Can you Make Money with a Laser Engraving Business?
Laser engraving can be a profitable business, whether you open a storefront or work from home. However, you need to start your laser business right by investing in the right equipment. CO2 laser engraving machines offer great flexibility for working on personal and professional projects. But it’s crucial to look deeper into your laser projects and look at factors that can scale your business. Let’s dive into these factors to help you find the right laser engraving machine and learn how to turn your laser engraver projects into a thriving small business.
Factors to Consider when Buying the Best CO2 Laser Engraving Machine
The decision to buy a laser engraving machine depends on various factors. Let’s consider some of the most important factors that can help you buy the best CO2 laser engraving machine:
- Project needs
- Budget
- Replacement Parts
- Maintenance
- Performance
Project Needs: What materials can you laser engrave?
The first step is to evaluate your laser engraver project needs. What projects will you engrave? And more importantly, what materials will you engrave with? For example, you can engrave various materials such as plastic, wood, metals, acrylic, and paper with a CO2 laser engraver. Materials such as metals and hard plastics can only be marked with a Fiber Laser Marker.
Furthermore, you need to determine the engraving area you will work on. Many compact engraving machines have a workbed of 12″ x 20” for engraving small or unusual-sized objects.
In comparison, other business projects require a large area. For example, OMTech’s High Power CO2 Laser Engravers range from 20” x 28” to a whopping 40” x 63”. These dimensions are perfect for tackling large-scale projects.
Budget: How much does it cost to start a laser engraving business?
The budget for your CO2 machine depends on a variety of factors. However, don’t invest in a machine that can break your bank account. Typically, laser engraving machines start from $400 and go up to $20,000. Accessories, software, engraving materials, and shipping are other factors to consider in a machine’s final price.
Another big thing to consider is the company’s credibility. You can check the credibility of a brand by considering the warranty it offers on a machine, as well as the post-sale customer support. OMTech offers a 2-year warranty on all machines. Their US-based customer support and technical support teams are always available to help customers with their laser businesses. These factors and the overall affordability from OMTech Laser gives you the best bang for your buck.
Replacement Parts for Laser Engraving Machines
Another crucial factor to consider is whether you can easily find the machine’s replacement parts in the market. Whether you are buying a CO2 laser engraver or a fiber laser marker, you must be able to find its replacement parts easily to prevent delaying your business orders.
No matter how well you take care of your laser, there will come a time when you need to replace a laser tube or power supply. Buying a replacement laser tube isn’t always as easy as it should be. Avoid buying from a company that doesn’t offer replacement parts as such. Additionally, the more expensive the machine, the more expensive the replacement parts will be. These are all important notes to take into consideration!
Laser Engraver Maintenance
Maintenance is another crucial element to consider when buying a CO2 laser engraver for your business. The amount and time you will have to set aside for your machine’s maintenance will have a direct impact on your profits. Furthermore, check whether the machine is easy to repair, operate, or maintain. In some cases, you will have to hire a technician, which means extra expenses. Look for a machine that is easy to repair and maintain so you can earn more profits in the long run.
Performance
A low-power machine can give the best performance if you are engraving thin materials like wood. But, if you are working on glass or acrylic, you will need a machine that’s at least 50W for excellent performance. Using a chiller with your laser engraver will add more years to your machine’s lifespan, and users will enjoy a smooth engraving performance.
You may not need a chiller for a laser below 50W, but choose a 5200 chiller when you are buying a machine of 50W and above.
Benefits of Buying a Professional CO2 Laser Engraving Machine
- High-quality engraving performance with ultimate precision
- Easy to operate and learn, even for a beginner
- Affordable engraving equipment
- Applicable for a variety of materials
- User-friendly machinery
- Efficient, quick, and accurate engraving
Popular Laser Engraver Projects to Start a Small Business
Here are some popular laser engraver projects that can help you start a business right from your home.
Custom Signage
You can start this business with a little investment. Create unique and beautiful custom signs for indoor and outdoor business events, offices, restaurants, schools, etc.
Custom Event Decor
Engrave stunning display for events –for example; bridal showers, weddings, birthday parties, homecoming, graduation, bridal showers, etc.
Glass and Photo Etching
Create personalized items and souvenirs for your customers. Engraving family photos and creating etched designs can help you produce heartfelt tributes to start a unique business.
Personalized jewelry
Engrave various jewelry accessories, such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Get the Best CO2 Laser Engraving Machine from OMTech Laser
If you plan to start a laser engraving business, explore an array of CO2 laser engraving machines from OMTech Laser. They provide high-powered machines at an affordable price for your personal or professional laser engraving projects. Begin your laser journey with OMTech today to make a lifelong investment for you and your business.
