Small Batch Production: Desktop or Floor Model Laser Marking Machine

This article compares desktop and floor-standing laser marking machines in terms of their performance, space requirements, and costs, helping users to choose the right laser marking machine based on their production materials, order volume, and budget.

First, let's look at the differences between the two types.

The most obvious difference between them is in the name: benchtop models are like laptops, light and portable, while floor-standing models are like desktop computer towers, stable and durable.

The space taken up is like the size of a rental apartment.

Desktop machines are usually about the size of a microwave oven, and can be used on any ordinary table.Floor models take up half a work space, so if the workshop is crowded and moving materials is difficult, it would be better to go with a table model.But the table surface of the floor-standing model is larger, and when it is necessary to frequently change out large parts, the floor-standing model is definitely more convenient.

The real demands of small-batch production.

Don't rush to look at the parameters, first clearly list your needs: how many parts do you need to mark per day? What materials are you using? Do you need to frequently change the position of the workpiece? Last year, when we were helping a customer that makes custom key chains select equipment, we discovered that they only needed to mark about 200 parts per day and that the material was all stainless steel.

Budget is not the only standard.

Floor models are 1.5-2 times more expensive than table models, but don't make decisions based on price alone.For example, friends who make acrylic signs should take note: A drop-down multi-level exhaust system can better deal with smoke from engraving, and in the long run it is even more cost effective than a table with a purifier.

The invisible bill of maintenance costs.

Last week a customer complained: he bought a certain brand of floor-standing player, and found that to replace the laser tube you had to take the whole cabinet apart. The labor cost was more than the price of the part.When choosing equipment, ask the following three questions: What is the price of consumables? Is there a service center in Taiwan? Are special tools needed to replace parts?In this respect, desktop computers do have an advantage, because many models can be maintained by the owner.

Future expansion ignored.

Although at present the company is making small batches, what if one day they suddenly get a big order? The company's stand-alone equipment usually comes equipped with interfaces and the space needed to upgrade the power.We had a client who makes automobile parts who learned the hard way. He bought a computer with insufficient power, and then later had to spend more money upgrading.

Actual testing is more reliable than specifications.

And a final piece of practical advice: take your own samples to the factory to try out the equipment.Pay attention to these two details: Is there any change in the accuracy of the marking after one hour of continuous work? And how fast is the response time when the pattern is switched?We have seen too many cases where specifications are exaggerated. When we tested a machine that claimed to be able to print 100 2D barcodes, some of them became blurry after the 80th barcode.