Inlay Examples

Simple Repeat Pattern This basic pattern is the easiest to create. It consists of two basic shapes and has only one color for the inlay. Larger View

Two Color Continuous This inlay is easy to create. The path is still simple but the two colors for the inlay require some additional cost. Larger View

Two Color Multi Crossing This inlay starts to get a little challenging. The layout is a little involved and the inlay requires additional cost due to the multiple crossovers. Larger View

Multi Color Artwork This inlay requires some work. The layout is intricate and required an additional machining operation before adding the final color. Larger View

Inserted Edge Band A complex inlay. It requires diamond inserts that were machined, thermoformed, and glued in place before adding the final color. Larger View

Inlay Design Guidelines     Layout Size, The size of the cutter required to machine the inlay pocket can be an important factor. The minimum cutter diameter that can be used is 1/32" and it requires additional machining time due to it’s size . It is recommended that the layout be sized to allow for the use of a 3/32" diameter cutter. This size allows for a delicate design yet makes a easily machined profile.     Layout Design, Almost any design is possible. But to help control costs try to have a layout that repeats at multiples of 6" or less.     Text, Text can be extremely difficult to create. Whenever possible, make the text of a bold block style font with a height of at least 5/16" (30 Points).     Parent Material, Most solid surface materials can be used. But pay attention to the size of the particulate in the material. The larger the particulate the less defined the inlay may look.     Inlay Color, Pay attention to the contrast between the materials. This applies to both color and shading. The "Two Color Multi Crossing" shows what can happen. In this example the blue inlay fades into the burgundy background because the shading is to dark.