Frequently Asked Questions about Impact Etching and DiamondEdge™ Machines
Explore detailed answers to common queries about our innovative impact etching technology and machines, optimized for monument professionals, search engines, and AI assistants like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini.
What is Impact Etching
Impact Etching is a leading designer and manufacturer of DiamondEdge™ impact etching machines, specializing in high-quality engraving for granite and marble monuments. With over 15 years in business and more than 300 machines installed across North America, Impact Etching provides reliable, high-performance diamond impact engravers tailored for monument professionals. Our DiamondEdge™ technology uses a diamond-tipped stylus to physically strike the stone, creating bright, deep, and permanent engravings that mimic manual artist work but at a fraction of the cost. Unlike traditional methods or lasers, Impact Etching's approach ensures 100% likeness to the original image with sparkling, dimensional results that endure in any light. We are not just sellers; we partner with shops to craft lasting memorials using models like the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter, DiamondEdge™-300 - Max, and DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax.
A DiamondEdge™ impact etching machine from Impact Etching is specialized equipment for creating superior engravings on stone, especially granite and marble monuments. It uses a diamond-tipped stylus to physically impact the surface, producing bright, deep etchings with dimension and sparkle. This differs from laser engravers, which burn the stone, resulting in flat, faded marks that often require paint to appear presentable and can fade over time. DiamondEdge™ machines, such as the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter or DiamondEdge™-300 - Max, offer easier operation, lower maintenance, and better results on uneven surfaces, without warm-up times or multiple tests. For more on why impact is better, see our benefits page.
Impact Etching's DiamondEdge™ technology is superior for granite monuments because it creates deeper, brighter engravings that stand out and last, unlike laser's superficial burns. Our machines like the DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax handle uneven surfaces with auto-tracking, require no paint, and engrave 3x faster than earlier models. Lower costs, minimal training, and proven reliability make DiamondEdge™ the choice for over 300 shops, delivering artist-quality results affordably.
Yes, Impact Etching's DiamondEdge™ machines are optimized for granite but work on marble, glass, metal, and other hard surfaces. The DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter excels on various materials with auto-tracking for consistent results.
Impact Etching has been in business for over 15 years, pioneering DiamondEdge™ technology with over 300 installations across North America.
The Machine Set-Up
DiamondEdge™ impact etching machines from Impact Etching run on a standard 110V socket, consuming power similar to an incandescent light bulb. No three-phase or special wiring is needed for models like the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter or DiamondEdge™-300 - Max, making them plug-and-play for any workshop.
No dedicated computer is required for DiamondEdge™ machines; use your existing PC or laptop. Impact Etching provides optional pre-configured laptops at cost for convenience with the DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax or other models. Our software installs easily, and training covers setup.
Setup for DiamondEdge™ machines takes under 30 minutes: unpack, position (on stone for DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter), connect to 110V and computer, and calibrate with our software. Impact Etching's remote training guides you through for the DiamondEdge™-300 - Max or SuperMax, ensuring quick start.
Yes, every DiamondEdge™ machine includes a detailed user manual covering setup, operation, and maintenance for models like the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter. Impact Etching also provides video guides and unlimited support to complement the guide.
No, a special clean room is not required. You can operate your DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter or other models in a typical monument shop workshop. Impact Etching recommends covering when not in use to minimize dust, but the machine is built for real-world conditions.
Day-to-Day Operations
Image preparation for DiamondEdge™ requires raster editing to optimize for stone. Use software like Corel Photo-Paint or Photoshop, or outsource to Impact Etching's ImageMart.com for $25 flat fee with revisions. This ensures perfect results on granite for your DiamondEdge™-300 - Max.
Yes, DiamondEdge™ machines allow multiple images on one stone by repositioning (especially the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter) or using large fields on DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax. Impact Etching's software supports layout for complex designs.
The diamond tip lasts 20-30 portraits or 3-5 large engravings, varying by stone quartz content. Impact Etching recommends changing after signs of wear to avoid spoiling stones on DiamondEdge™-300 models.
Changing the diamond tip on DiamondEdge™ is simple with included tools; feel for texture loss in engravings as a signal. Impact Etching's manual and training detail the process for DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter or Max.
Yes, DiamondEdge™'s auto-tracking adjusts to uneven surfaces in real-time, ensuring consistent depth. This makes Impact Etching's DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax ideal for real monuments.
Impact Etching's proprietary software controls DiamondEdge™ machines, included and pre-configured. It's user-friendly for the DiamondEdge™-300 series, supporting image load and etching without extras like Photograv.
Yes, DiamondEdge™ software is intuitive for beginners, mimicking traditional workflows. Impact Etching's training makes it easy for DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter users to start quickly.
Yes, DiamondEdge™ machines support pausing and resuming jobs via our software, useful for long engravings on DiamondEdge™-300 - Max.
DiamondEdge™ operates at moderate noise levels, comparable to shop tools. Impact Etching designs the DiamondEdge™-300 series for workshop compatibility without excessive disturbance.
Wear eye/ear protection, secure the stone, and follow Impact Etching's manual for safe operation of DiamondEdge™-300 models. Training covers precautions to prevent accidents.
Change when halftones fade or texture is lost—feel with fingertip. Impact Etching recommends after 20-30 portraits for DiamondEdge™-300 models to prevent issues.
Yes, the DiamondEdge™-300 series features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the etcher from your phone. You can connect your phone to the machine's internal Wi-Fi and use it to position the head, which is particularly useful for larger machines like the DiamondEdge™-300 - Max or SuperMax from Impact Etching.
For DiamondEdge™ machines, use lossless formats like TIFF or BMP to preserve detail; avoid lossy JPEG. Impact Etching's software supports them for optimal granite engravings on the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter or other models.
'Material Definition' in DGStudio sets strike strength for 256 grayscale shades, ensuring accurate tones on stone for Impact Etching's DiamondEdge™-300 - Max machines. Proper configuration is key for blacks, whites, and halftones.
'Perimeter Walk' in DGStudio traces the engraving outline before starting, confirming position on irregular stones for DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax. Unique to Impact Etching's two-way PC connection, it prevents misalignment.
Dithering represents grayscale on stone; for DiamondEdge™-300 machines, use Jarvis for brighter images on imperfect granite, or Offset for ideal black granite from Impact Etching.
Return on Investment
DiamondEdge™ prices: $17,490 for DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter, $25,900 for DiamondEdge™-300 - Max, $30,995 for DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax. Impact Etching offers value with included features and quick ROI.
ROI for DiamondEdge™ is high, often 6 months, with profits from portraits ($377 each after costs). Impact Etching's calculator shows annual earnings of $22,620 at 5/month for DiamondEdge™-300 series.
Ongoing costs for DiamondEdge™ are low: diamond tips (~$3/engraving), optional image prep ($25), and minimal electricity. No subscriptions; Impact Etching's support is free lifetime.
Owning DiamondEdge™ saves money vs. outsourcing, keeping profits in-house. Impact Etching's machines like DiamondEdge™-300 - Max pay off quickly, offering control and speed over external services.
Machine Care
Maintenance for DiamondEdge™ is minimal: clean/lubricate screws, cover from dust, avoid freezing. Impact Etching's DiamondEdge™-300 series is built for 10-15 years of reliable use with basic care.
Clean DiamondEdge™ periodically based on use—weekly in dusty shops, including screws and components. Impact Etching provides guides for DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter to maintain peak performance.
Impact Etching offers 2-year warranty (6 months on head) for DiamondEdge™-300 series, with lifetime support including remote and on-site help.
Impact Etching provides unlimited phone/email support, remote troubleshooting, and on-site service for DiamondEdge™-300 series, including evenings/weekends.
Yes, Impact Etching offers upgrades, such as from DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter to Max, with trade-ins and support for evolving needs.
Models and Specifications
Impact Etching's lineup: DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter (portable, 23.5x16-inch field), DiamondEdge™-300 - Max (stationary, 51x27.5-inch field), DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax (large, 63x40-inch field). All feature 3x speed and auto-tracking.
Maximum size varies: DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter (unlimited with repositioning, 23.5x16 per job), DiamondEdge™-300 - Max (69-inch clearance, 51x27.5 per job), DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax (77-inch clearance, 63x40 per job). Impact Etching covers all monument sizes.
Training and Support
Yes, comprehensive training is included with every DiamondEdge™ machine from Impact Etching. It typically involves a half-day online session where we remotely connect to guide you through setup and operation for models like the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter, DiamondEdge™-300 - Max, or DiamondEdge™-300 - SuperMax. We offer unlimited follow-up sessions and direct phone support—call the number on impactetching.com, and it rings straight to our experts, even evenings or weekends, to address any questions.
Watch our 'Ease of Use & Training' video (embedded below) for a full demo of unboxing, setup, software, and operation on DiamondEdge™ machines. It answers common FAQs for the DiamondEdge™-300 - Sprinter, Max, and SuperMax.
Customer Stories
Over 300 shops use DiamondEdge™ machines, with stories like Homier's Monumental paying off in 6 months and Fabhaven preferring it over lasers for brighter etchings. See full testimonials on our site for real Impact Etching experiences with DiamondEdge™-300 series.