Laser Engraving $12995.00Let's start with an overview of the industry and its product. Lasers have now been used in the making of signage and similar products for over 20 years! In that time frame, many changes have occurred, but one thing remains constant: sign makers and other professionals are finding more and more reasons to use laser technology for providing quality products and services for their customers. The Benefits There are many advantages to laser engraving over more conventional methods. Using a beam of light as a tool, engraving by laser produces a non-contact mark which results in less wear and tear on tooling and associated costs. There is also less chance for product damage and/or deformation. There are also no consumables and no problems disposing of toxic by-products, as there may be with some methods. Laser engraving produces a mark that is crisp, clean and permanent. Lasers are also faster than many conventional methods of product imprinting, providing greater versatility in material choices. Also, the same machine can cut through thin materials as well as engrave on them. While the original laser engraving systems were large, cumbersome, difficult to run and maintain, today's systems have evolved into machines that are simple to learn, operate, and take care of. The earlier systems also had more safety issues than today's systems and required the constant replenishment of gasses. Today's equipment has evolved greatly from those early days. The lasers are now sealed and a constant flow of gas is unnecessary. The latest equipment also provides faster engraving speeds and features more options. Most service is performed via e-mail, fax, and phone with parts being exchanged, as necessary. Prices have also dropped making it feasible for more people. But the most significant change of all has probably been the interface of laser engraving equipment with computer technology. The engraving system is connected to a computer via a parallel printer cable. A machine driver, provided with the machine, is installed into the PC. The process is much like adding a printer to your computer. Artwork is generated on the PC in a graphics program much like CorelDRAW (other products are used as well) or artwork is scanned in via a scanner, and then cleaned up as necessary. The manufacturer can assist you with selecting a computer that is best compatible with your laser engraving system. Keep in mind however that greater computer capabilities will result in greater engraving capabilities. You will quickly learn that laser engraving is very much a computer function. The best engravers we know are excellent graphic artists. The Limitations Laser Technology, while it has come down dramatically in price since it's inception, is still an expensive technology. There are also limitations in much of the equipment as far as size capabilities. Additionally, a laser still cannot compete with a router when it comes to removing large areas of artwork. And like other machine tool methods, lasers also have specific safety issues that should be addressed. Because a laser is a beam of light and also defined as capable of emitting radiation by the CDRH (Center for Radiological Health), lasers do bring up certain safety issues. Both the manufacturer and the user are required by law to comply with certain regulations. Manufacturers are required to build safe equipment and affix warning labels to the machine. Users need to be aware of the hazards and use the machine accordingly. There are also fire hazards that need to be heeded. Additionally, high voltages of electricity are present in the system's electronics that operators and maintenance persons should be aware of and take the necessary precautions. To ensure clean air for laser users, visitors, and neighbors, a good working exhaust system is also essential to remove vaporized materials from the facility. Additionally, some materials, when laser processed, have potential health risks, so it is important to always know what you are laser engraving. It pays to always use caution and follow the original equipment manufacturers recommendations to ensure a safe operating environment.
The applications for laser engraving equipment are vast and versatile, making it an attractive technology for many shops. Today's laser engraving equipment has become increasingly easy to learn, operate, maintain and is more affordable than ever. You wil learn to use graphic software to produce laser engraved products using the latest Laser technologies. You will be responsible for creating a product line and a services offering. You will scope out the many different products that can be used for laser engraving. You will setup wholesale and retail enities for the varied products. Markups on products are 3 - 20 times cost. Just in the wholesale arena there are many opportunities to work with sign companies, premium dealers and more... For the right person this has major potential to be a fun, as well as rewarding venture. If you dont have strong computer skills we can help, if you are willing to do what it takes we can train you, remember we are your backbone and with 25 years in computer grahics we can pass on our years of experience, if you are motivated and willing to go the extra mile you can learn this.
What we are offering is a place to start and grow, phones answered, business location, Sales materials, Marketing, accounting and most important you have us in your corner everyday. Because making you successful makes us successful we will be with you developing new products and moving to make this venture as profitable as possible in the shortest amount of time. |
