Laser Engraving Systems

Question:

I’m considering buying a laser engraving machine e.g Epilog Legend or Laserpro Spirit, and need to know whether or not these type of machines can be used within a garage environment. I’m thinking in terms of fire risk etc - I’m considering using a garage that has cans of paint and other flamable items stored. Also, the garage is not heated so could get quite cold sometimes during the year.

Answer:

I would not be especially concerned about the fire hazard — the laser itself must be well contained within the machine. If not, your eyes would be at greater risk than the garage.

I might be concerned about the temperature extremes, however. You should be careful to keep condensation from forming, which is a particularly big problem on suddenly warm days when the garage temperature is lower than the ourside air. In my workshop, I have a small electric heater that keeps the inside a few degrees warmer than the outside.

Temperature could cause problems with:

• lubrication of moving parts, including linear slides.
• condensation.
• laser power levels and power level calibration.

Grease becomes quite stiff at low temperatures, unless it is chosen for low-temperature properties. Increasing the resistance to movement may de-tune the servomotors and increase the positioning error to the point where it becomes useless.

Condensation will hurt you in many ways. Lenses fog. Water gets into the lubrication. Water corrodes steel and aluminum. Water conducts electricity, and alters the behavior of the electronics. Most electronics specifications indicate a wide permitted temperature and humidity range, but require that the conditions be “non-condensing”.

Many laser systems are non-linear with temperature. I don’t know the source of this laser, but if youare operating outside of the customary temperature range, the electronics may not be able to sustain a stable beam. The results and consequences would be difficult to predict.

Depending on how large the unit is, I see that the Laserpro Spirit can consume up to 4400 watts. Be sure you have sufficient electrical capacity.

Personally, I’d love to have one of these machines. Good luck with it, and enjoy it.

Laser engraving is growing marketplace and only takes a small investment to get going.

Whether you realize it or not, personalized and engraved products are everywhere and someone, somewhere is producing these amazing items and profiting, too.

What about the start up cost of a laser engraving service company? Very affordable! Because a complete laser engraving system that includes computer, software and supplies can be purchased reasonably.

Engrave with laser technology cigars, iPODS, Mac Books, acrylic, counter tops, wood, rubber, stone, leather, fabric or glass to make and personalize unique gift items, recognition awards or keepsakes. Personalize plaques, pens, pencils, or cases. Cut puzzles. Mark tools. Engrave tags. Even etch wine bottles. There are endless possibilities!

Today’s post is a clear example of the different uses of this amazing technology. Below you can see a laser engraving glass with rotary attachment. With the rotary attachment we can engrave most round objects.