How to Source Your Engravable Blanks?

Scaling up your laser engraving business requires efficient sourcing of engravable blanks.

Finding the right engraving materials can be a game-changer for your business, ensuring you deliver high-quality products that meet customer expectations.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sourcing laser engraving blanks, from understanding what they are to finding the best suppliers and preparing your blanks for use.

Key Takeaways

• Understand what laser engraving blanks are and their common materials.
• Discover different types of engravable blanks by material and use.
• Learn how to select the right blanks based on your business needs.
• Identify reliable sources for purchasing engravable blanks.
• Consider important factors before making a purchase.
• Explore preparation techniques for optimal engraving results.
• Get creative project ideas and understand the importance of specialization.
• Learn how to store blanks and the feasibility of making your own.
• Stay updated with trends to maximize your business potential.

What Are Laser Engraving Blanks?

Laser engraving blanks are pre-cut materials (in blank form) specifically designed for laser engraving projects.

These engravable blanks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, providing a versatile canvas for creating personalized and intricate designs with your laser machine.

Common materials used for blanks include wood, acrylic, metal, glass, and leather. Popular shapes and sizes range from small keychains and tags to larger plaques and signs, or even stones, catering to different project needs and preferences.

How Many Types of Engravable Blanks Are There?

Engravable blanks can be categorized by the material used and the specific type of blank. Here’s a breakdown:

By Material:

• Wood: Includes plywood, MDF, and hardwood pieces. Research indicates that wood is one of the most sustainable materials, often chosen for its versatility and natural appeal.
• Acrylic: Clear, colored, or mirrored acrylic sheets and shapes. Acrylic is noted for its durability and versatility, making it ideal for high-detail engraving.
• Metal: Aluminum, stainless steel, and brass blanks. Metal offers superior durability, suitable for high-end products.
• Glass: Coasters, plaques, and glassware. Glass provides a unique aesthetic, often used for awards and commemorative items.
• Leather: Keychains, wallets, and patches. Leather adds a touch of luxury and is valued for its premium feel and longevity.

By Blank Type:

• Metal Blanks: Business cards, keychains, dog tags.
• Wood Blanks: Coasters, ornaments, plaques.
• Acrylic Blanks: Jewelry pieces, awards, signage.
• Glass Blanks: Drinkware, awards, photo frames.
• Leather Blanks: Wallets, key fobs, patches.

How to Select the Right Engravable Blanks?

Selecting the right engraving blanks depends on the nature of your business and the laser engraver’s capabilities to handle those particular materials.

For instance, a CO2 laser engraver works well with wood and acrylic blanks, while a business equipped with both CO2 and fiber lasers can expand to metal and other materials. Precisely, the more advanced the laser machine you have, there is more choice for you to engrave diversified materials.

If you have an infrared laser, it will be easier for you to engrave chocolate or muffin.

Align your blank selection with your business model and target customers to ensure you meet their demands effectively.

For example, if your engraving business targets pet lovers, you should focus on creating pet tags and engraving pet bowls that require a small-scale fiber laser or an infrared laser.

Alternatively, if you target home decor, source wooden and acrylic blanks so that you can offer creative designs of crafting to make a house beautiful.

According to Craftelier, a business specializing in personalized gifts often chooses wooden and acrylic blanks for their aesthetic appeal and versatility.

Where to Find Engravable Blanks?

You can source engravable blanks from various suppliers, both online and locally. Popular online marketplaces include Etsy, Aliexpress, and Alibaba, where you can find a wide range of blanks at competitive prices.

For faster delivery and better customer service, consider US-based resellers like Johnson Plastics Plus or JDS Industries.

To get the best deals, here are some negotiation tips you may follow while sourcing your engravable blanks.

• Bulk Orders: Offer to purchase in bulk for a discount.
• Long-term Contracts: Suggest a long-term supply agreement for better rates.
• Sample Orders: Request samples before committing to large orders to ensure quality.
• Multiple Suppliers: Compare offers from different suppliers to leverage better deals.

How to find the cheapest engraving blank supplier?

Sourcing the cheapest engraving blank supplier for your engraving business would require manual research. Although, it will depend on your engraving type, location, and specialty.

Let’s assume that you are offering tumbler laser engraving. For such engraving service, you need to source blank tumblers, ramblers, or, Yeti cups.

If your business is located in Thailand or China, you can easily go to the wholesale market and source your required quantity.

When I last visited Thailand, I saw wholesale shops located in ‘China Town’ selling blank water bottles at 200 Baht which equates to USD 3 roughly.

Here is a whiter water flask that I bought at 200 Baht from Thailand’s Chinatown.

Guangzhou (china) is the best place to source such engravable blanks. If you can source physically, by visiting them or sending some of your friends there, you can get the cheapest price since there won’t be any middleman’s commission.

If you work with small engraving items such as keychains or jewelry, sourcing from Aliexpress can be a good idea.

From Chinese online wholesalers, you can get the below blank rings at a price of less than 10 cents per piece.

However, you need to be clever while selecting the sales.

In online platforms like Aliexpress, there are many stores that resale someone else’s product to you at a higher price.

How would you know which sale offers the lowest price for your engraving blanks?

Here’s a trick.

Use Ali Express’s image search option that find a list of stores with different prices.

Let’s say that you are looking for blank key rings.

Hit the search button and Aliexpress and find your desired items.

Now, select one item that are looking to buy. For me, I chose to source blank leather key rings that are priced at $17 for 60 pieces (3rd item in the picture above).

This option will get another list of suppliers using the image search option. From that list, you can see which supplier is offering the lowest price.

You can repeat this process with Etsy, Amazon, or pictures taken from any of your local blank resalers.

As you can see, the image search option helped you to find other sellers offering the same product at varied prices.

Google Lens can be a good idea as well.

From your browser, search any type of image through Google Lens, which will help you locate engraving blanks sales. (see the image below)

Here’s what Google Lens found for me for the engraving blanks.

Remeber, such image search option is just a tool to find the cheapest supplier. After locating the supplier, your terms and other conditions can help you to decide whether the supplier is fit for you.

Finding the cheapest blank supplier is your first task. After that, you need to ensure other factors as below.

What Should You Consider Before Purchasing Engraving Blanks?

Before purchasing engraving blanks, consider factors such as quantity, quality of the blanks, minimum order quantity, price per unit, shipping method & policy, and opportunity to get any bulk discounts.

Here is a list that will guide you through considerable issues when sourcing your engraving blanks.

• Quantity: Buy in bulk to save costs, but ensure it aligns with your demand. Bulk purchasing can reduce costs by up to 30%.
• Quality: Choose high-quality blanks to ensure durability and customer satisfaction. Quality control is crucial for maintaining a brand reputation.
• Delivery Time: Check lead times to avoid delays in your projects. Timely delivery is essential for meeting customer expectations.
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Ensure the supplier’s MOQ fits your budget. Understanding MOQ can help businesses manage inventory more effectively.
• Import Costs: Factor in shipping and customs fees if ordering internationally. Consider these costs in your pricing strategy.
• Working Capital: Plan your finances to cover inventory costs. Adequate working capital is necessary to maintain business operations smoothly.
• Shipping Issues: Anticipate potential delays and factor them into your planning. Proactive planning can mitigate the impact of shipping delays.

How to Prepare Laser Engraving Blanks for Use?

Proper preparation of laser engraving blanks is crucial for achieving optimal results. Here are some steps:

• Cleaning: Clean the blanks to remove dust and debris. Clean surfaces result in better engraving quality.
• Masking: Use masking tape to protect areas you don’t want to engrave. Masking helps in achieving precise and clean engravings.
• Coating: Apply a coating if necessary, depending on the material. Coatings can enhance the durability and appearance of the engraved item.
• Tips: Ensure your laser settings are optimized for each material type. Adjust power and speed settings based on material thickness and type.

What Creative Projects Can You Make with Laser Engraving Blanks?

Laser engraving opens up endless possibilities for creative engraving projects. Here are some ideas:

• Wood Engraving: Coasters, ornaments, cutting boards. Wooden cutting boards are popular for personalized kitchen gifts.
• Acrylic Engraving: Jewelry, awards, keychains. Acrylic jewelry is known for its modern look and customization options.
• Glass Engraving: Wine glasses, coasters, plaques. Glass plaques are often used for corporate awards.
• Metal Engraving: Business cards, dog tags, signs. Metal signs are durable and suitable for outdoor use.
• Fashion Accessories: Personalized jewelry, such as pendants, bracelets, and earrings, is highly popular on platforms like Etsy and Pinterest.
• Home Decor: Customized wall art, clocks, and mirror frames are trending, as they add a personal touch to any space.
• Custom Toys: Engraved wooden toys and puzzles are becoming popular as unique gifts.

Focusing on a few types of blanks helps build your business specialty, ensuring you offer high-quality, unique products. Avoid offering too many products in a haphazard manner, as it can dilute your brand’s identity. Businesses with a focused product line often see higher customer loyalty and market differentiation.

How to Store Engravable Blanks in a Warehouse?

Proper storage of engravable blanks is essential to maintain their quality. Here are some tips:

• Wood Blanks: Store in a dry place to prevent warping. Humidity control is crucial for maintaining wood quality.
• Acrylic Blanks: Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid discoloration. UV exposure can degrade acrylic over time.
• Metal Blanks: Store in a moisture-free environment to prevent rust. Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
• Glass Blanks: Use padding to prevent breakage. Proper cushioning can reduce the risk of damage during storage.

Should You Make Engravable Blanks?

While making some blanks, like wood or acrylic, can be feasible with a laser cutter, producing metal blanks requires specialized equipment like a fiber laser, which can be costly. Evaluate the cost and complexity before deciding to make your own blanks. For example, wooden coasters or keychains can be easily produced in-house, but items like metal business cards might be more cost-effective to purchase from specialized suppliers.

Focus on the Trend, Not the Hype

Staying updated with social media trends can help you identify popular items and stock accordingly. Avoid stocking large quantities of items unless you’re confident in their demand. Instead, focus on trendy items that can generate more profit quickly. In 2024, popular trends include:

• Tumbler Engraving: Personalized tumblers are highly sought after.
• Memory Box Engraving: Custom memory boxes make for cherished keepsakes.
• Metal Business Cards: These offer a premium feel and are trending in corporate gifting.
• Custom Jewelry: Engraved pendants and bracelets are popular fashion statements.

By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can effectively source and utilize laser engraving blanks to grow your business and meet customer needs.