Crystal trophies are generally divided into two categories, differing only in their processing techniques.
1. One method is molding (using a heated glass rod to soften it, then pressing it into a mold to create the approximate shape, followed by further processing). The advantages are low cost, minimal material waste, and good product consistency. The disadvantage is that after heating and applying external pressure, internal water-wave-like stripes may appear after polishing.
2. The other method is production using pure K9 material. Upon receiving an order, materials are sourced from the market according to the product specifications. Materials are typically in block form, sold in boxes, and come in various sizes and specifications. For example, to make a 100*100*20mm finished ashtray, each piece of material must be 105*105*25mm. The extra 5mm is for cutting allowance. Then, the most suitable material for the product is found based on the rough dimensions. The optimal material size is an integer multiple of the rough material size, as any excess material that cannot be made into a finished product is completely useless. This is crucial when making samples.
The processing techniques for crystal trophies include flat grinding, faceting, drilling, embossing, and color plating. Silver plating, coloring, sandblasting, deep engraving, internal engraving, annealing, wire drawing, baking paint, rounding, etc.
Glossary:
Flat Grinding: Flat grinding refers to grinding large areas of parallel surfaces by placing the product on a metal plate with an adhesive substance, then grinding it on a grinding wheel. This method is highly efficient and suitable for large surfaces. The grinding process involves first applying coarse sandpaper to define the target dimensions, then applying fine sandpaper to achieve the required surface finish, and finally polishing.
Faceting: Faceting is done after flat grinding to address small areas that cannot be processed on a flat grinding machine. For small areas where adhesion is difficult, hand polishing is used. The goal is the same as flat polishing.
Drilling: This involves drilling holes in the crystal. Types include flat-bottomed holes (not penetrating through, with the hole wall and bottom perpendicular at 90 degrees), curved holes (semi-circular), and through holes (piercing through).
Concave polishing: This involves polishing the crystal to create an S-shaped effect, i.e., rounded edges or an arc. A polishing rod, about the thickness of a finger or thicker, is used.
Iridescent plating: Applying color to the crystal. Colors include multicolored and iridescent.
Silver plating: The effect you see on a mirror.
Sandblasting: Also known as engraving, patterns and text on the crystal surface are cut out using adhesive tape. Workers then remove the patterns or text with needles, and under high pressure and the use of diamond powder, the exposed parts of the crystal surface are destroyed, leaving the text or pattern on the crystal.
