By Melissa Donovan
Laser engraving services are a great addition to a large format print shop. “The capability to handle a variety of materials and create personalized, high-quality products can differentiate them from competitors, enhancing their market position,” suggests a representative from Trotec Laser, Inc.
The January issue of Digital Output includes an article focused on how beneficial adding laser engraving can be for a print service provider (PSP). There are many options out there, so we rounded up some of the more notable vendors in the space and share their recommendations for PSPs with a background in signage/graphic arts.
Roundup
Aeon Laser USA launched its REDLINE Series in April 2024. It is designed to maximize profits with its primary focus on increasing efficiency, versatility, and ease of use, while simultaneously reducing downtime and overall maintenance. The series includes four models—MIRA S, MIRA Pro S, NOVA S, and SUPERNOVA S.
AP Lazer is committed to top-notch service and offers a variety of high-quality laser cutter machines. The machines use CNC-controlled, precision-focused laser beams used to cut or etch designs on metals, wood, and other materials. The open-architecture design with a removable top allows for adding unique personalization to large, heavy materials that would not fit in a conventional boxed-in laser system. The machines mostly use a CO2 gas mixture and electricity to produce a powerful laser beam that can cut through almost anything.
In business since 1988, Epilog Laser is a leading designer and manufacturer of small format, mid size, and larger format CO2 and fiber laser engraving, cutting, and marking systems. Its U.S.-made laser machines range in speed from 65 to 165 inches per second and come in a variety of sizes and wattage configurations. Used in a variety of industries, Epilog’s laser systems can work with an extensive list of materials including wood, acrylic, glass, marble, textiles, and plastics. All the lasers in its product line feature the IRIS Camera Positioning System. Included overhead cameras provide an accurate live view of any material placed on the laser’s work surface.
eurolaser is a modular laser cutting system. The company only installs the features the customer needs for their specific applications, or to fit their budget. It can also upgrade existing systems with eurolaser options and grow with customers. This means the customer does not need to change their cutting table when they need to increase productivity or think of a new revenue stream they wish to add—eurolaser will add the feature on their existing system.
Gravotech’s LS laser sign making machines range has a wide engraving and cutting area for personalizing material sheets up to 1,220×610 millimeters. Recommended for display and sign engraving is the LS100, LS100 EX, and LS900 laser tables.
Kern Laser Systems’ OptiFlex is a high performance, large format laser cutting and engraving system. This is the most popular and versatile machine in Kern’s product line. The OptiFlex is ideal for processing of metal, acrylic, wood, textiles, and foam while also featuring high-speed engraving capabilities.
Rabbit Laser USA offers top-quality CO2 laser cutters and fiber laser marking machines. Whether cutting, marking, or engraving, the machines deliver unmatched precision.
Radian Laser Systems offers the Radian 3D CO2 galvo-based laser system. It is designed for engraving and cutting a wide variety of items, including powder-coated tumblers and drinkware, award plates, wood, stone, and cleanly cutting delicate materials such fabric and paper. Up to a 26×26-inch marking field allows for a variety of setup configurations to meet even the most challenging production needs.
Trotec Laser, Inc. offers laser cutters from entry-level models to high-end machines for professionals, from small to large format laser cutting machines with two by three meters. Acrylic, wood, paper, and plastic are just a few of the materials a laser machine can cut precisely and engrave in detail. The high-performance laser cutters of the Speedy series automatically adjust the cutting speed to match the geometry of your designs. Combined with the laser software Ruby, Trotec Laser guarantees an optimal workflow. This enables excellent quality at maximum throughput.
Universal Laser Systems’ ULTRA X6000 is a high-accuracy laser material processing system designed for demanding applications in manufacturing, prototyping, and research and development environments. The most unique features include patented MultiWave Hybrid technology and laser power optimization that enable accurate matching of available laser energy with material absorption characteristics to produce optimal results.
Access New Markets
Laser engraving systems are helpful for a number of reasons but by far one of the more popular ones is to diversify your market reach.
“Adding a versatile laser machine dedicated to diversifying your business will provide the highest return on investment. It can offer limitless service possibilities for your customer base, leading your business to increased profits, reduced competition, and access to new markets,” concludes Tong Li, Ph.D., CEO, AP Lazer.
Jan2025, Digital Output
