REFERENCES
FAQ
What is the maximum size you can engrave?
ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR – PERSONAL USE: The total maximum engraving area is 100 qcm (How big is 100 qcm?). Your artwork will be scaled to the maximum size unless you state otherwise.
ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B: The laser can in theory engrave the entire slip-mat. Anyway, for several reasons it is not advised to have an artwork engraved covering the entire surface.
Firstly, as the top layer of the slip-mat’s felt is skimmed by the laser, the records would not have much contact with the slip-mat if the major part of the mat is engraved.
Secondly, from a designer point of view a rather understated design fits the classy black-on-black look better than a huge in-your-face logo.
Thirdly, the costs: the bigger the artwork, the more the slip-mat will cost (➜ FAQ „What does ist cost?“).
A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT: this special is limited to record label sized artworks in the format 100 x 100 mm resp. a 100 mm diameter circle, placed in the center of the slip-mat.
What are the artwork requirements?
- Black and white vector file, formats: .eps, .svg, .pdf, .ai (see ➜ FAQ „How can I create a vector image?“)
- CMYK colour format
- All objects have the same fill (eg.: C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100)
- All strokes are set to no colour
- All fonts converted to outlines
- 300 dpi
What kind of artworks can be engraved?
The laser works best with black and white vector images. The most accurate results will come from logo-like black and white images with sharp contrasts as most logos are.
➜ FAQ „Can multicoloured or greyscale artworks be engraved too?“
Can multicoloured or greyscale artworks be engraved too?
With very few exceptions most coloured artworks can be modified to be laser engraved. The image has to be altered until you have a black and white image with sharp contrasts. Use the image adjustments threshold, contrast and curves and try out different settings when you convert the image to vectors. During the process some information will get lost, comparable with photocopying a coloured original. Keep in mind that burning on a dark material naturally results in low contrast. That fact is only partly compensated by the embossment character. Therefore make sure the artwork has the highest contrast possible. With a few adjustments most coloured or greyscale images can be used with acceptable results. Try the above steps and play with the adjustments. If you are happy with the result on your computer, then it will look good on the slip-mat too.
We recommend to have the files checked by Brandmymat before going to production, please add FILE CHECK to your basket in check out. If not purchased, engraving will be at your own risk.
The smallest details displayable accurately are about 0,3 mm. Smaller details are still visible, but lack a sharp edge. The laser has a much higher resolution – it is the felt’s structure that does not allow a more detailed engraving.
Here you can see a few examples of A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT that illustrate the results with different source images.
How can I create a black and white vector image?
You can use applications like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to convert your artwork.
If your artwork is a black and white logo with sharp edges, then use the tracing tool in Illustrator.
If there are colours and or gradients in your artwork, then modify the (black and white) image adjustments threshold, contrast and curves first or convert the image to a black and white bitmap (halftone or threshold) and try out different settings when you convert the image to vectors. (➜ FAQ „Can multicoloured or greyscale artworks be engraved too?“)
Here are some helpful tutorials on YouTube:
A very easy way to create an black and white vector file from any image is https://www.vectorizer.io. I found this site much faster then doing it in Photoshop and I got good results with a lot of coloured images. Choose Convert to EPS or Convert to SVG. Play with the settings, but make sure presets are set to Clipart and/or Max colours are set to „2“.
If you want Brandmymat to create a production ready vector file from your artwork, then purchase FILE CONVERSION (EUR 25,00) and submit a original sized raster image (.jpeg, .tiff or .png) with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
You can accomplish all the modifications in applications like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. The easiest way is using the threshold adjustment. If there are gradients then convert the image to a black and white bitmap (halftone or threshold). Convert the black and white image to a vector file.
Can Brandmymat create a vector file from my artwork?
If you want us to create a production vector file from your raster image, then purchase FILE CONVERSION (EUR 25,00) and submit a original sized raster image (.jpeg, .tiff or .png) with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
What kind of slip-mat do you use?
It is a 3,3 mm thick black anti-static felt produced by a southern Germany based felt manufacturer. The diameter of the slip-mat is 300 mm and the center whole is 7 mm wide.
Are there colours other than black available?
No. We looked into that, but we did not find any coloured felt in a quality similar to the ones we are using. Also burning stains on a yellow slip-mat are not very desirable to be honest.
What is it with that A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT special?
While testing out laser engraving on slip-mats I came up with it – I took some label scans of records, played with the image and converted into a vector image until it was laser ready. After we showed the finished slip-mats around, people asked for a pair of their own favourite vinyl record. So I added it as special version of ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR. It is for personal use and not meant for resale. Please acknowledge the copyright section of our terms.
How long does it take?
ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B: Depending on the amount, material may have to be re-ordered. As soon as we have all the info regarding your order, we can give you an estimation. By average we can ship within two weeks after payment is received.
For ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR or A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT orders please allow at least one week for the manufacturing.
We ship once per week.
What does it cost?
ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR – PERSONAL USE: one slip-mat is EUR 30,00 incl, VAT, excl. shipping. That is for an artwork up to 100 qcm (How big is 100 qcm?) placed on one of the nine standard positions.
Discounts apply starting at ten slip-mats: from 10 pieces: -5% = EUR 28,50, from 15: -10% = EUR 27,00, from 20: -15% = EUR 25,50. Please ask for a B2B quote if if you want to order more than 10 since the prices might be interesting for you.
ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B: We can give better prices for quantities above 100 pieces. Other than with printing the costs for laser engraved slip-mats depend on the size of the image. That is because the bigger the image the longer the laser runs with each slip-mat. Costs for engravings about the size of a quarter of the mat are comparable with costs for regular printing. They also depend on the edition.
A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT: same prices as ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR
How much is shipping and how do you ship?
ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR:
Germany: 7,- EUR, free shipping from three slip-mats / 90,- EUR
EU: Please use the shipping calculator in the cart. Available shipping options and costs are shown as an address is entered. Free shipping from four slip-mats / 120,- EUR
Rest of the world: Please use the shipping calculator in the cart. Available shipping options and costs are shown as an address is entered.
ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B:
shipping costs will be given in the quote
A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT:
same as with ORDERS ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR
We ship via UPS and DPD standard services.
All shipping methods include insurance and have a tracking number.
How can I order?
Choose one of the three options in ORDER:
ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR – PERSONAL USE:
- for personal use
- 100 qcm engraving area maximum
- 9 placing options
ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B:
- retail or promotional
- engraving area +100 qcm
A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT
- for personal use
- engraving area is record label sized – a 10 cm diameter circle placed in center
ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR:
- Please select one of the nine placement options
- Submit your vector file as .eps, .svg, .pdf or .ai (➜ „What are the artwork requirements?“)
- If you don’t have your artwork as vector file and can’t convert it (➜ „How can I create a black and
- white vector image?“), then submit a raster image and purchase FILE CONVERSION for EUR 25,00. (➜ „Can Brandmymat create a vector file from my artwork?“)
- We recommend to add file check to the basket if you are not a returning customer
- Add shipping and billing details and check out via Paypal
ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B:
- Fill in the inquiry form and submit your vector file
- You can also submit another file illustrating your project
- If you have any further info for your order (e.g. a deadline) then leave a comment
- We will get back to you with a quote and different options if needed
- The total amount must be paid upfront before we can start manufacturing
A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT:
Equivalent to ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR, but with one option only.
How can I pay?
For ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR or A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT we accept Paypal and credit card (through Paypal). For ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B we accept payment in advance via bank transfer as well.
Why can’t I preview my slip-mat?
For ORDERS FROM 100 PIECES – B2B we will provide a demo picture with our quote. We currently can’t provide a preview function on brandymat.com. Please refer to the gallery photos.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes. You can purchase a gift voucher for a pair of customised laser engraved slip-mats. You will receive a printable pdf with a code. The voucher can be redeemed with either ORDERS FROM ONE PAIR or A RECORD AS SLIP-MAT. The voucher costs 67,- EUR and includes shipping to a german address.