Now, more than ever, it’s essential that those in the signage industry find unique and lucrative ways to expand your sign business outside of your “bread and butter.” How can you stand out from your competition? In what ways can you streamline your processes to improve your ROI? How will you stay on the “cutting edge” of technology? Enter the laser cutter and engraver for signage; a versatile tool that can transform your ordinary sign shop into a creative wheelhouse.
Why Would my Sign Shop Need a Laser Cutter?
Laser cutters are a fantastic tool that you can add to your existing sign shop business. If you are looking for a laser for engraving and cutting acrylic, a laser for cutting wood, or a laser to cut other materials often used in the signage industry, you’ve just hit the jackpot.
Not only can a laser cut dozens of materials used for creating indoor and outdoor signs, but it also does so with precision, speed, and quality that other traditional sign making tools simply can’t achieve.
What Common Signage Materials Can Laser Process?
A laser cutter is one of the most versatile tools you can add to your line up. Unlike CNC routers and other equipment, a laser can cut and engrave dozens of materials outside of the typical wood and acrylic you’re used to working with:
- Acrylic (cast or extruded)
- Aluminum and Anodized Aluminium*
- Brick
- Coated metals
- Fiberglass
- Foam Core
- Glass
- Granite
- Marble
- MDO (medium density overlay)
- Painted metals
- Rubber
- Stainless*
- Woods (pine, cherry, bamboo, cedar, etc.)
- Wood Veneer
*Can be marked with a metal marking substrate
Common Laser Cut Signage Applications
Because a laser cutter offers users the ability to cut and engrave such a wide variety of materials, we’ll bet you are already thinking about all of the signage applications that a laser is capable of achieving. Some of the more common laser cutter applications for the signage industry include:
- Acrylic Signage
- Badges and Plaques
- Custom Wooden Signs
- Dog Tags
- Display Labels
- Indoor and Outdoor Signage
- Office and Door Signage
- Product Display Signage
- Warning Signs
Our laser systems are built to handle the largest jobs, meaning you won’t find yourself turning down any customers looking for larger than life signs. The ability to efficiently produce bigger signs will help you stand out from your competitors, something all businesses must aim to achieve.
Top Advantages of Laser Technology for Sign Shops
So, what makes a laser cutter the perfect addition to your sign shop? Let’s dig into some specific advantages a laser will bring to the table:
Intricate Cuts, Immaculate Precision, and More Unique Output
A laser’s narrow cut width makes it possible to cut sharp corners and tight areas within artworks.
Ability to Engrave High Detail Artwork
The laser’s ability to engrave resolutions up to 600 dpi means that you can now offer high-detail, photo-realistic images on materials like wood, acrylic, and metal. Can your competition do this?
Multi-Material and Thickness Capabilities
With the ability to run at various powers (typically ranging from 30w – 150w) our lasers can handle delicate cuts on the most precious types of papers but are powerful enough to cut up to ¾” thick acrylic.
Instant Flame Polished Acrylic Edges
The heat of the laser beam produces a beautiful flame polished edge, without the need for a secondary process. This alone will cut your production time in half. Not to mention, there is no mess or cleanup involved. Your ROI will skyrocket right before your eyes.
Diversification Opportunities
Combine the wide range of materials with the consumers’ desire for personalized goods, and you’re walking into a high-profit opportunity that will provide multiple income streams for your business. All with the overhead paid by your sign shop. Now, that’s profit on overdrive.
Repeatability and Consistency
Cut a single same file over and over again and produce the exact same result, every time. Because the beam of the laser is what is responsible for removing the material, you won’t experience the normal wear and tear on tools.
Speed
Laser cutters are known to shave down approximately 50% of cut time compared to traditional routers. With the ability to set up an array, you can cut multiple items from the same file over and over again with the click of a button.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Laser Cutter For Your Sign Shop
As with any large purchase, there is always a list of things that you will want to consider before committing. You want to be confident that you are making the right choice. Investing in equipment that doesn’t do the job would be any business’s worst nightmare.
Here are the top things to consider when purchasing a laser machine for your sign shop:
Size of Laser Equipment
Many sign makers get the best ROI when working with large 4′ x 8′ pieces of material. You want to be sure the laser cutter you choose can accommodate blank materials of this size. Does the laser have any size or weight restrictions? Most lasers are “boxed-up” and you may be limited to the size or weight of the object that you can cut and/or engrave.
All AP Lazer machines feature a patented open architecture, freeing the user of any size or weight restrictions. Engraving even the largest and bulkiest materials is possible! Don’t believe us? Check out these 10 huge objects you’d never dream of laser engraving!
Laser Machines range in size from our entry-level machine with an 18” x 12” engravable space, to our larger machines that measure in at a whopping 48” x 36”. This means you’ll be able to cut those large 4’ x 8’ sheets of material with ease.
Customer Support After Your Purchase
Let’s be honest. Technology can go awry. And, when you’re not an expert in engineering, this could mean your hard-earned money is going out the window. When looking for the perfect laser cutter, customer support and service are of utmost importance.
We stand behind our product with 24/7 LIFETIME technical support after your purchase. Instead of spending your valuable time trying to fix broken technology, let our team of technicians come to the rescue. We’ll get you back up and running with exceptional phone support and remote assistance from our team of U.S based technicians located right here in our Lansing, Michigan headquarters.
Summary
There’s no question about it, adding a laser cutter to your existing sign shop will offer your business more growth opportunities that we can even begin to count. It will streamline your processes, which in turn will improve the ROI on your investment. You’ll be the talk of the town when you can start offering personalized goods made by your laser.
Are you ready to take your sign business to the next level? Request a quote today! And If you still have questions, check out our Before You Buy Page on Facebook!
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