Laser Marking Machines: Hidden Costs of Starting a Business

When choosing a laser marking machine, besides the price of the equipment itself, hidden costs such as the cost of materials, energy consumption, and maintenance are often overlooked.The book helps entrepreneurs in the industry to avoid pitfalls, plan their budgets in advance, and prevent their capital chains from breaking.

Don't think that buying a machine is all there is to it. Don't fall into these traps.

Many new entrants to the field think, "I can start a business as soon as I buy a laser marking machine," but when the equipment arrives they discover they have run out of money.Today, we'll talk about those things that the manufacturers don't tell you.

The tricks of the equipment purchase trade.

Don't just look at the price tag! Some sellers will break the price down into its components (for example, the laser) and then, after you have paid the deposit, say, "You have to buy the lenses separately" or "The chiller isn't included in the package.Make sure that the contract includes the following items: air conditioning, exhaust systems, and worktable supports.

Consumables are more expensive than you think.

Just as printers need to be refilled with ink, laser machines need to have their focusing and protective lenses replaced at regular intervals.A normal metal processing plant will consume at least two or three lenses a month, and a single imported brand lens will cost over NT $ 800.Even worse, some models will not work with third-party accessories.

The money just pours out of the machine, and it is hard to track down where it goes.

The "electric tiger" is not just a name.

A 200-watt laser machine uses about three kilowatt-hours of electricity per hour of operation, and if it runs continuously for 24 hours, the power bill for a month will easily exceed NT $ 1000.In areas where the price difference between peak and off-peak power consumption is large, it is recommended that orders be processed during off-peak hours.

Maintenance is not an option.

Some people don't oil the rails for three years in a row in order to save on maintenance costs, and then the bearings seize up and the whole machine is ruined.Regular service contracts cost about 5-8 % of the original price of the equipment, but are much more economical than paying for repairs after the fact--replacing a laser head can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

The hidden costs are even more frightening.

Employee training costs.

A new operator must undergo a minimum of two weeks 'training before he can independently adjust the parameters. When it comes to complex graphics, the factory has to send someone (at a service fee of NT $ 300-500 per hour) to give on-the-spot guidance.He recommends that in the early stages of starting up a business, the owner should let the factory train two or three core employees.

The most painful losses came from the shutdowns.

It's no laughing matter when a machine suddenly crashes.Last month a competitor was delayed in completing a large order for a cross-border e-commerce firm because their laser overheated and shut down. The penalty for the delay was a five-figure sum.Keeping a backup system on hand, or finding a local supplier who provides fast repair service, can be lifesavers.