.
Finally, the plaque is coated with clear polyurethane to give it a glossy appearance and add to the durability of the produce.
*Assembly – Our gluing process is one of the major components that sets our products apart from our competition . This procedure remains a guarded secret with enough being said that the adhesive used in our plaque is the most important part of the process. The adhesives are of the highest quality to provide the “Heirloom” quality products we are proud to put our name on.
