Custom Imprint Information

Custom imprint options for Alumicolor scales and drafting tools, including artwork requirements, imprint methods, production times, charges, and ordering details.

Custom imprinted Alumicolor products are a smart choice for schools, promotional programs, branded giveaways, company use, and specialty projects. Whether you need custom printed scales for resale, self-promotion, or internal use, Drafting Equipment Warehouse can help you through the process.

This page outlines current production times, art requirements, imprint charges, available imprinting methods, and important ordering details so you can plan your custom order with confidence.

Production time is 25 - 30 business days from receipt of written proof approval.

Why Order Custom Imprinted Alumicolor Products?

Alumicolor products are well known in the drafting and art market for their durability, accuracy, and professional finish. Custom imprinting gives schools, departments, dealers, and businesses a practical way to add branding to products that are actually used every day.

  • Great for schools, bookstores, and academic programs
  • Ideal for promotional use, trade shows, and company branding
  • Available with multiple imprint methods depending on the product and look you need
  • A practical option for both resale and self-promotion

Imprint Charges

Exact art repeat orders within 2 years will not be charged set-up charges. All additional charges will apply. Repeated jobs after 2 years will require a new set-up charge.

$50.00 v
Set-up for one color, one location.

$30.00 v
Set-up for each additional color and/or side.

$0.75 v
Run charge for additional color and/or side.

$30.00 v
PMS match charge per color. Exact match not guaranteed. The silk screen process offers the best color match.

$50.00 v
Rush charge for ordered items that need to be decorated in less than the normal photo anodizing production window. Applies to items decorated via laser engraving or heat set silk screening.

$75.00 v
Less than minimum charge. Absolute minimum is 50 pieces except for laser engraving orders, which have a 25 piece minimum.

$75.00 v
Pre-production sample charge plus setup and run charges.

$10.00 v
Paper proof charge for each proof after the first two.

$10.00 v
Drop ship charge per address after the first two.

$150.00 v
Custom calibrations.

$1.00 v each
Additional tubes for triangular products. Does not apply to Pocket Scales, where tube packaging is included.

Important Order Notes

Cancellation policy: 15% of total order after proof approval.

Additional side imprints are available with the photo anodized process only.

Inquire for information regarding self-promotion.

Orders are F.O.B. Fort Collins, Colorado USA 80524.

Dealers: Inquire for information about custom jobs or self-promotions.

Art Requirements

Please send artwork to sales@draftingsuppliesdew.com. We will help coordinate your order.

Artwork should follow these current requirements:

  • Please include your company name and PO number in the subject line
  • Exact layout preferred
  • Vector line art drawing only, no bitmaps please
  • All text must be converted to “Curves” or “Outlines”
  • Submit black and white art regardless of imprint color
  • For more than one imprint color, separated art is required

Accepted file types:

  • Corel Draw version 17 or earlier
  • Adobe Illustrator version CS5 or earlier
  • Vector PDF
  • Vector EPS

There is no charge if electronic art to specifications is provided. One line of straight-line type is included at no charge.

Scanning and cleanup, additional typesetting, or other artwork manipulation will be charged at $30.00 /v per hour.

Smallest printable type size is 6 pt.

On multi-color jobs, colors cannot be close or touching registration. A minimum of 1/16" is required for registration between colors.

Imprinting Methods

Photo Anodizing

  • Imprint becomes part of the finish on the aluminum
  • Looks like silk screening, but is more durable and more resistant to cleaners and solvents
  • All Alumicolor® products have photo anodized calibrations
  • Standard imprint colors on silver and gold products are black, reflex blue, process blue, fire red, and dark green
  • Standard calibration color is black, but it can be imprinted to match your imprint color. Inquire for details.
  • On colored products, choose between silver or gold imprint with matching calibrations. White is not available.
  • Two-color imprints are available on silver or gold products only
  • Production time is 15 to 20 working days from the date of approved paper proof
  • Paper proofs are provided within 2 to 5 working days from receipt of your order and art
  • Quantities over 1,000 pieces may take additional production time
  • Production time may vary depending on volume and season. Please inquire.

Photo Anodizing on Silver or Gold Products

Product Color: Silver, Gold

Imprint Color: Black, Reflex Blue, Process Blue, Fire Red, Dark Green standard colors

Calibration Color: Black, or can match your imprint color

Photo Anodizing on Colored Products

Product Color: Red, Blue, Black, Purple, Green

Imprint Color: Choice of Silver or Gold

Calibration Color: Silver or Gold matching calibrations

Laser Engraving

  • Cuts into aluminum to show the true aluminum color through the finish
  • Appears silver or white on all products
  • There is no color fill available
  • Production time is 5 to 10 working days from the date of approved paper proof
  • Paper proofs are provided within 2 to 5 working days of receipt of your order and art

Ordering Information

Standard minimum order: 100 pieces

Absolute minimum: 50 pieces

Laser engraving minimum: 25 pieces

If you are not sure which imprinting method, minimum, or color option is right for your job, contact us before ordering and we will help you sort it out.

Questions About a Custom Imprint Order?

If you need help with artwork, imprint methods, color options, rush production, custom calibrations, or dealer inquiries, our team is happy to help.

As a small family-run business, we want to make the process easier and more personal. Reach out to us and we will help guide you through the order.

Ready to Start an Alumicolor Custom Imprint Order?

Contact Drafting Equipment Warehouse for help with pricing, artwork, production options, and custom imprint questions.

Email Us | sales@draftingsuppliesdew.com | Call 1-877-933-7238