started out with painted MDF boards that are 9.5" x 9.5" square and 2.7mm thick. Used flat red fast dry by painters touch spray can I sprayed both sides prior to let them dry. i then opened up XCS software to design the name tags from all within XCS. I start out by typing Merry Christmas Dad! with the default setting from the text button, I am going to make 4 different name tags so I copy and pasted the text 4 times. I then switched over to the free font I have installed by the name of Madinah Authentic and changed to text to this more stylish font.

once the font has been changed I go to the outline option XCS has and set it to have a 1/2" bordered outline, I then add a rectangle to flatten the bottom I do this by lining up the bottom edge and use the subtract option found in the combine drop down. Once this is done it will remove the bubbled bottom edge of the outline and leaves a straight edge.

once this has been done and the outline now has a flat bottom, I copy and paste 4 times for the other three texts. I then go the the shapes option in XCS and select the quarter circle, I also make another smaller rectangle and angle it @ 22° and once again I use the subtract option to cut the quarter circle to have it's own angle. This little piece will be the standing support so the dinner plate name tag stands on it's own when glued to the back anywhere near the middle flush to the bottom.

when the little angled quarter circle has it's new shape I also copy it and paste 3 times for a total of four along with the other outlines. I then edit the text for each outline this can be any name you want. once this has all been edited and set in place I set all four texts to be engraved at the same power speed and passes. I also set the outline and the quarter circles to be cut along with the outlines so the engraving and cutting can be done in one go on the laser machine. once everything has been engraved and cut out I use a baby wipe to wipe off any soot that may have formed from the engraving and cutting, with the use of air assist this is generally minimal.

with the little backing piece glued to the back of the name tag on the angle selected the tag sits nicely on a slight angle towards you on pretty much any dinner plate. These are fun to make and are a big hit when people getting ready to sit down for the festive holiday dinner having a personal greeting to each and everyone at the table.