Laser engraving as a business: equipment capabilities and development prospects.

Engraving is the cutting of a pattern, various symbols or inscriptions on the surface of any solid material using special equipment and tools. Moreover, the image can be either convex or recessed. This method is one of the simplest options to change an item and make its appearance unique. Today, engraving on natural stone has become very popular.

The process of engraving stone is a rather labor-intensive task, and there are several factors that influence its quality, the main one being the chosen tool.

Operating principle and purpose of a laser engraver

Laser machines (engravers) most often refer to equipment that is used by small businesses. They are ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting their business. Equipment for laser engraving and its power differ depending on its purpose and the tasks to be implemented: engravers with low power can only apply images, while more powerful machines, in addition to their main function - engraving, also allow cutting material of a certain thickness in advance specified parameters.

Laser engraving is a technique of applying images or text to the surface of various objects using a laser beam of a certain power.

During the engraving process, the light flux passes through an optical fiber and a system of mirrors configured in a certain way. Under the influence of the resulting beam, the surface layers of the material are destroyed. The technology allows you to apply a design to almost any surface with high clarity, allowing you to reproduce a given design on the material as accurately as possible.

The most popular example of using laser engraving machines is to apply images to glass bottles, watches, cups, items made of precious metals, etc. Most personalized cups and medals are also created using this technique.

In order to obtain the desired result, the engraver must correctly configure the parameters of the laser radiation and take into account the characteristics of the material on which the inscription or image will be applied.

You can apply almost any design with a laser, including:

• scanned images;
• cliparts;
• photos;
• CAD drawings;
• any inscriptions.

Advantages of hand engraving tools

Engraving done by hand has a lot of undeniable advantages, among which the leading position is occupied by the durability of the applied image. It is impossible not to mention the variety of processed materials - from natural stone to crystal products. Only with the help of hand tools can you create a highly artistic design on a surface of any texture and shape. Hand tools make the entire processing process much easier and faster. offers a wide range of engraving tools from the most famous brands, both domestically produced and manufactured in Ukraine, Belarus, and China.

See also: Diamond tools

Dear Clients! Our company has a mobile warehouse that delivers tools and equipment to regions.

Laser engraving as a business: is it worth starting?

Laser engraving is a business idea that will be relevant in almost any locality, regardless of its density and level of economic development. This line of business can become successful due to the presence of a huge sales market, free niches and prospects for development in the future.

Laser engraving can personalize any item. Such a gift, given to friends, colleagues or relatives, will not be forgotten and will not be able to get lost in the faceless mass.

The technology allows you to apply images to almost any thing: precious items (including rings), dishes, furniture, interior items, cases for smartphones, and sometimes even to the gadgets themselves.

Another area of ​​application of laser engraving that is extremely in demand among potential customers is applying inscriptions to the side mirrors of cars. Initials on a mirror are an original way to protect against theft: “personalized” mirrors cannot be quickly sold, which reduces their value to criminals to zero.

What services can be provided - business ideas

The main directions for laser engraving studios are considered to be:

• applying images and inscriptions to objects in accordance with the wishes of the customer;
• production of nameplates and numbers (for doors, wardrobes, tables in cafes and restaurants, etc.), tags and medallions, information plates, etc.;
• marking car mirrors (applying the owner’s initials).

Laser engraving machines can also be used:

• for the production of advertising structures, including acrylics, signs, volumetric inscriptions, etc.;
• materials for presentation: logos for reception desks, branded stands for business cards, menus, etc.:
• production of personalized medals and cups (sports, awards, anniversary, souvenirs);
• production of original calendars and business cards from wood, metal, leather or plastic;
• for the production of souvenirs and image products.

Analysis of the market, target audience and competitors

An important stage in preparing to open your own laser engraving business is an analysis of the market, the current economic situation, the target audience and the level of competition. Proper collection and analysis of data will allow you to develop your own successful marketing strategy.

Before starting your own business, an entrepreneur must answer two basic questions:

• Who is the target audience of the project?
• Who will you have to compete with to attract new customers?

An assessment of the potential, available and actually achievable target audience can be carried out using segmentation models, targeting and positioning. After such an analysis, it will be possible to accurately determine which of the companies existing on the market is competing for the same clients.

The analysis will also allow you to determine the “trick” of the business, which will be able to distinguish the enterprise from direct competitors and attract potential customers.

For example, if the city is a tourist center, a promising area of ​​activity is the production of souvenirs and commemorative items. The additional service of applying individual inscriptions to selected products will also attract customers.

The production of advertising signs, including street ones, can also be a profitable direction for business development. As part of this direction, it is possible to conclude agreements with regional advertising agencies, which will attract additional cash flows into the business.

An entrepreneur can also offer his services to local industrial production - often the products of such enterprises are produced with quality marks or a barcode applied to the packaging.

FAQ

• What are the differences between metal laser engravers?
  They have different image application speeds, power, laser emitters, scanning systems, optics systems, and manufacturers.
• What does traceable metal engraving mean?

  This is a type of operation of the machine in which it engraves 2D codes (mm) by reading and evaluating the 2D code with the help of machine monitoring.

• What control systems are the devices integrated with?

  With MES-ERP systems. On their basis, enterprises are managed using TCP/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS protocols.

• What emitters are installed in metal engravers?

  Fiber optic emitters from IPG, Raycus, JPT, MaxPhotonics.

Business plan for laser cutting and engraving

Drawing up a business plan is an important step in preparing to open your own business.

First of all, you should estimate the amount of investment that will be required for development. On average, at the initial stage, investments in the project will be:

• for registration of an enterprise and preparation of relevant documentation – 50,000 rubles;
• rental of premises for production – 50,000 rubles;
• purchase of necessary equipment, software and furniture – 300,000 rubles;
• purchase of consumables – from 5,000 rubles;
• advertising campaign and marketing costs – from 50,000 rubles;
• reserve – 20,000 rubles.

Thus, to open you will need an amount equal to 475,000 rubles.

The workshop's monthly expenses will be:

• for rental payments – 50,000 rubles;
• payment for housing and communal services – 10,000 rubles;
• wages for hired personnel (accountants, cleaners, etc.), as well as payment for the services of a security company - 50,000 rubles;
• purchase of consumables and minor repairs – 10,000 rubles.

Total: 120,000 rubles.

The estimated monthly income will be at least 150,000 rubles, provided that at least 10 clients visit the outlet per day, and their average check will be 500–600 rubles.

The profitability of the enterprise under such conditions will be 13%, and the period during which the start-up costs will pay off is 2.5 years.

The payback period can be significantly reduced by optimizing the initial and monthly investments in the business. You can do this as follows:

• purchase used equipment or rent it;
• instead of purchasing licensed software, install its analogues, which are freely available;
• instead of a separate office, rent an island in a large shopping center;
• Keep accounting records yourself and do not involve hired specialists.

At first, you can even work from home - engraving machines do not require huge areas and can be operated from a standard power supply.

How to organize an engraving and laser cutting business?

Business registration

Before submitting documents to register your business, an entrepreneur should decide on the desired status. You can open an engraving business by becoming an individual entrepreneur, but if you plan to further develop and create a network of workshops, it is advisable to immediately choose the LLC format.

When registering, you must indicate OKVED codes:

• 21.25 – manufacturing and production of paper and cardboard products;
• 25.22 – manufacturing and production of plastic products;
• 28.5 – metal processing and coating.

There is no need to purchase licenses for the listed types of activities. The exception will be software licenses, including Adobe Photoshop, etc.

Once the business is registered, the owner will have to sign a lease for the premises and enter into agreements with utility providers. The final stage is obtaining a work permit from the fire safety authorities and the SES.

Search and rent premises

The best place to locate a workshop is in a location in the central part of the city, where there are many offices and retail outlets. It is also acceptable to rent a boutique or an island in shopping centers with high traffic.

When renting an island or attachment, it is important to pay attention to the following parameters:

• area – from 5 square meters;
• The shopping center must be modern and have a developed entertainment area;
• It is advisable to rent space on the ground floor of the building.

Requirements for renting a separate room:

• When renting an office in business centers, it is important to choose a building that is famous in the city or has a recognizable landmark (monument, local landmark, tower, etc.);
• Having a separate entrance is a powerful advantage;
• Availability of water supply and sewerage is desirable;
• the room must have natural and forced ventilation;
• It is desirable to have two rooms - for office and production.

Purchase of equipment

Purchasing equipment is the main expense item when starting a business.

When choosing a laser engraving machine, you should not chase profit and buy budget Chinese machines. There is no guarantee that they will print clearly and work without breakdowns. It is advisable to purchase functional European or American models. Purchasing a high-quality engraving machine will allow the owner to receive many orders and establish himself well in the market.

IMPORTANT! The engraving machine also includes special software compatible with a personal computer. Without it, the machine will not be able to work.

Of the consumables, first of all you will need to purchase sets of diamond needles, with which designs are applied to the surface. One needle costs on average about 500 rubles and can be used up to 20–30 times.

You will also need a computer: in a special program, the master creates a sketch, which is applied by an engraver to the product.

Required furniture:

• tables for the master and for the machine;
• chairs;
• racks;
• cabinets for storing materials.

Search and recruitment of personnel

The immediate owner of the business can act as an engraver. He will also be able to perform the duties of an advertising manager and do administrative work. For accounting, cleaning and security, it is advisable to take advantage of the possibility of outsourcing.

Engraving technology

Laser engraving of metal has the greatest durability, which determines its high price. Jewelry that has words or designs engraved with laser is quite expensive. But the most beautiful is the diamond engraving. It is performed with a special cutter, which, by removing the top layer of metal, forms tetrahedral pits that can sparkle in the light. It is used in jewelry and in the production of souvenirs. But the price for such products is high.

Types of engraving techniques:

Electronic engraving

• Lined. It is a shallow metal carving in the form of strokes, contour lines, dots and various recesses. This is done with a special tool – a graver.
• Defense or three-dimensional engraving. This is a mechanical method. Represents deep three-dimensional images. Three-dimensional drawings are obtained using machines or engraving machines.

During the engraving process, a design is applied to metal using a cutter. Engraving technology involves both planar and three-dimensional engraving.

Planar engraving

It is performed on flat or three-dimensional products and is intended for applying inscriptions, contour drawings and graphic works. Produced using a cutter. To carry out the planar engraving process, the following steps must be completed:

1. Preparing the drawing. The drawing is made on paper, life-size, all shadows and transitions in the drawing are shaded.
2. Surface preparation. Clean and polish the metal surface. The ideal result is achieved using fine-grained sandpaper or pumice.
3. Transferring an image to a surface. The surface is covered with a small layer of paint - white watercolor or thinly diluted white gouache will do. The drawing is transferred onto the dried paint using a sharp pencil and carbon paper.
4. The finished sketch must be coated with alcohol-based varnish or nitro-varnish to secure it, otherwise it will be erased during the process.
5. Engraving is carried out manually or mechanically.

The process is best performed on a matte surface - this way glare from polished metal will not interfere with the work. If a glossy effect is required, polishing should be carried out after engraving.

3D engraving

A more common type of engraving than flat engraving. The image can be in relief, or even sculptural. You can also make a convex or in-depth image. Widely used not only in the manufacture of artistic objects, but also in industry. Step-by-step 3D engraving:

Defensive (three-dimensional) engraving of products is carried out on copying and milling machines or manually using an engraver

1. Transferring a drawing using watercolors and a sharp instrument. The image is transferred using carbon paper or with wax.
2. The surface is covered with a thin layer of molten wax, and then the design is transferred to it.
3. Engraving. If the image is convex, then first make an outline with a sharp tool, and then remove a layer of metal around the image. A relief is applied to the already deepened surface.
4. If the drawing is in-depth, then after the outline is outlined, the metal inside the image is removed, constantly comparing the depth with a sample made of plaster or plasticine.

The finished image is cleaned, sanded and polished to achieve the final result. High-quality grinding will be ensured by a special device - a straight grinder. Modern production ensures the availability of special dies that facilitate the process. But in this case, the result is mass production, and not individual unique work. This engraving is suitable for producing a series of identical works when necessary.

Pros and cons of starting a laser engraving business

pros

The advantages of such a business include:

• freshness of the idea and its relevance in the market;
• the ability to work with any materials;
• relatively quick return on business;
• wide possibilities for using laser engraving;
• minimum required equipment and software;
• high equipment performance;
• independence of the process from humans - processing is carried out by a computer program, with minimal operator participation.

Minuses

The disadvantages of the idea include:

• the need to purchase special equipment;
• high energy consumption;
• the need to fine-tune the device;
• danger of burns when working with laser.

Methods of decorating metal products

Methods for decorating metal products
When performing metal engraving, various techniques are used. Their entire set is divided into two methods: manual and mechanical engraving.

In the manual method, the master applies a drawing or inscription with a special tool. The quality of engraving depends on the skill of the artist. To engrave on a complex surface, it is necessary to use this method - technology will not cope here.

Mechanical processing is performed using an engraving machine, a computer and the skill of a craftsman. The quality of the product in this case depends on the quality of the hardware and software. The image accuracy is higher than with the manual method.

Is it possible to buy such a business or is it better to organize it from scratch?

A laser engraving business can either be organized independently from scratch, or purchased as a franchise from large chains. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. When registering independently, an entrepreneur will avoid additional costs for fulfilling the obligation to deduct royalties and franchise fees, however, working on behalf of large companies will reduce expenses on an advertising campaign, and will also help to avoid mistakes at the initial stage of activity.

• 05 October 2020
• 6027