Five Common Mistakes Made by New Users When Purchasing Laser Marking Machines

New buyers of laser markers are easily lured into a trap of buying on price, or blindly pursuing high power.In this article, we look at five common misconceptions, including ignoring actual needs, misunderstanding parameters, and blind spots in after-sales service. We hope to help you use a reasonable budget to select suitable equipment.

Mistake 1: Looking only at price, not configuration.

Many people ask right off the bat, "How much is the cheapest laser printer?" But it's not as simple as looking at the price tag.Although the machines assembled by these small workshops from second-hand parts are cheap, they break down so often that they end up costing more.He advises people to clearly identify what material they want to process (metal, plastic, or wood) and compare the suitability of different power levels and light sources (fiber optic or carbon dioxide, for example).

Let me give you an example.

Last week, a client who makes key chains bought a CO2 laser machine for NT $ 20,000, only to find that it couldn't even etch metal. In the end, he had to pay extra to get a fiber laser machine.It's really a waste of money.

Myth No. 2: The more power the better.

I often meet customers who want to buy a 100-watt machine, but when I ask what they're going to use it for, they say they just want to engrave wooden gifts.In fact, most of the time a 20-30 watt output is more than enough.Too much power not only wastes money, but also increases energy consumption and maintenance costs.It's like we don't need a bulldozer to plant succulents in a flower pot.

Mistake three: Ignoring software compatibility.

When some companies advertise, they emphasize hardware specifications, and beginners tend to ignore the importance of the software system.Think of it this way: If you buy a machine that can only recognize certain file formats, each time you create a design you have to convert the file format, and your efficiency is cut in half.We recommend that during on-site testing, you focus on the ability to work with common design software, and whether the interface is sufficiently user-friendly.

Checkpoints.

Have the salesperson show you how to input files in AI / CDR / PDF format, and observe whether there are any glitches or garbled characters.And you might as well ask if software upgrades will be extra, a point that many first-time buyers forget.

4. Underestimating after-sales service.

Last year there was a very interesting set of figures in the industry: 70 % of returns and exchanges occurred after three months.These are the kind of things that are difficult to do on your own.Before signing any contract, make sure you know the scope of the warranty, and choose a brand with a local service center.Don't wait until the machine breaks down before sending it to the mainland for repairs.

Mistake 5: Blindly believing in the "all-purpose" model.

You often see merchants advertising their machines as "one machine for all materials," but in fact such machines tend to be mediocre at everything.It's like a multi-purpose food processor. It can make juice and grind meat, but a professional kitchen will still purchase a separate juicer and meat grinder.If you're going to be doing a lot of metalwork, you should look for a machine with a strong metal cutting ability.

A handy guide to buying.

First determine the material, then pick the light source. Make your requirements clear, then look at the functions. Don't be afraid to take the machine for a trial run, and be sure to have the after-sales guarantee written into the contract.If you remember these four things, you'll be able to avoid 80 % of the traps.