The actual images are engraved inside via laser. The technique is called subsurface engraving. Essentially a single high-intensity pulse laser beam is focused into optically pure crystal. The laser can be tracked and moved about on a x, y and z axis basis. When the laser is fired, it vaporizes the crystal making a microscopic cut point, and then moves on to do another point. (This is referred to as micro-ionization.) As literally thousands of points are cut, the light that passes through the crystal is refracted at these cut points. The human eye sees the refracted light "the pixels" as an image that appears suspended inside the crystal.

Before we can do any laser engraving we have to model any images, or text in three dimensions. We utilize advanced animation and graphic design software to focus on perfecting one frame that will capture a moment in time within crystal. (This software is what the Hollywood studios use to create feature film special effects and animation.) Once we have the scene built, we take it into further specialized software where it is point co-ordinated for laser crystal engraving.

We also get numerous requests to take photographs and reproduce them in crystal. We can do this two ways; One by taking a 3-D photo with our specially designed camera and then laser engrave the image into the crystal. The other by laser scribing a 2-D photo into flat crystal. The result is a high-definition pixel photo crystal that captures your favorite photos in timeless crystal. Our 3-D production process for non-photographical items such as a hummingbird is nicely explained in our Home page section. We call it "From Concept to Completion".

How is Suspended Images quality better? Back To Top

Our crystal products are recognized by our clients as being the best in the industry. We are very proud of this and would like you to stress that when talking to your prospects. While there are other companies that produce 3-D laser engraving, we are noted for our superior design work and reputation for delivering on time, every time.
Our manufacture's laser technology is state of the art and their experts keep it precisely calibrated. Many companies tend to run jobs as fast as they can, compromising the image resolution in the crystal. We find that because we use a high numbers of dot points, it makes our designs more exact, and we have the ability to create larger crystals without distortions.

What images can be put inside? Back To Top

We can take virtually any object, logo, or text and laser engrave it into crystal. And we can do theme pieces, for motivation, recognition etc… What corporate message do you want to convey? Because all we do is crystal design, we can help you in making the most from your work. We will work with you to create the best 3-D look, and we would be happy to meet with you and present a written formal proposal for your project. Big or small, each client is treated with the same degree of respect and attention to detail.

What about crystal from other offshore producers? Back To Top

Being close at hand in North America, with sales, design and production facilities under one roof means that we are on top of project parameters. We work close at hand with you to ensure your project remains on track, on time and on budget.

Our experience has proven that custom jobs done in Asia ultimately price out near to or higher than our cost. So be careful if you are shopping solely on cost. Presumably you want to sell quality and the bottom line here is that our products reflect the quality your client wants to convey in their awards and gifts.

What size crystal works best? Back To Top

Think 3D! Consider the overall dimensions of the artwork going into the crystal. Human forms, for example, tend to fit better into upright rectangles than cubes. (After all, we are, for the most part, taller than wider!) Also take into account the size and placement of any text and logos. These factors will very much define the optimum crystal shape. If possible, be flexible to what crystal shape works best until after the design process is completed. Even if price is a factor, remember that artwork can easily be scaled to fit smaller or larger crystal sizes, providing the overall dimensions remain proportional. What is far more difficult is to fit a nice layout into a totally different shape. Contact us and one of our knowledgeable associates will be happy to guide you through the process.

Can you produce spheres and circular shapes? Back To Top

Yes it can be done, but there are caveats. We typically engrave into the flat surface of the crystal at 90 degrees to avoid any laser light refraction. Domes and arcs, although they have curved surfaces, are easy to burn because they also have flat surfaces that allow to 90 degree engraving.

If we have to laser engrave into a completely curved piece, like a sphere, we must take measures to avoid any laser refraction which prohibits the laser's ability to cut effectively. Doing this results in significantly higher costs and complexity. If you need to have spheres or other custom crystal sizes, please contact us and we will advise you as to costs and timing.

What should I factor for design costs? Back To Top

Design charges for the crystal, no matter what the size, are based on the complexity of artwork we have to do or if provided, have to manipulate to fit into the crystal. As a rule of thumb, a corporate logo, along with a line of text is about $200. For award personalization, (i.e. adding an individual's name inside the crystal along with the image) add another $30 per name to the cost of each. In some instances with high quantities we are able to absorb some or all of the design charges.

What are your artwork requirements? Back To Top

2D artwork can be provided as a photograph, black and white or color is both acceptable. We can work with virtually any electronic file or photograph.
3D artwork from animation programs (such as 3D Studio Max or Maya) or CAD files (if you are sending buildings or product designs) should be in a native file format like DXF or IGS.

For text, just email us the actual text content, and indicate the font type, style and approximate size you would like us to use. If text is a custom font treatment, please send us as an Illustrator vector-based file.

For Photos , JPEG, TIFF, PICT or native Photoshop files will do just fine. Pictures scanned at 300 DPI or more are overkill. They slow our systems down and are really not needed. If you are not sure simply contact us (link) by whatever means is best for you and we will attempt to get you the answer promptly.

Do I get a Proof ? Back To Top

A JPEG email attachment proof will be provided on commercial orders, if requested, as the first stage of production upon acceptance of a signed Order Confirmation. The proof will be at no charge.
On personal 3-D photos taken on site the proof is viewed immediately by the customer. There may be a minimal charge of $10.00 for 2-D photos if a proof is requested.

Production Time Back To Top

Normal production time is two weeks from approval of artwork or sample. Quantity orders of 500+ items may take longer. Specific delivery times will be confirmed at the time of order placement.

On personal 2-D or 3-D photos, delivery time will be set at the time of photography or of photo delivery. Delivery time can vary depending on the time of the year or on manufacturing requirements. Please allow as long as possible to avoid rush charges or even worse a disappointment of not having that special piece for your special event.

Rush Shipments Back To Top

Shipments requested in less than two weeks may be subject to an additional rush charge. Please contact Customer Service to determine specific costs.

Shipping Charges and Damages & Breakages Back To Top

Each item will be carefully packed prior to shipment. However, due to the nature of the products, damage may still occur. Suspended Images will handle all claims. In the case of an unlikely incident, contact customer service immediately and a replacement crystal will be rushed to you at No Charge. Suspended Images will make arrangements to get the damaged goods from you.

When you make a purchase at Suspended Images all shipping costs are calculated in our prices. Remember when you look at the price list, shipping is included to your door via courier. Because we use a high quality courier service they insist on a signature upon delivery. Please ensure that someone will be at the location on record during regular business hours to accept the packages. You can have your package re-routed to your work if that is allowed. If you want to have it delivered to one of our kiosks, there is an additional charge of $10.00 per order.

Payment Terms Back To Top

Payment terms for corporate and commercial accounts are 50% payment upon the placement of order, and the balance due upon delivery.

Payment terms for personalized photos or crystals are 100% payment upon placement of the order. Once the crystal is burned it is useless to us. References can be provided if requested. We accept Visa, MasterCard, corporate cheque, cash and money order.

Can I get a 3-D image of a person from a photo? Back To Top

Nothing is impossible, however this would be a very expensive proposition and we would require a photo from all angles of that person. The best and least expensive way is to come in and let us take your picture in 3-D.

Can I mix 3-D and 2-D? Back To Top

This is not a problem. Many of our designs have been done using this very process. Let us know what you want and we will do our best to help you.

Inventory Availability Back To Top

While every effort is made to maintain all items in inventory, we cannot be held responsible if any item is unavailable. If the item is on our website it means that 99.99% of the time it is available immediately.

Artwork, Logo and Trademark Ownership Back To Top

All liability for the proper use of artwork, logos or trademarks rests with the customer. Suspended Images assumes no liability for ownership, trademark or copyright disputes. We reserve the right to photograph or show as samples, any item produced by us, without any liability as to trademark or artwork rights. All logos shown are for display purposes only. No endorsement of products should be implied. All design work paid for remains the property of the customer.

Guarantee Back To Top

Tell us what you're thinking. Engage us in the creation process. We will take your concept and breathe life into it. We can work from sketches, blueprints, photos, artwork, and CAD files. No art? No problem! Our designers at Crystal Sensations can create custom images from scratch.