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Guide to Starting a Laser Cutting Business Everything You Need to Know About What Makes Laser Cutting How to Start a Laser Cutting Business an Excellent Prospect?

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Guide to Starting a Laser Cutting Business Everything You Need to Know About What Makes Laser Cutting How to Start a Laser Cutting Business an Excellent Prospect? WWW.THUNDERLASERUSA.COM GUIDE TO STARTING A LASER CUTTING BUSINESS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT MAKES LASER CUTTING HOW TO START A LASER CUTTING BUSINESS AN EXCELLENT PROSPECT? here big brand names were once a sign of In advertising and marketing, companies have been laser cutting business is a versatile prospect due to individuals and small companies now having access Wsuperiority, consumers are now moving towards aware for a while that an emotional bond is vital for A to the latest technology. Laser cutters were previously only available as large-scale industrial tools to small-batch artisan products. People are tired of getting buyers to part with their cash. As such, the etch, engrave or cut various materials. However, the demand for small laser cutting machines that fit inside mass-produced uniformity, and they’re looking for demand for customized products and services from your home has increased in recent years. products to express their individuality. small- to medium-sized producers is high. This is why it’s now a better time than ever before to start your People perceive that independent producers deliver own company. higher quality and make it easier for them to find a NO PREVIOUS message they identify closely with. A laser cutting If you manage to capture consumers’ imagination, LOW COST EXPERIENCE REQUIRED ADAPTABLE business lets you capitalize on this growing trend your small enterprise will grow and grow. with minimal upfront costs. As a start-up, the initial costs If you’re a creative type, you The bonus of running a laser of setting up your laser cutting might produce your own engraving, cutting and etching business are low compared products and designs from business is how easy it is to to many other enterprises. scratch. That said, you don’t adapt to changing trends and The market isn’t saturated, so need an artistic bone in your an ever-evolving marketplace. WHAT IS there’s plenty of demand and body to start a laser cutting you should easily win customers business. You can rely entirely on LASER CUTTING? once you’ve carved a niche for software and premade designs yourself. to create trendy objects. For the lowest start-up costs, you aser cutting machines use powerful, ultra- As with any industry, success is could focus solely on engraving Lthin laser beams to etch, engrave or down to hard work and careful existing objects for business or cut materials. You can create designs and planning — but it’s much easier personal use. when you choose a smart, patterns using focused laser beams to burn, relevant industry. A laser cutting melt or vaporize an image or letters into a wide business also competes with variety of objects. It’s an automated thermal- the 3D printing industry, but it’s based, noncontact fabrication process, so easier, more affordable and just it’s accurate and low risk. These machines let as accurate. you create intricately designed parts with or without a custom-designed tool. The process lends itself to a variety of businesses, including engraving, fashion, arts and crafts and merchandise. We’ll explore the product options available to you in-depth later on. 02 03 LASER CUTTING LASER CUTTING AND SUSTAINABILITY aser cutting is the umbrella term to describe all the actions a laser cutting machine performs. However, it f starting your own laser cutting company doesn’t sound enticing enough already, it has a high potential Lalso refers to using a laser to specifically cut out a design, shape or pattern from a material. In the next Ito tap into the fastest-growing consumer trend: sustainability. When you communicate your commitment section, we’ll explore the laser cutting material design guidelines so you know exactly what you can and to cutting waste and taking care of the environment using content marketing, you’ll automatically align with can’t cut. many modern consumers’ ethics. People who run their business from home have an excellent starting point for explaining how they protect LASER ENGRAVING LASER ETCHING the environment. Your carbon footprint is already much lower than anyone running a business from an office. Capture data that reflects your low impact on the environment and use is in your marketing strategy. You can Laser engraving requires pinpoint accuracy Etching creates a crevice without cutting through even etch reusable metal coffee cups, custom reusable drinking straws or any other eco-friendly product because you’re leaving a mark in the product your material, but it’s even shallower than engraving. currently in high demand. without cutting all the way through. In terms It’s an incredibly precise process that’s ideal for of consistency and ease of use, laser cutting jewelry and other delicate materials. High speed of As a small business owner, you have a unique ability to communicate your brand values to buyers. When machines are second to none. It’s a quick realization means lead times are minimal and you customers feel morally aligned with a company, they’re much more likely to make an initial purchase and process as the laser swiftly vaporizes the can produce hundreds of products each day. keep buying. substrate and makes a noticeable cavity. To make deeper marks in the material, you’ll need to repeat the process. EXCELLENT MATERIALS FOR LASER CUTTING Once your design is programmed into the laser cutting machine, you can quickly and easily Acrylic: It’s one of the best materials to use replicate it as many times as necessary. if you run a laser cutting business. Laser cutting leaves a flawless finish with polished edges. Some plastics that you might expect would react the same as acrylic, such as Lexan, are dangerous. That’s why MATERIAL DESIGN you must never rely on guesswork to know which materials work with a laser cutting GUIDELINES machine — it isn’t always obvious. Magnetic sheet: Magnetic sheet is up there with acrylic as one of the best ne of the most critical areas you’ll materials laser cutting businesses can Oneed to gain expertise in as a utilize. It’s affordable and it cuts beautifully, professional laser cutter is the material in addition to having a range of popular design guidelines. Using certain metals applications. or plastics could be dangerous in Hardwoods: Cherry, peach, and other combination with laser technology. hardwoods can be cut very well with a Provided you follow the directions, laser machine. A 130w laser can cut up to however, it’s perfectly safe. ¾” on some softer woods. Paper: Card stock and paper cut speedily with a nice clean finish. Greeting cards or gift wrap made from recycled paper are great ideas for a laser cutting business. 04 05 Leather: Lasers love leather. What typically takes Cloth, hemp, cotton and felt: Most types of fabric ADDITIONAL MATERIALS YOU CAN USE FOR LASER ETCHING hours to cut by hand can be done in just minutes work beautifully with laser cutting machines. Fashion with a laser. Just be warned; it can get stinky! is one of the best markets to enter if you’re wondering If you’re thinking about starting up a premium which laser cutting business to start. You can If you’ve decided to try laser etching as well as — or instead of — laser cutting, there’s good news. Laser laser cutting business, leather is a great choice. capitalize on the burgeoning trend for customized cutting machines can etch an even more comprehensive range of materials than just cutting. Etching is We’ll discuss the best industries to get into in clothing and small-batch artisan products. Be a cost-effective start-up business idea because it involves minimal upfront spending. If you opt to etch more detail later on. careful never to use impregnated cloth or plastic- people’s trophies or jewelry, you won’t even need to purchase materials yourself. coated fabric. Cardboard: It does cut, but it’s also a fire You can etch these substrates, in addition to the ones mentioned above: hazard, so never leave the laser cutting machine Depron foam: Although it’s essential that you unsupervised while it cuts cardboard. continuously monitor depron foam, it cuts smoothly and safely. It’s an excellent choice for laser cutters Ceramic tiles: Laser cutting machines etch Marble, onyx, stone, granite and soapstone: Many types of wood: Most types of wood work because you can make toys, model aircraft and 3D ceramic tiles beautifully. This opens up a variety of With these materials, we’d advise that you well with laser cutting machines. However, you architectural models. opportunities for laser cutting businesses to create go very slowly indeed. Although they can be should avoid resinous or oily wood because it unique kitchen, bathroom and outdoor ceramic engraved, the finish will appear a little white and has the potential to combust. Non-chlorine rubber: Provided you ensure the designs. somewhat textured. Customizing precious stone rubber you use doesn’t contain chlorine, it should cut is an excellent high-end laser cutting business nicely. Rubber is a durable and useful material for Glass: Glass doesn’t cut all the way through, idea if you have the bankroll for the upfront costs. objects such as door stops and handmade kitchen but engravings in glass have a polished, almost equipment. sandblasted appearance. Different colors work Anodized / Coated aluminum (or metals): You THESE MATERIALS CAN WORK WITH better — for example, the finish of green glass looks can remove the anodization from anodized better than that of red glass. Glass engraving is very metals to create an awesome effect that is very LASER CUTTING MACHINES, BUT NEED popular: think pint glasses, wine glasses, and other marketable.
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