Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions many clients have when they first contact AP Lazer about where to start with laser machines.
The questions below may address many of your initial concerns. If you have a question that is not addressed here, send us an email or chat live with a representative.
What is AP Lazer?
AP Lazer® is a leading manufacturer of versatile laser cutting and engraving machines designed for various applications. These machines cater to small businesses, startup entrepreneurs, educators, and large-scale manufacturers by offering innovative technology, advanced features, and exceptional customer support.
What are the critical features of AP Lazer machines?
Open Architecture Design: AP Lazer’s machines feature an open architecture design that allows the engraving of large and heavy objects that other machines cannot handle.
Versatility: Suitable for various materials, including wood, metal, stone, glass, and more.
High Precision: Delivers detailed and precise engraving and cutting results.
Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface and software make it accessible to beginners and professionals.
Durability: Built with high-quality components for long-lasting performance.
How does AP Lazer differentiate from other laser engravers?
Emotional Market Focus: AP Lazer helps customers create meaningful, emotional products that resonate deeply with end-users.
Patented Open Architecture: An AP machine’s patented open architecture allows for engraving large and heavy objects, providing unmatched versatility.
Exceptional Customer Support: Offers 24/7 technical support, ensuring continuous assistance and building strong customer relationships.
What materials can AP Lazer machines engrave and cut?
AP Lazer machines can work with a wide range of materials, including but not limited to:
– Wood
– Metal
– Stone
– Glass
– Acrylic
– Fabric
– Leather
– Plastic
What industries benefit from using AP Lazer machines?
AP Lazer machines are used across various industries, such as:
Personalization and customization businesses
Manufacturing and fabrication
Education and research institutions
Funeral and memorial services
Signage and display production
Awards and recognition
The woodworking and furniture industry
Retailers to add emotional value to their products and diversify.
Building a strong brand with AP Lazer’s machines can help businesses effectively target niche markets and achieve higher profitability.
AP Lazer is dedicated to providing comprehensive support, including:
24/7 Technical Support: Round-the-clock assistance to ensure smooth operation.
Training and Tutorials: In-depth training programs and tutorials to help customers maximize their machine’s potential.
Community and Resources: Access to a community of users and a wealth of resources to inspire and assist in creative projects.
How can I purchase an AP Lazer machine?
You can purchase an AP Lazer machine by visiting the official AP Lazer website or contacting their sales team. They offer various models to suit different needs and budgets, providing an affordable price for businesses looking for value in their investments. Their representatives can help you choose the right machine for your business.
What financing options are available?
AP Lazer provides flexible financing options to make their machines accessible to a broader range of customers. You can learn more about financing plans and apply for them through their website or by speaking with a sales representative.
Are there any warranties for AP Lazer machines?
Yes, AP Lazer machines have a warranty covering parts and labor for a specified period. The exact terms and duration of the warranty may vary depending on the model. It’s advisable to check the warranty details at the time of purchase.
How do I get started with my AP Lazer machine?
Once you receive your AP Lazer machine, you can follow these steps to get started:
1. Unboxing and Setup: Follow the instructions to set up your machine.
2. Software Installation: Install the necessary software and drivers.
3. Training: To understand the machine’s features and functions, participate in training sessions or watch tutorial videos.
4. Experiment: Start with simple projects to familiarize yourself with the machine.
5. Support: Reach out to AP Lazer’s support team for any assistance or troubleshooting.
What Markets Can I Enter with AP Lazer?
With AP Lazer, you can create meaningful designs on ordinary products without size or weight limits, transforming any item into a priceless treasure. Essentially, you can enter any market that involves physical products. Here are five fast-growing, recession-proof or resistant markets you might consider:
1. Alcoholic Beverage Market
Engrave various items from wine barrels, barrel furniture, and shelving to accessories, bottles, and glasses.
2. Pet Market
The pet industry has been booming, surpassing $100 billion last year. You can engrave pet portraits, personalized gifts, tags, accessories, toys, cremation urns, memorial markers, and plaques.
3. Funeral Market
Offer engraving services for caskets, urns, monuments, memorial markers, plaques, portraits, and keepsakes, catering to the growing demand in the funeral industry.
In a recent virtual event, Tong Li discussed the innovation of laser etching in cremation processes, highlighting the potential for transformation in the funeral industry.
4. Home Sweet Home Market
The housing market remains strong as millennials reach the home-buying age. Home décor, furniture, and household products are all in high demand.
5. Wedding Market
Weddings remain a constant in people’s lives, and emotional profit is as boundless as love. Laser engraving can add endless creativity and customization to weddings, opening up new revenue streams and profit opportunities.
6. Sporting Goods
Sporting goods purchases are driven by passion and emotion. Items related to hobbies like hunting, surfing, and children’s sports activities are less likely to be cut from budgets. People may reduce physical spending in a recession, but anything tied to emotions, memories, and passions remains a priority.
7. Fundraising Market
Engraving-based fundraising is gaining popularity, starting with brick engraving. With AP Lazer, you can engrave donor names on wood, cement, and stone or tile floors, raising funds without construction costs. Additionally, you can engrave bricks and pavers for various fundraising initiatives.
With AP Lazer’s versatility and ease of use, the endless possibilities allow you to tap into these lucrative markets with confidence and creativity.
Is there any laser machine maintenance?
Routine maintenance will keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently. Wiping down the rails weekly and using a 3-in-1 oil will keep them clean and debris-free. Regularly cleaning the lenses and mirrors will prevent them from getting damaged. Over time, the laser tube will need to be replaced. The average life expectancy ranges with wattage. A 30-watt tube lasts 1500 hours, a 60- and 90-watt tube lasts 8,000 hours, and a 100-watt tube lasts 10,000 hours.
Where are the laser machines manufactured?
AP Lazer machines are assembled and shipped out of our manufacturing plant in Windsor, Ontario. They are manufactured with high-quality parts custom-designed by AP Lazer. We stand behind the quality and service of our laser machines. All laser machines come with set-up assistance, 24/7 technical support, and an unrivaled warranty. All AP Lazers are inspected and tested before shipping.
What are the consumables?
As with all laser machines, the tubes, mirrors, and lenses have to be replaced with use. Our machines are covered by an unrivaled 3-2-1 Warranty: three-year parts, two-year tube and mirror, and one-year lens warranty. *The SN1812 has a slightly different warranty. Ask your representative for more details.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we offer many financing options. See our Financing page for additional information, or you fill out our Financing Application online to get pre-approved.
What materials can be cut or engraved?
Our laser system can engrave and/or cut a wide variety of materials. Download the Materials List or view the Applications Page.
What kinds of graphics can AP Lazer Laser machines cut/engrave?
The RDWork v8/ system supports the following formats: vector format: dxf, ai, plt, DST, dsb, and related formats; bitmap format: bmp, jpg, gif, png, mng, and related formats.
What are the computer requirements?
AP Lazer machines are compatible with Windows® XP/7/8/10, both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. File transfer is performed via USB connection to the computer at speeds up to 500 KB per second or via USB flash drive direct transfer.
What is the most significant size material I can engrave?
Due to its removable laser top and open architecture, All AP Lazer machines are designed to accommodate virtually any material, regardless of weight, shape, or size. Engrave items as small as a nameplate to as large as a table.
What comes with the AP Lazer Laser machine?
All AP Lazer machines come standard with accessories and software, including a mechanical lift cart, protective eyeglasses, photo processing and laser software (CorelDraw Suite, PhotoGrav, and RD Works), a laptop, an exhaust blower, an AP rotary tool, an air assist system. LightBurn software also includes models SN1812LR and SN2616LR.
Visit our gallery on the official website for more photos and visual content showcasing the features and benefits of our machines.
Is the AP Lazer machine easy to learn and use?
Yes! Our set-up assistance will help get your laser machine up and running quickly. In addition, we provide detailed manuals, 24/7 technical support, online videos, and exclusive access to our AP Lazer University online learning center. Whatever your preferred method of learning, we have you covered.
Is the AP Lazer only for engraving granite?
Of course not! Although created for and first used in the monument industry, the AP Lazer can engrave/cut various materials. You can cut through thicker pieces of acrylic, plastic, or wood and blast through stone surfaces like brick or granite without any size or weight restrictions. View our list of popular engraveable materials.
What makes AP Lazer different than other laser machines?
Unlike its competitors, the AP Lazer system is a versatile three-part machine. Featuring an open-architecture design and low-rider technology, AP Lazer machines are like no other laser on the market. Thanks to its versatility, AP Lazer machines allow for various setups within a wide range of industries. Keep the laser top on its home base and function like a traditional ‘boxed’ laser machine. Remove the top from the home base and place it on the utility carriage to roll objects directly beneath the laser area or place them over a conveyor belt. The EZ-Leveling system and automatic sensors allow you to set the removable top directly onto any flat surface, such as marble or granite flooring, and engrave. See the AP Lazer difference for yourself.
How does the AP Lazer machine work?
A laser machine directs a mighty laser beam onto various materials at a precise focal length. Depending on the speed and power set, the laser beam will either remove the material’s surface or cut through itz
