Aug. 26, 2024
Machinery
If you want to purchase a laser machine to start a laser engraving business (laser etching business), you most likely have a list of questions needing answers. In this post, we&#;ve answered some common questions about buying a laser engraver machine.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.
The capacity of your laser machine plays a pivotal role in defining the scope and competitiveness of your business in the targeted market. A high-capacity, versatile laser engraver and precision part cutter allows you to adapt and tap into new markets, especially when facing saturation in your current niche.
Before you purchase a laser machine, matching its capabilities with your business growth is crucial. Here are vital aspects to consider:
The power of your laser impacts the engraving speed and depth. Higher power will allow you to cut thicker materials in one path. Opt for a higher-power laser engraver-cutter if your business demands swift, deep engraving, especially for more rigid materials, or if you plan to have laser cutters for wood or acrylic into signages. This is vital for maintaining efficiency and expanding material versatility. Please study the following chart for laser power and the material thickness it can cut.
CO2 laser power vs. Thickness of materials
The bed size of your CO2 laser etching machine determines the maximum area available for engraving. It is the machine&#;s x-y motion range, and it is the ultimate cutting size as well. A larger bed size means the ability to handle more significant items and the convenience of engraving multiple smaller items simultaneously, thus boosting productivity. However, note that the bed size, often indicated in dimensions like 48 &#;x36&#;, differs from the maximum size of engravable objects.
The capacity of a laser engraving machine to accommodate various sizes and heights of objects is crucial. Your ability to engrave from small keychains to bulky or irregularly shaped items can significantly broaden your market reach. Ensuring your laser machine can handle diverse object dimensions is critical to expanding your marketing and sales potential.
That question is difficult for us to answer, as it depends on your plans for the laser machine and the most oversized size material for engraving or laser cutting machines. AP Lazer&#;s patented open architecture provides you with limitless opportunities, but the size of the machine will ultimately determine the size of the material and ease of engraving ability. Generally, bigger is better simply because if you have a giant machine, you have more options and opportunities to engrave larger objects than if you purchase a smaller machine. It&#;s entirely up to you and which revenue streams you&#;d like to tap into.
Laser machines range drastically in size, from small desktop engraving machines to large gantry-style laser engraving machines. For your laser engraving business, you also need to know the space requirements of AP Lazer machines. The largest of our machines require at least an 11&#; by 8&#; space. If less space is available, our smaller line of machines can fit in an area as little as 8&#; by 5&#;. It is best if your laser engraving machine is in a space that shares a wall with the outdoors for convenient ventilation. Installing a 6&#; fan will push any fumes or smells from the top of the machine to the outdoors. The AP Lazer should also be near a standard 110v power outlet, so extension cords aren&#;t unnecessary. One less tripping hazard is always better. Read more about safety tips.
Besides the space for your laser machine, You also need to consider your workspace, what products you plan to inventory, and if you need to meet customers in your space.
When selecting a laser engraving machine to start or diversify your business, it&#;s essential to consider the learning curve involved with its operation. Assessing how user-friendly the hardware and software are is crucial, as is the availability of training resources such as online videos and comprehensive knowledge bases. Understanding the level of ongoing support, including one-on-one training and technical assistance, is vital for smooth operation.
AP Lazer&#;s comprehensive one-on-one virtual or onsite hands-on training at our Las Vegas branch and 24/7/365 tech support can dramatically reduce your learning curve.
Another critical factor is the software compatibility of the laser engraver or etching machine. Compatibility with popular industry software like Lightburn can simplify learning, which often means more accessible online resources and community support.
It&#;s essential to recognize that the learning curve can be a hidden cost, especially for entrepreneurs focused on business growth rather than intricate machine operations. Choosing a laser engraving or etching machine that balances technical capabilities and ease of use is crucial for effective business integration.
Highly skilled technicians will spend one day assisting you in getting your machine up and running and helping you get familiar with the machine. Following the step-by-step instructions and assembling your machine before the one-on-one virtual training will leave more time for a technician to answer more detailed questions. Additionally, we offer 24/7 technical support, and Advanced Training is available should you require it.
Ready to grow your business? Download our free guide: The Ultimate Guide to Business Growth With a Laser.
When investing in laser engravers or laser etching machines, understanding the scope of included technical support is crucial. The value of tech support cannot be overstated, as business downtime due to machine issues can lead to significant financial losses, ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars per hour.
Often, machines become unusable due to lack of support, running in a faulty mode until they become unfixable, or replacement parts are unavailable. LIFETIME support is crucial for your machine&#;s life span and resell value.
Consider the support format provided: Via , , or chat? Also, it&#;s essential to have customers know the availability of this support &#; is it only during working hours, or is it more extensive?
AP Lazer stands out by offering 24/7/365 North America-based support for the lifetime of your machine. This support, including Facetime for on-the-spot troubleshooting and remote login capabilities for adjusting settings, can swiftly resolve issues, correct user errors, and answer your queries.
Such robust support ensures that even a machine that has been in use for ten years receives the same level of care as a new one, significantly extending the machine&#;s lifespan and ensuring continuous operation for your business. The best CO2 laser for small businesses has the most versatile capability and, most importantly, the best support.
Ask about the warranty duration. AP Lazer machines carry a three-year parts warranty, a two-year tube and mirror warranty, and the lens is warranty for one year. When researching machine warranties, the tube, mirror, and lens are essential to pay attention to, as most other laser cutter and engraver warranties count these parts as &#;consumable items&#; and cover them from 90 days to not at all. On top of everything, we also include a year of technical support and 24/7/365 lifetime technical support.
Laser machines can be paid for in various ways, but most commonly are purchased with cash (capital purchase) or by financing the laser equipment.
Laser machines can be paid for in various ways, but most commonly are purchased with cash (capital purchase) or by financing the laser equipment.
&#; Cash. It is an excellent option for existing businesses, as any profit you make with the machine is 100% yours from the beginning.
&#; Finance-to-own. Financing a laser engraving machine provides many convenient options to suit your financial needs best. Most financing companies offer some deferment option, giving you time to get the machine in your possession, receive training, pass the learning curve, and generate profits before you write the first check. Financing allows you to deduct the full amount of the purchase price of your laser in the first year when you utilize Section 179.
&#; Credit Card. You may pay for your complete diode laser engravers machine with a credit card. (3% fee applies).
&#; Utilize a bank of your choice for the option of a standard equipment or business loan, home equity loan, or line of credit. Federal grants are readily available if you are a non-profit or for-profit organization such as a school or university.
Making money with a laser machine is essentially up to the owner/operator. AP Lazer machines boast unique features that will set you apart from other laser machines and allow you to make money quickly.
Realizing the potential and taking advantage of our patented open architecture is extremely valuable and will provide you with many opportunities. With AP Lazer, you have no boundaries and never have to say &#;no&#; to anyone capable of completing their job. Your only limitation is your creativity and desire to laser-cut metal, but you can engrave metal with coating or bare metal with Cermark spray.
When entering the Emotional Marketplace with no size or weight limitations, you can diversify your business into unlimited low-competition and high-profit markets.
Please download the FREE eBook: The Ultimate Guide For Business Growth With AP Lazer
We hope to have answered some of your common questions about purchasing a laser machine and inspired you along the way. If you have additional questions we didn&#;t cover, feel free to contact us or give us a call at 800-585-
Related links:If you are looking for more details, kindly visit SIEME.
By Tong Li
January 9,
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As laser cutting, engraving and marking systems become more common in business and education, reliable manufacturers are bound to take precautions to ensure the safety of laser machines. However, since laser safety standards vary around the world, it is wise to look carefully to ensure that the laser cutter is indeed safe for your intended use and environment. If you purchase a system without assessing its security, it could result in property damage or serious user injury.
As the laser system owner, you are responsible for meeting all workplace safety requirements for your operation. Not complying with local and federal regulations or ignoring safety obligations not only puts employees at risk, but also increases liability in the event of an accident. Even if you unknowingly bring an unsafe laser system into your facility, you may be found guilty of negligence. We always recommend that you do your own research, but first, here are seven questions to help you assess the safety of a laser machine before you buy one.
A quick indication that the system is not in compliance with basic safety regulations is if the system does not display the required safety labels. U.S. and international regulations require all laser manufacturers to place warning labels at specific locations on the system to indicate specific hazards. If the system is not properly labeled, it does not meet minimum safety requirements and should not be used. Good machinery and equipment will take corresponding safety measures and set warning signs in the parts that are easy to cause damage. The emergency stop button should be set on the control cabinet or the position that is easy to operate. This and similar buttons not only remind users of their safety, but also make them easy to use. Monport models are equipped with panic buttons and warning labels placed on the outside of the body.
The design of an excellent laser system should include a strong metal housing to protect the user from exposure and injury. The surface of the engraving machine should be smooth and clean, and the color of the paint layer should be uniform and consistent, without defects such as bubbles, accumulation and scratches. The protective layer should be complete and uniform without drawbacks such as fading, blotching, peeling and rusting, and according to industry standards, the laser safety enclosure is made of metal thick enough to prevent the laser beam from penetrating. Systems made of plastic should be avoided as they are not effective in preventing the beam from burning through the shell and causing significant injury. In addition to the housing material, ensure that all housing doors or access panels have a tight enclosed design, which is necessary to prevent any laser energy from escaping. Long exposure to the laser is a risk, and when carving some other chemical materials that can produce toxic gases, a good sealing environment is the protection of the sculptor. No good system without these can truly be considered laser safe. Therefore, be sure to check all enclosure openings when you receive the machine.
According to all major international standards, a qualified laser system requires additional interlocking devices on the doors and access panels used in all operations. These interlocking devices prevent the laser from firing when the door is open. This basic design feature helps ensure safe operation and avoid exposure to laser radiation.
Although plastic observation Windows meet the minimum requirements for laser safety, they are not as safe as laminated glass. If the stray laser beam comes into direct contact with the plastic window, it will quickly burn through and escape the shell. For CO2 lasers, laminated safety glass with an optical density of 6+ is recommended. The glass should have at least two layers with a thin film in between to keep the glass intact even if hit directly by a laser beam or heavy object. Toughened glass is unsafe because it can shatter into small pieces and allow the laser energy to escape. Systems with fiber laser sources should have an additional protective layer, usually blue or green, to contain fiber laser radiation, which is especially harmful to the eye if viewed directly. If you're not sure what to look for, you can ask the manufacturer for window safety certification for all laser sources included in the system. Monport's Fireproof machines are equipped with PC glass, which not only effectively protects against laser damage but is also stronger and more fire-resistant than ordinary acrylic glass.
Because the materials can be flammable, another important safety feature in laser systems is a high temperature sensor and alarm. If unusually high temperatures are detected in the laser processing area, the system is designed to turn off the laser source and trigger an audible alarm. Be sure to double-check with the manufacturer, as this feature is not mandatory. For added safety, some laser systems can be configured with optional fire suppression. While these safety features are helpful, it is important not to leave the laser system unattended during use and to monitor its safe operation.
Despite safety concerns, there are many low-cost systems that use glass laser tubes, which are powered by HVDC and cooled with water. Basically, cold water is circulated around a glass laser to prevent it from overheating. There is a serious risk of electric shock in the event of water leakage, damage to the glass laser tube, or direct contact with any high pressure element. Electric shocks can be fatal when the voltage exceeds V and the current ranges from 30 to 150mA. In any environment, but especially in schools, careful consideration should be given before purchasing a laser system built using high-pressure glass lasers. A safe choice is an air-cooled laser system with a low-voltage power supply. The Monport power supply controls the start and stop of the laser, and it is equipped with a guard switch for testing various issues such as external ventilation. In addition, Monport laser power is rigorously tested to deliver the highest quality and efficiency on the market. Of course, in the process of use, the sculptor should pay more attention to the laser and high pressure part of the machine, non-professional personnel are strictly prohibited to disassemble the machine without authorization.
How to choose a reliable and secure laser engraving machine? The safety of laser systems needs to be ensured before purchasing them, as not all manufacturers follow the same safety standards. If you work in an environment and strength to choose the right machine for you, but there is an important problem, a very safe machine also needs the correct operation process, so it is very important to learn the correct use of engraving machine for your personal safety.
1. In the process of working the machine, the operator is forbidden to leave without authorization to avoid unnecessary losses.
2. When the machine is working, the top cover plate of the machine must be covered to prevent the laser from deviating and wounding people.
3. Non-professional personnel are strictly prohibited to disassemble the machine due to laser and high pressure parts in the machine.
4. As this kind of laser is invisible light, inflammable and explosive items are strictly prohibited to be placed near the equipment to prevent fire from laser deflection.
5. It is strictly prohibited to place any irrelevant fully reflective or diffuse reflective objects in the device to prevent the laser from directly reflecting on the human body or flammable objects.
6. In the process of working the machine, the operator must observe the working condition of the machine at any time (such as: hook edge deformation, whether the paper is blown up by the air pump to block the laser, abnormal sound of the machine, the temperature of the circulating water, etc.).
7. Do not push or pull the trolley or beam by hand.
8. The machine is located in the environment without pollution, no strong electricity, strong magnetic interference and influence.
9. When the voltage is unstable, it is forbidden to start the machine, otherwise the voltage regulator must be used. It is forbidden to be used by untrained personnel.
10. The continuous working time of the machine shall not exceed 5 hours (more than half an hour rest is required during the work).
11. It is strictly prohibited to turn on the ammeter in the state of large value, so as not to breakdown the laser power supply and shorten the life of the laser tube.
12. the basic limit of the use of laser power (that is, the ammeter can not exceed 20mA)
13. In case of machine failure or fire, please cut off the power immediately.
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