I have a custom resin casting business, making awards and plaques among other things. I have been using a photopolymer for engraved lettering. The quality isn’t what I’d like it to be, so I’m seriously considering buying a small laser engraver. I’m looking at the Versalaser 200, the Epilog Mini, and the Pinnacle V. I would be engraving (and doing a little cutting) on polyester and polyurethane. Can anyone give me advice on which system would work best for my situation? I work with Corel Draw 10, so am familiar with that. Thanks for any input.
I suggest that you talk to each of the laser manufacturers that you are considering and ask them about the compatibility of their equipment and the materials you want to work with. Ask to talk to someone from technical support as some sales people think the equipment they sell can do “anything and everything”. I also suggest you ask them about any issues there might be with the version of Corel Draw you are using on your computer and it’s operating system and the drivers they provide with their equipment. I upgraded from Corel 10 to Corel 11 because of a problem I experienced and that took care of it.
I went with Epilog a year ago with a 75 watt 24ex. I can tell you this, Epilog has addressed all my needs when it comes to service and warranty issues. The mini is becoming one of there best sellers. I would suggest that you decide on the wattage you need and buy the next size up. If you act right away you might ask for the Las Vegas show pricing.
Does anyone know what the las vegas show price was for a 25w mini?
What kind of a price tag are on the kind you have?
If you use Corel DO NOT buy the pinnacle. Signwarehouse/Engraverswarehouse WILL NOT support Corel. Period. If you buy the pinnacle, you will be on your own for software support should you need it. The Pinnacle is really a LaserPro. Universal and Epilog lead the pack as far as lasers go, however Pinnacle/LaserPro does the job, but just keep in mind the software support issue.
One other thought. Mark Willis indicated he bought a 75W Epilog. When you are ready to buy your laser, buy MORE power than you think you will need. You will grow into it. I bought a Pinnacle M-25…. I wish I had more power :(
All lasers do much of a muchness, pick the one with the best warrantee on the source and the best/nearest support. (you ideally want a 2-3 year NO QUIBBLE source guarantee - its by far the most expensive component and the one that will fail most often) You will have to determine what the laser does on polyester and polyurethanes, a CO2 laser might not process these materials well at all, ie you might get meltine etc. I cut and engrave polyester vinyl but it is REAL thin so I cannot tell you what would happen with thicker stuff or engraving at depth etc, as to polyU, I have never processed it. It is VITAL that the laser salesppl demonstrate IN FRONT OF YOU the ability to engrave YOUR files on YOUR materials. If they don’t engrave well etc, then pass!!!
Your crack me up. I’m going to have to come to Cape Town just to meet you.
“All lasers are much the same muchness” ?????? Please clarify :) (insert laugh here)
What I mean is that any laser you get in the same size/power/price class from most mnfgrs will do the job and will do more or less the same as others. There are some small differences, but nothing really huge. It’s not like one laser is an absolute dog and the other a stellar performer. Most of the “features” are merely bells and whistles and a whole lot is made of them, but they are relatively useless or not that important. I mean 3d mode - is that a deal breaker ?;) You would have a great holiday here, as I have said before - tis a really beautiful place.
Chuck’s comments and valid as far as the support of Corel goes, but there are many other industries that don’t always support the most popular programs. If you have a working knowledge of Corel you will do fine with any of the lasers on the market. I only have experience with Pinnicle lasers, and have found that my questions from tech support have been answered quickly. They also have a 3 year warranty. Perhaps the best answer to your questions is Rodney’s response, and Chuck’s second response, figure out what you want to use the laser for and the power requirements and go at least one higher if the budget will stand it, you’ll be far better off. Seek user’s in your area or if there are none ask the dealer to put you in touch with a couple so you can get real-life responses.
Thanks all for the responses. I just spoke with my Epilog dealer, and he said the Epilog Mini 18 was better than the Versalaser cause the VL-200 had plastic bearings and other parts. Is this true? Is a servo motor superior to a micro-stepper as he says? Has anyone on the list engraved polyester or urethane resin? Will a 35 watt unit engrave resin OK without leaving black? Thanks again.
I just got (about a month ago) a Laser-Pro Explorer II 60 watt laser… am still climbing the learning curve. For what it is worth, Laser Pro rep I got my machine from says they *only* support corel draw (ver12) with their lasers. But I have not yet tried to deal with their tech support.
So far, I am very happy with it… but again, I am still learning. If you want someone un-biased to try a very cuts on some samples..drop me email. If you want to send me some material, I will try a few things on it. I am in Boston MA.. so you might be able to find someone closer.
I recommend finding someone that is *not* trying to sell you a machine show you what they can do…. or go to show, where you can see several manufactures at once.
I just got a 35 watt mini 3 weeks ago and love it. Have not done any resin but if you want to send me a sample I will see what it will do and send it back to you. I’d like to see want it would do myself for some of my model work.
I’m not sure about the 25w mini, however the 40 or 45w mini was about $19,500.00.
The 25 watt Mini was selling for $9,995 at the show - the regular sales price on that system. We haven’t had a sale price lower than that for the Mini laser system.