Fun with the sponge

[Greg Bednar]

Well, here's something I've been wanting to try for a time. They are compressed cellulose sponges. In their compressed form this particular sponge is about .07 inches in thickness. After adding water, it is 5/8 inches thick. Frank Corker suggested I do these in relief, which worked out WAY better than engraving them. Thanks Frank!

The sponges vary in size from 3/8, 5/8 and 1" fully expanded. The 3/8 inch compressed is .03 inches. There is a small wow factor in seeing it expand. And then it's over.

Now to think up some REALLY interesting methods to use these. Suggestions are welcome........

[Frank Corker]

I've seen the sponges that Greg has done, I really think that there is a lot of potential here. Just the Sheraton says it all, imagine hotels and motels giving these things out to guests, novelty factor alone it's brilliant! I think you did a great job there Greg and by the looks of the pictures, you have your settings just perfect.

[Bruce Clumpner]

Pretty cool stuff Greg! So where do you source your materials?

[Andrea Weissenseel]

That's really wow and fun

There is a small wow factor in seeing it expand. And then it's over.

Does that mean that isn't visible anymore when you wet the sponge ?

They could be usefull for a lot of clientel, every company that's envolved in cleaning, cosmetics - if you drill only those two down, there is a huge potential

[Rodne Gold]

I would cut and engrave sponges for kiddies bathtimes and try sell to the big retailers. Kids will love to see their sponge grow into a duck , a ship , a truck , a fairy or whatever.
Would also be perhaps a great freebie give away for cosmetic and body lotion mnfgrs/sellers ,

Buy a bottle of "elizabethgardengrosslyoverpricedcream" for$50 and get a free sponge (with out logo on of course , we really give nothing for free..we wanna put our product in your face- literally - and with a sponge we can reach EVERY orifice on your body )

[Jiten Patel]

Rodne, you crack me up. Hilarious.

But still Greg, those look brilliant. Massive contracts to be had on those. I would start with the Sheraton! I see those coming to a hotel near me soon! How long does each one take?

[Greg Bednar]

Hello all and thank you.

Bruce - PM sent re: source.

Andrea - It's the WOW factor that disappears fast, not the engraving. It remains.

Rodne - Exellent idea. I especeially like the "elizabethgardengrosslyoverpricedcream" And the "EVERY orifice on your body"
brings to mind some X rated designs for the fast crowd.

Jit - Yes, the Sheraton would be nice. Right now I'm experimenting with resolution and seem
to have arrived at 200 DPI for this particular 1 inch sponge. I also do two passes to get
about a 3/8 inch depth . About 30 seconds for one done in relief with a 3inch X 4inch dimension
and one pass.

There is a brownish cast to the engraving which looks like a regular business card in its compressed form, but the cast comes off and the sponge expands and voila! Wow factor with a definite 3D effect ( without the glasses. )

[Andrea Weissenseel]

After I looked a second time at the pic I realized that it is a picture of the expanded sponge

You could also cut in shapes, i.e. a car and cover all the car washs or even shampoo producers, or cats and dogs for pet shops possibilities are endless ...

[Dan Hintz]

I've seen the sponges that Greg has done, I really think that there is a lot of potential here. Just the Sheraton says it all

Agree whole-heartedly...

[Greg Bednar]

For all those interested. I just met with a very helpful individual at Industrial Commercial Supply. That is the source for compressed sponges. All products are American made in Akron, Ohio and PVC FREE. The person you want to talk to for an order is Larry Rowlands. He is able to cut the sponges to the laser bed size you require. And he is the one to contact for the quotes. ICS is only about 20 miles from me. I live in Canton, OH and the business is in Akron, OH, so no problem with the trip. I feel the prices are great, green ( for the eco-conscience people ) and hold lots of potential as is evidenced by the folks here. So follow this link http://www.icsponge.com/ - please don't anyone spank me for the hot link, if it is not proper, please edit.

And thanks to all thus far for the input. Tell Larry I sent you :-)

[Dee Gallo]

Greg, those are so cool - I'm definitely going to get some! I have some nephews who love the ones I buy for them, expanding dinosaurs and the like... now I can make some really personalized ones. Kids absolutely love these, plus I agree the market is hot for custom soaps and spa items. These fit right in that niche.

Thanks, dee

[Nestor Fernandez]

Frank Corker suggested I do these in relief, which worked out WAY better than engraving them

What does that mean?? I guess I'm unclear as to what you mean by "relief". Either way, that looks great! Nice work!

[Dee Gallo]

Boy, Larry Rowlands already got back to me - great service so far! I'm getting an assortment and will see what they act like. Thanks again, Greg!

[Rodne Gold]

Bas, mezzo or high relief is where the letters etc stand out of a sunken background , intaglio is where the letters etc are carved in.

[Greg Bednar]

Hi Frank and Dee,

Nestor - Rodne has the "relief" definition covered. Thanks Rodne. That's what I did with the logo and lettering so the logo and lettering would stand up from the surface instead of being engraved into the surface.

Dee - I'm glad all is working so far with Larry Rowlands. He was very helpful with me today and it looks as though he was helpful for you too. He sent me some samples 8 x 10 inch of the 3/8 5/8 and 1 inch compressed sponge and it was with these that I have been doing runs with different resolutions, speed, power, frequency. The 3/8 inch is the easiest to vector, but the 1 inch really pops after you do two passes at 200 DPI. The original post was with the 5/8.

Oh yes, one suggestion - make sure if you use the air assist, that the air is dry. If it condenses and then drops onto the sponge, it WILL expand in those places. So only use the air assist when vectoring, and be careful to use an inline dryer.