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Custom Laser Engraving Services, Machines And Equipment

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Published: August 1, 2007

When one first thinks of lasers, thoughts of science fiction battles and large, expensive industrial machines are probably the first thoughts that come to mind. Despite these rather grandiose perceptions, lasers have actually found a very frequent and far more down to earth home in the engraving medium. Though laser engraving services are often associated with the sign industry and more industrial businesses, there is a growing trend of laser engraving equipment and machines being used in a wide array of smaller businesses and even at home.

Laser engraving equipment is often quite versatile, engraving everything from heavy duty wood and metal, to glassware and delicate objects that require exceptional care and precision. Of course the versatility and ability for extreme precision is exactly why laser engraving is so beneficial. By using computers to guide and minimize the possibility for errors, laser engraving has become a refined and meticulous art that speeds up production and reduces problems.

When working with fragile objects, laser engraving really shines, proving the expression 'laser precision' is no joke, while still managing to accomplish a task that requires care and a light touch. With adjustable settings that manipulate the power of laser engraving machines, a laser has the potential to slice through harder materials without much difficulty. It is also capable of lower settings for projects that do not require such a strong beam.

Laser engraving works by burning a collection of very small dots into the surface of an object. The distance between the dots creates contrasting scales of gray, meaning dots bunched together closely make a darker effect while dots that have greater space between them produce lighter shades. By adding together dots in a combination of varying distances, laser engraving services can give the illusion of depth and color in an image. Because the dots are so minuscule in size, roughly 3/1000 of an inch, laser engraving is able to reproduce a desired effect in exceptionally precise detail. The engraving process allows words, pictures and nearly any image conceivable to be produced by laser engraving machines without much difficulty.

In recent years, laser engraving services have made a move towards easier accessibility. Products such as the VersaLaser, released earlier this year by Universal Laser Systems Inc., are designed for businesses and places where laser engraving machines might be secondary tools. With simple computer hook ups that fit right into a home computer's USB port, easy to understand controls, and a variety of accessories and attachments that increase the engraver's versatility, the VersaLaser and other laser engraving machines are made and marketed with non-professionals in mind. Photographer studios, schools, gift shops and even homes are all targets for this newer breed of easier to use laser engraving equipment.

Any trip to a local gift shop will show laser engraving services are certainly in demand. The ability to make such precise engravings and details is not only profitable, but exceptionally useful as well. With their variety of etching functions and increased availability, it is hard to see the growing trend of easier to use laser engraving equipment stopping any time soon.


Sources:
Spence, Stephen J. "Product Review of the VersaLaser VL-300 & The New High Power Density Focusing Optics Lens." The Engravers Journal. 2006. Davis Multimedia, Inc.. 17 July 2007. http://www.ulsinc.com/english/PDFs/EJ_VL_Article_R eprint.pdf.

"Laser Works of Alabama." 2004. Laser Works of Alabama. 17 July 2006. http://www.lwoa.com/.

Bosworth, Diane C. "Laser Engraving: Marketing Yours." 31 December 2003. UsedLasers.com. http://www.usedlasers.com/content/view/15/26/.
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