Customization Services
We offer Titanium Anodizing, Cerakote, Laser engraving, laser annealing, and other finishing services on any of our spinners, begleri beads, and EDC items. We are also able customize items produced by other makers that are sent to us!
Prices vary based on the amount of time necessary to achieve the desired results. Please keep in mind these are artistic, not perfect, processes. Results can vary based on a number of factors with each process, however, this is the appeal of customization. Each one is a unique!
Contact allison@flyawaytoys.com to get a custom project quote or for more information about our services.
Anodizing
Anodizing on Titanium is an electrical process that has been used in the jewelry and medical industries for years.
This process can only be done on ‘reactive metals’ such as titanium, niobium and tantalum. When these metals are hooked up to an electric power source and submerged in a conductor solution, a thin film or oxide layer grows on the surface of the metal. When you look through this oxide layer you see a color and as you apply more electricity the oxide grows thicker and other colors are produced.
The range of colors that can be achieved are based on the grade and finish of the material. The basic color scale includes: bronze, dark purple, deep blue, light blue, seafoam green, yellow gold, rose gold/peach, light pink, magenta, purple, aqua, teal, green, light green, bubblegum pink. There are also slight variances possible with these basic colors with adjustments on voltages and amperages.
Sorry red, black, white, and true orange are not achievable with this process.
Cerakote
Cerakote is a Polymer-Ceramic Composite coating that can be applied onto metals, composites (fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, etc), plastics, polymers, and even wood. The coating offers corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness.
AbrasionTest Abrasion Test Video Impact Resistance Test Impact Resistance Video Hardness Test
Contact us if you are unsure if your item is coatable, we are happy to help.
Another attractive quality of Cerakote is that it comes in a variety of colors. Go to our Cerakote Color Catalog page for additional information on color choices.
Laser Annealing & Engraving
Annealing
Laser annealing is the process where the metal's surface is heated with a laser until it changes the material’s color. By using different frequencies, different temperature occur which create different colors.
This type of marking is best performed on ferrous metal, such as stainless steel, and reactive metals, such as titanium. The difference between annealing and engraving is that annealing does not remove any material but alters just the surface finish.
Engraving
The laser engraving process literally vaporizes a thin layer of material to create whatever lettering, graphic, or pattern desired. We use a fiber laser for metals and a CO2 laser for materials such as glass, leather, and acrylic.
Texturizing & Forced Patinas
Texturizing
Hammering/texturizing is the process of adding texture to metal to give it simple yet dramatic finish. This has been used to decorate metal wares for centuries. The way textures are achieved is through using a small ball peen hammer with a rounded or textured end. This is struck onto the surface using a series of blows to create a gentle dimpled or textured pattern. We offer 5 unique texture options: Traditional hammered, Diamond, Checkerboard, Wide stripe, and Rain.
Forced Patinas
Patina is a natural protective layer on metals that protects the blade from further oxidation and gives it a look of rough finish. This occurs slowly over time or can be sped up or "forced" using different techniques involving various acids. Most commonly seen forced patinas are blackening brass and bluing copper.