I manufacture small anodized aluminum components. I would like to be able to laser mark these items with my company name/logo.
The laser would be used for nothing but anodized aluminum. I have no need to cut/engrave acrylic, card stock, etc. The location is a home office with minimal space, which pretty much rules out most of the Chinese machines due to their larger footprint, and all that I've seen require a chiller component (additional space requirements). Quality is also a concern. I'd much rather pay more for something with quality components & support that I'm not going to have to fiddle with, software that works, etc.
While I haven't received any quotes yet, I'm assuming that outsourcing this work would prove cost prohibitive due to the small quantities that I deal with at any given moment. I anodize these parts in different colors as the need arises, so I'm usually working with batches of 10-30 parts at a time. They sell for relatively cheap ($25), so the added cost of laser marking would likely drop my profit margin below a comfortable level. If I could get them marked for $1 - $2 a piece, it would be doable, but I think that's a pipe dream given the quantities I work with (and maybe even large quantities).
The investment in a laser engraver is considerable, but over time I think I would come out ahead as the machine slowly pays for itself.
So, I've been looking at the Epilog machines, namely due to their track record, small footprint, no chiller needed, and ease of use (I'm already versed in Corel). I'd like to keep the budget under $8000, which puts me in the Zing 16 x 12, 30 watt realm (new), or a used Mini.
My questions are as follows:
1. Are there any machines out there in my price range and size requirement I may be missing?
2. Given what this machine would be used for, would there be any reason to go with the Mini over the Zing? Engraving speed is not really a concern.
3. Is 30 watts enough to engrave Type II anodizing (no hardcoat)?
4. Additionally, is an exhaust system necessary when engraving anodized aluminum?
Thanks for your thoughts!