[TX_kiwi]

Awesome Jason,

I'd really like to see what this looks like on Six Stripe Sopranos!

Sopranos have only a thin layer of the main color laid over the base material which is the contrasting color of the stripes. The lazering would not have to go very deep to get down to the contrast.

[H4tfan]

Originally Posted by TX_kiwi

Awesome Jason,

I'd really like to see what this looks like on Six Stripe Sopranos!

Sopranos have only a thin layer of the main color laid over the base material which is the contrasting color of the stripes. The lazering would not have to go very deep to get down to the contrast.

Sounds good. I'll order some Sopranos a create some samples. Thanks.

[JHickle]

Jason-
PM sent.

Jim

[Double Eagle]

I am anxious to see how this process works with various chips. Any updates?

[TenPercenter]

Jason is trying something for me, designed by Fins to be put on Super Diamonds. Jason feel free to post the results at-will.

[Double Eagle]

Any updates?

[H4tfan]

I've worked with the Super Diamonds and the Sopranos. The results varied in many ways. I'll take some photos and display them shortly.

Thanks,
Jason

[H4tfan]

The plastic chips have been 'fun' to work with so far. They are prone to melting and each design and color holds a different secret in creating a clear mark. So far the laser process on plastic is time consuming and is likely to be more costly than what would seem reasonable for a plastic poker chip. Keep in mind that my tests are still evolving to find the perfect mix of time and quality.

The Sopranos look promising. The White edgespot color is very deep into the chip and lasering to the depth needed to expose the White is not reasonable. Look closely, the following photo shows melting in the Gray chip. I have more work to do here to eliminate the melting and I haven't acquired all of the colors available in the Soprano line for complete testing.


The Black Soprano is great to work with. The contrasting results are incredible.


I had sent Greg a Super Diamond sample. The sample I sent represented what I would be willing to do for .15¢ worth of machine time. The quality of the mark was good, but the depth was shallow and didn't give a good contrast from the original surface. Greg wasn't impressed with the sample and neither would you. The Super Diamonds are very prone to melting and I'm still working with them to find an acceptable compromise. The following photo shows what I can do so far with the Super Diamond. As of now, this process is lengthy and would cost .50¢ each for 2 sides.

[TX_kiwi]

Hi Jason,

Wow - the Sopranos look great! Not surprised that the grey is performing differently, they feel to be a harder plastic than the rest (the white is also harder and slick - more so than the grey). If you rub Sopranos on paper then most colors leave transfer (like a crayon). However the grey less so and the white not at all.

At only 8c for the raw chip for Sopranos, it still might be attractive even if your cost is higher.

I notice that the samples of Faux Clay and Sopranos have been created by removing background material to leave the numerals and text as raised and the original color. If you do it in reverse (i.e. only burn the text and numerals so that they are sunken) what does it look like? Would this reduce your time and effort and therefore, reduce the per chip cost?

This might also make it possible to get a Soprano down to the base white if the text was fine enough (since you are not removing so much material), or is melting the limitation on depth?

[H4tfan]

Originally Posted by TX_kiwi

If you rub Sopranos on paper then most colors leave transfer (like a crayon).

I have seen color transfer on other chip designs as well. I haven't made the time to test this, but some time I'd like to start testing chips for lead content. I wouldn't be surprised if some chips have a significant lead content and could pose a health hazard from use.

Originally Posted by TX_kiwi

I notice that the samples of Faux Clay and Sopranos have been created by removing background material to leave the numerals and text as raised and the original color. If you do it in reverse (i.e. only burn the text and numerals so that they are sunken) what does it look like? Would this reduce your time and effort and therefore, reduce the per chip cost?

The laser effect in reverse will look fine and will be faster for the machine. The cost for the laser process is based on machine time. As this project has progressed, I feel that my price is extremely reasonable for custom laser work. Please remember that creating artwork, sending samples, building laser files, changing parts, cleaning parts, packaging and advertising have not been included in my pricing.

Originally Posted by TX_kiwi

This might also make it possible to get a Soprano down to the base white if the text was fine enough (since you are not removing so much material), or is melting the limitation on depth?

There is a melt/depth/quality issue for each chip. The process is an art form and requires time and patience to find the best way. With text, the deeper we go, the bolder it needs to be. The white in the Sopranos isn't an option. By the time I reach the White area, I have a mess.