Engraving is an ancient art, one that thrives to this day. One of the earliest methods for printmaking, engraving is often used for security and decorative purposes. In the past, it used to be the domain of artisans. Today, anyone can engraving pick up as a hobby. Traditional methods such as etching and rotary engraving are still popular, but for those who prefer a faster and more flexible approach, there is laser engraving.
There are many things to consider if you want to buy a laser-engraving machine It’s a complicated piece of machinery with a lot of running parts, not to mention the powerful laser that does the engraving. The pattern or design that is etched to the surface is also fed through a computer. The market is filled with many options, and choosing the right machine for you can seem like an impossible task.
Here are some of the things you need to consider when buying a laser-engraving machine:
1. Material
When choosing a machine, your primary consideration should be how you’re going to use it. Not all engraving machines are the same. You have to determine which type of material you’re going to work on so you can limit your options to one that meets your needs.
Think if you want to work with soft materials such as paper, leather, wood, cloth, and plastic or you prefer brick, marble, metal, and the like. Very few machines can work with all materials, so choose one that meets your needs. You also have to think about how much engraving area you need. Some devices have a small engraving area, while others can engrave a large slab.
2. Parts and support
One aspect you need to factor into your decision is the availability of parts and access to support. There are many machines on the market, but not all offer the same level of support, nor are replacement parts readily available for all of them. If you run into issues, or if you need spare parts, you need to know that you can rely on help when needed.
Engraving machines have many moving parts, and eventually, a few will need to be replaced after regular use. Some devices have lots of parts available locally, while others might have to be imported.
3. Maintenance
All engraving machines require regular maintenance to keep it in working condition. Some models require more attention than others, however. If you know your way around a toolbox, then this shouldn’t be a problem for you. But if you’re new to laser engraving, you might need to hire a technician to maintain your machine.
If you’re buying a machine for a business, you will need to factor maintenance into the cost. But for small projects, a device that’s easy to repair and maintain should work best for you.
4. Budget
Laser-engraving machines are significant investments, and you want to get the best model without breaking the bank. Set a budget when shopping for an engraver. Just because one model is more expensive doesn’t make it better.
Some brands are known for versatility and affordability If you’re a home hobbyist, consider one of the smaller, budget models. You don’t need a commercial machine unless you want to turn it into a business.
