Meet master memorial artist, Dan Hafer

In the 20 years of Diamond hand etching, a whole new generation of memorial design was started. This artwork is created by using several different electric tools with diamond tips, to “scratch” the polished surface of the granite. Dan Hafer, Master Memorial Artist, has for over 20 years created stunning personalized artwork. Working personally with families to take photos, artwork, or ideas and turn them into lasting memories, Dan’s portfolio of hand etched memorial art is the finest, most extensive, of any artist in the world. Dan has created his own “Signature Series” which is available only at Dodds Monuments. It’s the artist’s human touch that makes these beautiful carvings truly unique.

To see a selection of Dan Hafer’s work, please visit our portfolio page.

Laser Designs

Black granites allow the possibility of detailed design work. In the past several years, another significant breakthrough in engraving has taken place; the laser. Similar to diamond etching, the laser creates a design by exploding the polish. Instead of a “scratch”, the laser hits the granite with an 8000 degree beam of light in a burst that lasts approximately one-ten thousandth of a second. The heat of the beam actually explodes a light dot which is 1/200th of an inch in diameter.

A picture, or image, is scanned into a computer where a software program analyzes differences down the lighter and darker areas of the image. The actual size of the design is then established, and the laser lens is set to travel to that size. As the lens maneuvers back and forth, it moves downward. The computer directs the laser to fire farther apart if the area is darker, or closer together if that part of the image is lighter. This dot matrix type of process allows photographic quality engravings to be permanently placed onto the granite.

Jim Smith, owner of Laser Imaging and Design, in Lebanon, OH, at one time was a diamond etcher for Dodds Monuments. Wanting to start his own laser company, Jim located his company in the Dodds branch office in Lebanon. Laser Imaging and Design has taken laser quality to the next level with second generation software. His quality has set the new standard for the industry. Because of Jim’s close association with Dodds over the years, he decided to give Dodds exclusive rights to his laser etchings.