Hardly does one ever find that something is purely black and white. This or that. Absolutely and ultimately definitive. No, in life there seems to be a lot of gray area. In business this rings as true as anywhere else. There are places where the black and the white bleed together in an all-too-noticeable category of crossover. Take, for example, the practice of sand carving, or sand blasting—using jets of fine sand-like particles to etch images onto hard materials such as glass.
世界上没有什么事是非黑即白的绝对。在社会上很多事情都会存在一个灰色地带，在商业中也是如此。有些领域既不属于黑色也不完全是白色，而是两者都有的灰色。比如这篇文章中要给大家介绍的砂雕艺术就能体会到这种灰色地带。
Sandcarving is a process which allows you to carve into materials such as glass, rock, large stone, wood, and some soft metals. This is done by using a sandblaster, and a high powered one is usually required which is known as a Pressure Pot. The pressure pot sandblaster has more psi (pressure per square inch) blasting power because the air pressure and abrasive is contained in a sealed “pot” or container.
砂雕是一个在玻璃、石材、木材和一些软金属上雕刻的过程。它用到的工具叫喷砂器，
是一种功率很大的压力罐，它的压强很大，因为很多的空气放在一个密集的容器里突然打开会瞬间形成很大的压强。
So why would a sign maker have interest in using equipment designed for etching professionals? And alternatively, why should awards professionals keep an eye on technology that can also be used in the signage world?Sandcarving can be performed to create products in both the awards/engraving market as well as the sign market. (And for those who have ever attended an NBM Show, they’ve seen live and in-person how these markets intersect.)
砂雕可以在雕刻市场和标识行业里进行表演或者创作。（那些曾经参加过NBM展览的人都见证了这两个市场是如何交叉的。）那么，为什么一个标识制作者会对雕刻专用的设备感兴趣？为什么NBM的获奖人员会密切关注标识行业的最新技术动态。
“Signage and the awards market are very similar at their cores,” says Billy Willis, sales manager at Rayzist PhotoMask Inc. “They are both made to portray an image of excellence to those who view them. In reality, the tools and markets are similar; it’s the end user and viewer that are most different.”
Billy Willis是Rayzist PhotoMask公司的市场部经理，他表示：“标识和雕刻在核心技术里是有重合的，它们都是为人们在基板上描绘优美的画面。事实上，两者的市场和工具都很相似，最大的区别在于标识的终端用户和砂雕的观众有所不同。”
When it comes to sandcarving there are a number of applications that can be created – some that are fits for both markets as Willis states. End products that are hand-carved to present a uniquely configured item. Think about custom plaques that can be given as awards to top customers, but could also serve as an inner-office sign with the company’s name and logo. “Whether you’re in the signage industry or the awards industry, the sandcarving process and equipment are very similar,” reiterates Jessica Wetzel, marketing coordinator, IKONICS Corp.
至于砂雕，它有很多的应用是可以用到标识市场中的。终端产品是手工雕刻的以呈现独特的配置项。想想看，订制的奖章可以用于顶级客户的奖章，但雕刻上一个公司的名字和LOGO之后同样也可以用作公司内部的标识。IKONICS Corp公司的市场调解员Jessica Wetzel说：“无论你处于标识行业还是奖杯制作行业，它们的制作过程和设备都非常相似。”
What is Sandcarving?
什么是石雕？
Many sign makers, including experts from completely different fields, may be unfamiliar with the sandcarving process. Others might be involved in this type of work at some level, but outsource the jobs to a third party. To those shops that want a quick lesson in what sandcarving is all about, Linda Tran, marketing manager at Topmost World Inc. has happily obliged.
很多标识制作者甚至行业里的专家可能都不了解石雕的制作过程，其他人可能在某种程度上涉及到这方面的工作，但是绝大多数这类工作都需要外包给第三方。那些迫切地想要知道关于砂雕技术一切的标识商店，Topmost World公司的市场经理对他们很有热情。
“The sandcarving process is straightforward,” Tran says. “First, a photomask is applied to the surface that is being carved. Then, an abrasive, sand-like material (such as aluminum oxide) is propelled onto that surface. The abrasive carves the surface only in the open areas of the stencil, while the areas covered by the photomask remain smooth and spotless. Photomask is a stencil made of photoresist film that has undergone a developing process. The stencil design is typically created from custom, computer-generated artwork. The finished photomask is used to guide the sandcarving process, therefore design is everything.”
Tran说：“砂雕过程步骤清晰明确，首先用光掩模的表面进行雕刻。其次，一种粗糙，沙状的材料（例如氧化铝）从雕刻的表面划过。磨料只雕刻漏字板暴露出来的表面，而覆盖膜的表面依然保持色泽亮丽有光泽。光掩模是由光阻材料制成的漏字板经过一系列的处理形成的。漏字板的设计一般由客户提供的一个由计算机生成的艺术品。精加工的光掩模用来指导石雕过程，因此，光掩模的设计至关重要。”
Some sign makers might already have experience with engraving techniques and projects. There are, of course, several different ways to etch a pattern or design into a substrate. With sandcarving, however, there is a little more to consider.
有些标识制作者见过雕刻过程，了解雕刻技术。将设计图案雕刻在基板上的方式有很多，但砂雕有一些需要注意的事项。
According to Wetzel, “Sandcarving can be considered more affordable compared to other engraving systems. Another major benefit of the sandcarving process is the unique effects that can only be achieved with sandcarving including: deep carving, shading, frosting, multi-stage carving, etc. Instead of just lightly etching the surface, sandcarving removes the substrate, whether it’s crystal, glass, rock, wood, ceramic, stainless steel, etc. Keep in mind, the deeper the etch; the higher the value. Sandcarving creates a smooth finish with sharp and clean lines. Sandcarving can also be a quick process—as much as 10 to 15 times faster than lasering.”
Wetzel说：“砂雕和其他的雕刻系统相比是最经济划算的。石雕还有很多其他的独特的优点，包括：深度雕刻、纹理丰富、有磨砂面、多层雕刻等。相比那些在基板表面轻轻雕刻的方式来说，砂雕不受基板结构的限制，亚克力板材、玻璃板、石板、木板、瓷器、不锈钢板等都可以雕刻。有一点很重要，雕刻的越深，越有价值。砂雕的加工过程也很快，比激光雕刻快了10至15分钟。砂雕创造了一个线条优美、纹理清晰、广结精致的艺术品。”
Creative and Versatile
创造性和多功能性
Price, quality and production time are certainly considerations to any sign professional when trying to produce the best possible work. On top of those benefits, Willis points to the overall creativity in sandblasting, and the process that is implemented.价格、质量和生产时间是所有专业标识生产者在生产新产品都会考虑的因素。在所有的这些优点中，Willis比较看重整体喷砂的创造力和加工过程。
“Sandblasting will always have a unique look to it,” says Willis, “which comes from the removal of the surface material rather than just ‘scratching’ it. When an item is sandblasted, the engraved area has a natural depth, which is the evidence of this surface removal. The overall look can be likened to a three-dimensional image, giving a perception of higher quality and craftsmanship.”
Willis说：“喷砂处理会赋予标识独特的外貌，因为它不仅仅只是‘刮掉’了板材的表面。在喷砂项目中，雕刻区域有一个很明显的深度，这就是板材表面被移除的证据。整体给人的视觉感受是一幅三维立体的图案，给人的视觉和艺术体验顿时提升很多。”
The versatility of sandcarving is also a great advantage. There are several substrates and materials that are used with this carving method. “Marble and other stone, wood, acrylic,” says Tran, “just about any hard surface can be sandcarved.”
砂雕的多功能性也是一个巨大的优势。有好几种基板和材料都是用这种方式加工的。Tran说：“大理石和其他的石材、木材、亚克力板以及任何表面坚硬的物质都可以进行石雕。”
With sandcarving, there is much attention to detail and manual hand work.
在砂雕技术中要时刻注意手工工作的细节。
At IKONICS there’s a true test to what can be sandcarved and what cannot. “IKONICS Imaging has a general rule of thumb when looking at materials to sandcarve,” explains Wetzel. “If it can shatter or chip away when you drop the object, like crystal, wood, stone, or glass, you are able to create stunning, deep etches into the material. If you drop the object and it scratches, like metal, you are only able to get a surface etch, or simply just scratching the surface.”
美国柯美莱曾经对可进行砂雕的材料进行过实验。Wetzel说：“IKONICS对可雕刻的材料有自己的一套判断法则，如果一种材料像亚克力、木材、石材和玻璃一样可以粉碎或者凿下碎片的话，它就可以进行砂雕。如果你把它从高处扔下后会有类似于金属表面的划痕的话，那这种材料只能进行浅层次的蚀刻或者简单的雕刻。”据Wetzel所说，他们有一条很重要的终极判断准则。
And there is a final rule of thumb that is the most important, according to Wetzel. “If you drop an object and it bounces, like a rubber bouncy ball,” she explains, “sandcarving will have minimal effects to the material. When it comes to sandblasting any material, you can only sandcarve as deep as the artwork’s lines are wide.”
他解释说：“如果你把一种材料扔到地上后，它能像有弹性的橡胶球一样弹起来的话，那么石雕对这种材料的影响微乎其微。当用喷砂出来其他材料的时候，只能雕刻艺术品一样的线宽。”
An awards project, such as a plaque, could easily become a sign as well.
一个奖章工程，例如匾牌，很容易就能修改成一个标识。
Recommendations for Sandcarving Beginners
给砂雕行业新进者的建议
Acquire the equipment that best suits your space and needs Start small, experimenting with less costly pieces and simple designs to get your skills honed. Receive hands-on training, and experiment with the equipment at a trade show or seminar near you. It is essential for engravers to understand vectorized, black and white artwork in conjunction with Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw.
选择最适合你的加工空间和需求的设备。在价值低的小物件上进行图案简单的雕刻试验。接受训练、在你身边的展览会或者研讨会上进行练习。对于雕刻师来说，懂得矢量化，色彩搭配以及Adobe Illustrator和Corel Draw（Adobe Illustrator和Corel Draw都是由Adobe系统公司开发的矢量绘图软件）的使用很重要。
Be careful to properly apply the mask to the surface, as bubbles or loose areas can blow out when exposed to the pressure, and leave unwanted etching on the item. Be aware of the pressure you are using and the time a piece is left in the sandblasting container, as too much of either will cause unwanted marking. Look into other markets including the beverage industry including barware and wine bottles.
表面的雕刻要小心，因为粉末和松弛的区域受到压力时会脱落会破坏雕刻的形状。明确你使用的喷枪的压力大小和位置，一不小心就会在雕刻基板上留下痕迹。留心一下
其他行业就会发现这项应用很普遍，比如餐饮行业的酒具和酒瓶上就用砂雕的作品。
Sandcarving is a Fit for Sign Makers
砂雕是标识制作者的利器
To be certain, there are some shops that may want no part in carving and engraving – those that can’t handle the workload or would prefer to stay in their own specific niche. However, there are others that are likely curious about why this is an advantageous endeavor for them, both sign and award shops alike. These shops will want to listen to what Wetzel has to say about breaking in the market.
有一点可以确定，有些标识店铺里没有雕刻机和雕刻产品，一方面他们处理不了那么多的工作量，另一方面，他们更喜欢他们以前特殊的利基市场。但是，还有一部分标识公司对于这个砂雕带来的利益很好奇，标识公司和奖杯制作店铺对Wetzel所说的打破市场很感兴趣。
The sandcarving process is very similar in both the awards and sign markets.
砂雕艺术在奖章加工领域和标识行业的运用有异曲同工之妙。
“The process utilized to sandcarve an award can also be used to create breathtaking signs,” she says. “Sandcarving is as simple as creating the artwork, exposing the film, applying the film to the substrate and sandblasting. The main variable would be the scale of the project.”
她说：“制作奖杯的砂雕过程同样也可以制作出惊人的标识。砂雕和制造艺术品的过程是一样的，在要雕刻的区域揭开光掩模、将光掩模附着在基板上然后进行喷砂处理。整个过程中唯一的变量就是砂雕工程的规模。”
Take our previous example of the “top customer” plaque. An awards shop might be comfortable making several of these types of plaques as a smaller-scale project, probably churning out several for many different clients. A sign shop would be able to use these same skills and methods to mirror the plaque, possibly on a larger scale, making a sandcarved sign of the company’s identity to be displayed in the company’s reception area, for instance.
例如，我早前说过的主要客户的匾牌的案例，一个奖杯制作公司可能会小规模制作这种产品，可能会为其他客户炮制类似的奖杯。而标识公司会使用相同的技术和制作方法仿制这种匾牌，并用砂雕制作一个公司的标识放在接待室里展示。
“In many signage businesses, large-format production is always a need,” says Willis. “Rayzist not only has the tools and technology to produce large-format stencils (up to 50-inch by 50-inch), but also large sandblast systems able to accommodate large-format signs and monuments, as well as portable pressure pots that can do any size work without the restriction of a cabinet space.”
Willis说：“在很多标识业务中，大规格产品需求很高。Rayzist不仅有生产大尺寸（50×50）产品的工具和技术，还有大的喷砂系统可以适应大尺寸的标识和纪念碑，而且还有一个便携式压力罐能胜任任何尺寸的板材雕刻。”IKONICS、Rayzist和Topmost World公司在砂雕标识业务领域可提供很全面的解决方案。
“Whether you are a new company looking to get into sandcarving or a company looking to expand your business, IKONICS Imaging provides state-of-the-art sandcarving cabinets, ergonomic equipment, innovative photoresist films, and personalized training resources to help you succeed,” Wetzel says.
Wetzel说：“无论你是一个想要进入砂雕行业的新公司还是一个想要拓展业务的标识公司。IKONICS图文公司可为你提供技术人员、砂雕设备、砂雕模型、光阻膜和专业的培训服务。”
New technology is on the market to assist with the cleanliness, strength and ease-of-use during sandcarving.
市场上砂雕清洁技术层出不穷。
At Rayzist, Willis says his company “offers an array of products and services specifically designed for the sandcarving market. These products include self-contained sandblast equipment, photoresist films (for stencil production), marketing tools, and ready-to-use stencils made to order for any size production run.” According to Tran, it offers “blank crystal and glass products that can be easily sandcarved.”
与此同时Rayzist公司的Willis说：“他们公司提供一系列针对砂雕市场的产品和设计，这些产品包括全套的砂雕设备，光阻膜（专为漏字板设计的光阻膜）、营销工具以及即时可投入生产线的模板。”Tran说：“他们可提供用于砂雕的透明的玻璃制品。”
Addressing those specific substrates used for sandcarving, Wetzel suggests to those shops getting into the signage market to “use the same material you are comfortable with using for your first few signs. For example, if you have a lot of experience carving marble or granite, use that same material to sandcarve outdoor signs. If you have experience with glass, you can carve indoor signs such as donor walls or lit-up company logos. Regardless of the substrate, we highly recommend utilizing photoresist film as it allows for finer details than vinyl.”
访问了这些专为砂雕制作的板材之后，Wetzel建议那些有砂雕生产能力的店铺进入标识市场，用你喜欢的材料制作第一批标识。例如，如果你有大理石或者花岗岩砂雕的经验的话你可以用同样的方式制作一个户外标识。如果你有玻璃砂雕的经验你可以制作一个室内的标识，如企业标识。除了砂雕板材，我们强烈建议你使用光阻膜，因为它可以让你的砂雕作品有更出色的细节表现。
Important Trends
重大趋势变化
As explained previously, the importance of a clean and strong cabinet is paramount; however, it also benefits the user to be comfortable and at-ease during sandcarving. Since the individual performing the sandcarving will be doing a lot of hand work in the process, “the handling of the product is very important,” says Tran, “with glass and crystal especially. Sandblasting requires more time with hands on the items, so there is more chance of chipping or breaking.”
如上所述，一个干净坚固的模型是很重要的，而且还可以提高砂雕过程中的舒适度。因为一个人单独作业时，砂雕需要很多手工作业。Tran说：“在玻璃或亚克力砂雕过程中，手工作业占很大比重。喷砂比手工作业的时间还要长，所以有很多机会损坏板材的表面。”
Don’t be afraid to try new products, materials and previously untapped markets.
不要害怕尝试新产品、新材料以及尚未涉足的领域。
This in mind, having “ergonomic (cabinet) features to help make every system efficient,” according to Wetzel, along with training resources and online purchasing, “makes every sandcarver’s life easier.” Because sandblasting cabinets are now formatted to accept both small and large-format projects, there is much more technology being developed – a great deal of which applies to sign makers and awards professionals alike.
切记：工程学让砂雕变得很有效率。正如Wetzel所说：“随着砂雕培训和网购的发展，砂雕人的生活越来越简单了。”喷砂可以根据需要设置大小，有更多的技术开发出来，这些技术让砂雕在标识领域应用起来更方便。
“There is always something new coming out that connects with the awards and trophies market,” says Willis. “This year, we’ve seen a drastic increase in the interest for engraving into stones for pet memorials. Many pet owners are willing to spend the money to memorialize their pets and have something to remember them by, and are willing to pay the costs involved.” Additionally, some alternative materials have had an expanded role in sandcarving. Says Tran, “The use of acrylic on plaques is becoming more popular since it is less expensive and fragile compared to glass or crystal.”
Willis说：“随着社会的发展，砂雕在标识行业的应用会越来越多。近年来，我们见证了很多石材雕刻的案例，很多人喜欢用砂雕做出宠物的形状留作纪念。”另外，很多用于砂雕的代用材料越来越多。Tran说：“亚克力板在奖章制作中越来越流行，因为和玻璃和水晶相比起来亚克力既耐用又便宜。”
Automated Washout
自动清洗
Washout systems, an automated process to wash photoresist film for designs, are maturing in the sandcarving market. According to Willis, “many businesses are investing in the technology of automatic washout systems. We’ve seen an increase in the sales and production of these machines, and rightfully so, as businesses are preparing themselves for increased sales and production in the coming years.” Rayzist has a newly developed and manufactured “Self Propelled Washout System” that does not use electricity to washout one full sheet of stencils in 45 seconds. “This system can take any small business to the next level in production,” Willis asserts.
清洗系统和自动化水洗光阻膜系统在砂雕市场中已经成熟。Willis说：“很多企业都投资砂雕的水洗系统，我们看到相关的产品和技术不断增加，而且这些企业还在继续加大开发和生产的力度。”Rayzist最近开发的自动清洗系统不需要电，冲刷一个模板只需要45秒钟。Willis补充道：“这个系统可以处理任何细小的清洗工作，这一点有利于提高生产力。”
Regarding washout technology, Wetzel says that “IKONICS Imaging supports the use of AccuBlack films for printing artwork; Accu-Films create dark and denser images than other films. By printing your artwork on AccuBlack, you are able to regulate exposure times, reduce washout time, and create finer details in the finished product.” Overall, the positives of sandcarving are notable. Those who are employing sandcarving techniques effectively will amplify their business in the signage and awards crossover markets, and likely realize some new business opportunities along the way.
除了自动清洗系统之外，Wetzel说：“IKONICS图文公司支持将光阻膜应用到印刷工艺中的。光阻膜比其他膜更容易生成密集的图像。将图文作品打印到光阻膜上，可以调整曝光次数，减少冲洗时间，创造细节表现更完美的产品。”总而言之，砂雕标识的优点是显而易见的。那些有效使用砂雕技术的标识企业很快就会扩大业务范围，并且还有新的商机等着他们。
Sandcarving offers very unique effects that engraving methods do not.
砂雕具有雕刻技术做不到的细节表现。
As Tran explains, “Sandcarving produces the most dramatic results, and can add more value to the product than any other marking method. There is much more value in something that is sandcarved, because it is an extension of the creative process. With many other personalization/marking methods you are simply putting a piece into&a
