Making money in laser engraving couldn’t be easier. There is probably no one sure-fire method that works for everybody, by working hard and perhaps with a little bit of luck, you’ll be successful in the laser engraving business.
Your first machine
If you’re purchasing your first laser etching machine, get one with at a minimum of 25 watts of power and make sure it has air assist. Most everything past that is just additional bells and whistles, at least when you’re starting off. But the heart of the business in the amount of power that your laser can produce, because that’s where the money is. With anything less than 25 watts, you’re not going to have the power to do a lot of the projects you want, so basically 25 watts is the bare minimum. Admittedly, a larger machine, like fifty watts, will give you more speed and power, but for all practical purposes, nearly everything you can do with a 50 watt machine can be done with 25 watts.
Air assist
Air assist makes a big difference when you begin operating your new machine. It sends a constant stream of compressed air over the engraving surface you’re working on and helps you create deep, clean cuts without all the debris you create getting in the way.
When you are ready to buy your new laser machine, don’t worry so much about the brand as much as the dealer and how he’s going to support you. Hand-holding is key when you’re first starting out, and support is usually the key to your eventual success, not how cheap or pretty the machine may be. You’ll always be able to find a cheaper machine somewhere, but having someone show you how it works and the best ways to use it is much more important to make you a success.
As to how large an engraving bed you need, essentially the bigger it is, the better. Of course, if you don’t have the physical space or the money to buy a large engraving bed, you should get the largest one you have room for and can afford. As you’re just starting out, 12″ x 24″ usually will work just fine. Anything smaller than that usually creates problems with a lot of the engraving stock you’ll be using.
Your projects
Laser cutters and acrylic almost seem to have been made for each other. Your corporate clients will love acrylic awards that look expensive but can be cut in just minutes.
All sorts of rubber stamps can be made using a laser, from self-inkers, pre-inked stamps and traditional knob stamps.
Single plaques are easy, from gifts and awards to trophies and mementos, a laser is the fast and creative way to create quality products that people will buy.
The real secret
The real secret thought to being able to build a successful business in the corporate world using a laser is to create a personal relationship and establish a binding trust between you and your new corporate buyers. Most of your clients will be calling you in the future so do your very best and don’t let them down with bad engraving or cheap products.
Building a profitable business that’s fun and exciting isn’t magic. It will take time and effort, but since the introduction of the laser engraver, many people have become exceedingly wealthy with lasers. Hopefully you will become one of them!
