Should Small Factories Invest in Laser Equipment?

When it comes to deciding whether to invest in laser equipment, small manufacturers must consider the volume of orders, the appropriateness of the technology, and maintenance costs.Although laser welding and marking can significantly increase efficiency, equipment selection must match actual business needs. The secondhand market also poses hidden risks.The company is advised to lease the equipment for a short term to test its suitability, and focus on whether long-term, stable processing orders can cover the equipment investment, while at the same time doing a good job of preparing a pool of skilled personnel.

Laser equipment in small-scale processing factories.

Now even the owner of a neighborhood hardware store knows that laser equipment is highly efficient, but the purchase price of NT $ 100,000 or more makes many small businesses hesitate.Last year, his neighbor Old Chang gritted his teeth and bought a second-hand laser welder, and in three months he recouped his investment. The machine is fast at doing fine work, and customers are lining up to place orders.

Traditional craftwork and laser processing.

Hand soldering is like embroidery, the old master can solder a maximum of 30 pieces in one day.When the laser machine is turned on, it can complete 300 pieces in the same amount of time, with an accuracy of ± 0.1 millimeter.This is especially true when working with stainless steel, as there is no longer any need to worry about thermal deformation.

The three key factors to consider in laser equipment investment.

They'd seen too many factories buy equipment and then just let it gather dust.The key is to look at one's own business structure--if you have more than 500 orders for precision processing a month, then this investment makes sense.Also, the power supply needs to be stable, because laser equipment is more delicate than the average machine.

Hidden costs of equipment maintenance.

Don't believe the sales pitch that these machines require "no maintenance." The light filters have to be replaced every three months, and the refrigeration units require regular maintenance.Last summer's prolonged heat wave caused some laser heads to burn out, and the repair costs were almost as much as half the price of a new machine.

The appropriate use of different kinds of laser equipment.

The marking machine is used to mark products, while the welding machine is used to join metal pieces.Some bosses buy the wrong kind of equipment, and end up with a useless pile of dust-gathering junk.I suggest that you try it out for three months, and see if you can handle all the orders you usually receive.

The hidden dangers of second-hand equipment.

The second-hand market is very deep, and the life of a laser tube is like that of a mobile phone battery. After a year of use, it may only have 70 % of its original power.One company bought a refurbished machine at a low price, only to find that the processing speed was one-third of what was advertised. When they tried to return it, they couldn't find the seller.