There are many ways to engrave (or mark) pens, the most common being laser engraving or marking, which is normally done on low cost production pens that have a special coating. This coating turns color when the hot laser comes in contact with it. A laser engraver is also good for marking the barrel of a plastic pen because of the high heat generated. And finally you can use a laser to mark a brass or sterling silver pen but it must be done with a spray on coating which changes to a black (or sometimes gold) lettering when hit by the laser.
Another high volume personalizing method is imprinting using a pad printer or screenprinting, this prints the letters on the surface of the pen using inks and is especially good for logos or designer names.
But, is a $150 pen with someones name printed on the surface in ink what you wish to give as a gift? The perceived value would drop instamatically!
Better quality name brand pens are not designed for laser engraving, they do not have coatings or plastic barrels and most people do not want even a $50 pen marked with BLACK or even GOLD letters (tacky!).
To engrave pens at this level you need to precisely cut your names and letters into the surface of the pen using a rotary engraver (same as watches or jewelry) - holding the pens immovable and engraving them indelibly with a special name or phrase - turning a nice pen into a 'Custom' pen and adding value to your gift.
by: ThePenWorks
