I've just been reading the digital camera thread, which mirrors similar threads on PCs, TVs etc. Now, I have a question.

Pat and I have spoken with the folks from a company called Universal Laser Systems out of Phoenix over a more or less 5 year period about a Laser etching/cutting system for our HobbyTown USA store.

We are now in serious negotiations with them about a Versalaser VL300 system. The all in cost, as of last week, was about $17K, don't choke folks we intend to make money with it, which includes the machine, an extraction/filter system, a rotary head fixture and operating on 30 watts. Today, they offered to sweeten the deal with a free upgrade to 40 watts which normally costs an extra $2100.

Fairly briefly, we do a big business in model railroading, doll houses and plastic and wooden models. We have for years been shocked at the prices we have to pay for very simple laser cut accessories for these three hobbies. Buildings, furniture, wooden decking etc. etc. Having watched the sales people at Universal Laser operate the machines at more than 20 hobby shows, it is not that hard to make that sort of stuff. As well, we have a source for high quality hardwood sheets, plastic sheets, acryclic sheets etc. at very competitive prices.

We also feel that there is a large market to provide prototype materiel to local architects and technical schools that teach architecture and other similar building courses and of course, Atlanta has tons of both. BTW, Universal Laser Systems recommends Corel Draw 12 as the most flexible software for this type of work.

So, any architects or other folks that use similar machinery or have knowledge of it, do you have any suggestions, better ideas or similar. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Bill

 

Laser is great for the metal products. A high pressure water cutters are better on the plastics, fiberglass, wood, etc. Nothing cuts fiberglass better than water and for a lot less than a laser.

But there is a big market in laser etching. Check for any manufacturers in your area. They always have metal gauges and things the need to be marker.

Drop me an email and i'll add you to my vendor list for laser etching and cutting.

 

i have a 40 watt Xenetech. few bugs in the beggining but for the engraving industry (nameplates) the Xenetech software is second to none. i have had mine for 2 years and paid about $20k (prices have since come down). my only regret is not getting the 100 watt. But i have an establish market for the nameplate work so it made me money within 2 hours of being delivered.

for you i think the Epilog is the best system on the market. you can print straight out of Corel Draw. Be sure to get a cutting table (the table is a wire or honeycomb and works great for cutting)

the low wattage co2 will cut plastics and wood excellent. it is just a matter of getting the speed and power correct. my 40 watt cuts 1/4 plex like butter leaving a polished edge. i have stuff watercut and that works great for thick steel but would be overkill for your needs, it also make a mess requiring the parts to be cleaned. the laser is fairly clean and the presicion of the work will be better than anythng else.

my first 2 choices are Epilog and Xenetech (also comes with a driver to work from Coeral Draw.