Laser Marking Machines – Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying

It’s probably fair to say that laser engraving machines are among the most specific and specialised examples of machinery any business is ever likely to invest in. Suffice to say therefore, those looking to invest in a laser engraving machine for the first time cannot be expected to know the full ins and outs of what they’re looking at all for that matter what exactly it is they need.Nevertheless, making the right decision in terms of which machine to pick up is guaranteed to have a major knock-on effect going forward and therefore illustrates the importance of getting things right first time.

But just as is the case with directing queries and questions the way of those selling the machines, it is also on the utmost importance to ask yourself a series of questions before going ahead and making a final purchase. For the most part it comes down to simple common sense and logic rather than any specific technical knowledge, as the more complicated details can be covered by the provider you choose.

Here’s a quick look at what you need to ask yourself before investing in a laser marking machine:

What exactly will it be used for?

This might sound like a bit of a no brainer but is of such importance that it bears emphasizing quite strongly. The reason being that there are various different shapes, sizes and types of laser marking machines on the market and each one is designed with a specific purpose in mind. If for example you only intend to mark the very simplest of alphanumerical markings on wood, chances are you are going to need a very different machine than a buyer who intends to go about highly complex 3D engraving on metallic products and glass.

You basically need to map out exactly what it is you need the machine to do in order to then take this information to the relevant supplier and ensure your needs are met ideally.

What kind of capacity are you looking at?

This is another crucially important question to think about prior to going ahead with your purchase as most machines on the markets are designed to cope with different kinds of workloads. For example, if you are looking for a laser marking machine which will be used infrequently for the purposes of creating the occasional customised product, you’ll no doubt be looking at a very different machine than a business planning to use its own laser marking machine to engrave tens of thousands of products a day on a 24/7 basis. Just as you need to know that the machine you choose can keep up with the demands of your business, you also need to ensure that you are not overpaying and investing in a machine which is vastly more powerful and capable than you actually need.

Which brand should I buy from?

Perhaps the most pivotal question of all in the buying process is that of which of the available manufacturers you should choose to purchase the machine from. In this instance, it is important not to fall into the trap of assuming that just because the options are relatively limited, there aren’t enormous differences between competing manufacturers. In reality, the differences from one to the next really can be night and day as while some work tirelessly to create cutting edge machines with state of the art technology, others are more about cutting corners and cutting costs. If you’re not sure about the manufacturers available, carry out as much online research as necessary to see which have genuine reputations for excellence in the field.

What kind of aftercare service is offered?

Last but not least, it’s crucial to factor far more into the final decision you make than the initial purchase price of the machine alone. The reason being that while some machines will always be available for much lower prices than others, some machines will also require a great deal more maintenance and be supplied with very little by the way of after-sales service. What you should therefore be looking into is a long-term value for money and the kind of convenience you can expect with regard to the service package the manufacturer offers. This includes everything from warranties to repair and maintenance call-out services and really anything else that breeds peace of mind. Don’t simply take it for granted that there will be a solid aftercare service offered with the machine you choose – verify this and ensure it is all in writing before even considering going ahead with a purchase.